Blue with Black Velvet Accents 1890's Dress

From the seller:

It pains me to sell this, but it's time to let someone else love it. This is a brilliant blue silk taffeta with dark navy velvet accents and beautiful lace yoke area. The fabric is super strong, great quality and I don't think it was worn very much. It could possibly have been used as a wedding dress at the time. The dress is small, as is nearly all period clothing.

The dress looks like it could have been originally from the late 1870's/80's to me because of full bodice length button front (hidden)that went out of fashion in the 90's. I'm guessing the extra material that would have been in the skirt at that time was used to expand the sleeves to the amazing leg-o-mutton shape they are today and create the more modern front overlapping closure. There are no existing buttons, but you can see the remaining button holes.

I'm not an expert at lace, but this is really thick and strong. It does have some breaks, but seems easy to fix by someone who knows lace a little. Someone tried to adjust the waistline and it was done poorly, though there is no permanent damage.

Please look carefully at photos (they are the best description) and ask any questions before purchasing as I do not offer refunds.

From Me:
....Yeah, no. This was not a remade from dress. Fastening your bodice with a ridiculous amount of hooks and eyes is simply the way they did it until the Teen's Era. This is so 1890's. The orange dress in this fashion plate from 1896 is very similar.

Turn of the Century Blue Bodice

From the seller:

From an estate sale - this all hand stitched top or blouse (I think) was stored for a long long time in a cedar chest and is still in remarkable condition. By the style, it appears to be Victorian, I am guessing before the turn of the 20th century (1880s-90s?) but I don't know for sure. It is obviously very dressy...large puffy shoulders..curved sleeves..the body is light, thin wool with the center area made of silk that is embroidered with very tiny blue stitches to form designs on the fabric (foto 3) which reminds me of extremely fine Chinese stitching. It is decorated with wide blue ribbon bows which also hang far below at the front. The last 4 fotos show the inside which has corset ribs sewn around at the bottom... the top opens from the front left..the inside hooks first along the length, neck to waist, with a long row of hooks..then the edge of the front hooks along the left side and across the left shoulder for closure. The brown material is a lining of sheer brown cotton. It is unfortunate that there were no other pieces of this amazing dress. All measurements are approximate: 15" armpit to armpit..12" across at the waist..12" across the shoulders..21" cuff to shoulder seam for sleeve length. The condition is exceptional..the cloth is strong and not deteriorated..there is one small moth hole only that I can find..no rips or tears..tight seams..ver yclean..almost no real wear..the ribbon ends need trimming. NOTE: I am no expert on early clothing and first thought it might be a costume made in later years..but, the type of materials and hooks..the corset ribs...and the way it is sewn leads me to believe it is old as described. Wonderful piece for study or should be in a collection or display. Guaranteed as listed.

From Me:
Probably about 1898 or so.

Early Teen's Era Cream Colored Dress

From the seller:

breathtaking Edwardian wedding gown. adorned with beading and center lace panel. finished lace trim with beaded fringe. under slip has accordion pleat. weighted train. intact however offering for study, repair, or pattern.

label/maker: madame marguerite gowns

condition: good condition. missing some rhinestones out of embellishments. soiling throughout. i have not treated it. small tear on center back. small hole. small tear at hem. see photographs for additional details.
fits like: extra small.
shoulder to shoulder: na"
bust: 32" appx.
waist: 24"
hips: 32"
length: 58" front, appx. 63" back, train to 75"
shoulder to waist: band at 14"-15"
sleeve length: from neckline appx. 15.5"

From me:

Based on the waistline and closures, I'd say right about 1913. It might be earlier, but not by much, really. I doubt it's a wedding gown - there is no indications that it is.

Black 1890's Bodice

From the seller:

stunning victorian jacket.
label/maker: unknown

condition: good to great condition. missing beading and strands (upper right). soiled finish on beads. spot in lining. medium to heavy weight construction. see photographs for additional details.


fits like: extra small.

shoulder to shoulder: 11.5"
bust: 32"-34" flat/pulled
waist: 24"
hips: na"
length: 19"
shoulder to waist: na"
sleeve length: 24"

From Me:

If the sleeves didn't give it away, this is very much a mid 1890's bodice.

Edwardian Bra/Bustier

From the seller:
Victorian Antque camisole, bustier, white embroidery, lace, IN EXCELLENT condition, perhaps never worn, l. 16" waist 13.5" underarms 18


From Me:

Sorry for the blurry photo. This is a picture of a bust improver I took at the DAR museum a couple of years ago.


Hopefully, most people will be able to see the similar shapes.  The extant one I've posted is "newer" - probably 1908 or so.