Friday, March 29, 2013

Late 1900s/Early Teen Era Copper Dress










From the seller:

Stunningly beautiful shiny messaline silk copper color and fabric details highlight this lovely Edwardian dress. The un-boned bodice is covered in matching soutache braid. Ecru colored Irish lace adorns the neckline and three-quarter sleeves. A gold metal buckle trims the tiny waist. The skirt is pin-tucked at the waistline and falls fully to a slight train. Two matching fringed tassels hang from the waist down the back of the skirt. Hook and eye closures. Length from neckline in back 53”, skirt length from waist front 38”, skirt length from waist back 41”, slightly high waist measures 13” flat, bust measures 34” on dress form, underarm to underarm measured flat is 14”. Little damage to report: some silk shatters in places at very edge of hemline and back edge of waist band and left underarm (see photos), pin hole in skirt front, 2 small holes in skirt back, slight fading of lace at back top of neckline. No water stains or perspiration stains, silk is sturdy and of an unbelievably beautiful color.




From Me:

I really wish we had a better picture of the back of the gown because it looks breathtaking.

1870's Black Sleeveless Bodice










From the seller:

An ornate 1870’s black silk beaded vestee/bodice. The bodice is lavishly decorated with black silk floral embroidery that is surrounded with tiny black bugle beads. The hemline is trimmed with black silk fringe. The vestee/bodice has a hidden front button closure. The silk fabric has large buttons that close with a cotton loop. The bodice is lined with cotton. It is in very good condition. There is a ¼ inch split on one shoulder and a ½ split on the other shoulder. Bust 36 Waist 28.

From Me:

What the seller said. :-)

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Very Faded Blue and Red Fantastic Bathing Suit!









From the seller:

Adorable bathing costume with sailor collar and bow knot. I think it is from the 1890s because of the very full sleeves. The fabric is medium blue wool with bright red braid trim. The original color was a shade darker as seen in protected places, but still not navy, lighter. The rompers consist of a bodice and attached bloomers. The opening is in front, with a hook and eye on top and the bloomers are buttoned closed. The front neck piece buttons to the bodice on the right side, as seen in photos 7 and 8. The skirt is separate and buttons to the romper at the front, sides, and back. I believe there was elastic at the bottom of the sleeves and legs but it is now all stretched out. The outfit is most unlined. The few places it is faced it is mostly with self fabric, except the skirt waistband, which is faced with cotton. The whole outfit shows age related damage, with holes and places where the fabric has nearly worn through. I don't think this could be worn without more damage. The swim bonnet will be listed separately and is not part of this auction. The most important measurement is the waist as the top and bottom of the rompers fit loosely. The waist is 25 1/2 inches, the bust is around 33 and the hip is around 35. The bust and hip could be bigger but the outfit would fit tight. The back waist is 15 and the skirt is 24 inches long measured from the bottom of the waistband. Please ask any questions. Unfortunately, I have had a little bit of a problem lately with people not paying when they win the auction, so I will expect payment within 4 days or I will relist and give negative feedback. What do they say about a few bad apples? :)


From Me:

This is so terribly cute! It's from the Turn of the Century, most likely early 1900's.

1840's Dress









From the seller:

A stunning 1840’s tan silk dress. This auction is for an original antique 1840’s stunning dark umber brown silk dress that is completely hand sewn. The bodice is lined with tan homespun linen with 3 short metal stays being hand basted directly in the center of the 3 tiered fan front. Completely piped, even including the sides seams. The back closure is hidden hooks /eyes and of coures, there is wonderful very tight cartridge pleats. The slender tapere sleeves also have piped center seams that are accented with a 2" gathering, this is lovely addition that gives the back appearance just a little more attention. With some minimal age flaws, I consider this wonderful period dress to be in overall very good condition. There are some very small to extremely small silkworm bites, which must be expected for this age of silk. A dark mark across the right back side and a 1" wear of the piping at the neckline closure in the back. My inventory name and number is written inside; at one time I had this done with most of my collection. Bust 30" Waist 24" Skirt length 38" Width at hemline 106" that is not hemmed. This dress is a superb example of the era, it will make a wonderful display.

From Me:

Tan and dark umber brown are not the same color. I'm going with the dark brown. Either way, it really is a nice simple dress from that era.

Late Regency Era Plaid Dress







From the seller:

A rare 1825-1829 Regency period navy blue and white silk plaid dress. The bodice has fully gathered sleeves and the empire waist is a bit lower then the dresses of the earlier 19th century. The sleeves are an precursor to the larger Gigot sleeves of the 1830’s. The armscyes are piped and the bodice is lined with cotton. The skirt is unlined. The bodice has a back drawstring closure at the neck and waist. The dress is in good and sturdy condition. There are a few scattered small holes, a ½ inch split and a 2 inch repair of the edge of the hemline. There is underarm discoloration where the navy blue has run into the white. A wonderful display dress and very collectible. Bust 30 Waist 26 Sleeve length 26 Length from shoulder to hem 56.

From Me:

This one is just fun!

Pale Yellow Polka Dot Early 1890's Dress









From the seller:

A striking 1880’s pale yellow textured cotton bustle dress. The fabric has a dotted and floral pattern. The tops of the sleeves are puffed. The shoulder and front waist are ruched. The bodice is lined with cotton and has a front hook and loop closure. The skirt has a graceful draped apron front and a side draped panel. The skirt is lined with cotton. It is being displayed over a bustle cage that is not included. The dress is in very good and sturdy condition. There are no splits or holes. There are circles of very light underarm discoloration. Bust 32 Waist 25 Skirt length 41.

From Me:

I'm going with the 1890's on this one. Notice how odd the skirt looks with a bustle? Also, the sleeves? This style of sleeve is popular around 1891/1892. So, the lady who made it might have taken her old dress and remade it into the latest fashion.

1850's (?) Outfit










From the seller:


NO RESERVE!!!!!
INCREDIBLE FIND

ANTIQUE DRESS

What a FABULOUS addition to your collection!!!!

Offering a Possible,
Civil War Era,
Fitted Bodice Blouse & Skirt.

I've shown a close up of Fabric,
and I believe the Floral is Printed.
Both pieces are hand sewn with many details,
and the Bodice blouse or jacket is completely lined.
Notice the dropped shoulder
and sleeve design.
The worn black cord piping around set in sleeve,
and down the center of sleeve.
There is also a triangle insert in underarm.
The velvet strips on faux rolled cuff,
attached only on one side,
and worn black silk trim on ends.
Notice the different fabric waist band,
The very full skirt, with 140" sweep,
pictured over a white petticoat that is not included,
The hidden seam pocket,
that is narrow and square on the end.
The skirt hem is reinforced for walking with the same fabric as the Bodice lining.
It appears for the pocket to be on side,
the opening on waist band would have to be on the side possibly.
It also appears by the waist band, that the skirt is larger than the top Bodice piece, but may have been adjustable, or overlap to hide opening.

As I Looked over this dress,
a great sadness came over me.
To think of the hardship this women had gone through, is heart breaking.
The wear and stains from work.
But still important enough for that person to save it.

Set you imagination to work and conceive, if you possibly can, what must have been the conditions this poor women was subject too.
If it is Civil War Era, Possibly cut off for 4 years from the supplies of dresses & Fabric, they learned to wear every last garment to the very last rag
that would hang on their backs.
They did all the farm work, gathered wood, possibly walking for miles to find supplies
in the Hot summer heat,
Left alone..... their husband at war.

Or perhaps a traveling suit.
The dream of a new place a new life,
turns to harsh reality as they realize the hard life in a wagon train.

If this suit could only talk!!!!

The Bodice is heavily stained with perspiration.
It must have been worn many times in the summer heat.
It is also very worn.

The skirt is faded lighter than the Bodice.
It has been washed many times and patched and mended many times with the same fabric pieces.
It is extremely worn, and many places are threadbare, or shattered.
The hem is stained and ragged in places from wear.
I do not know what kind of closures were used,
there is only one corroded bar, of a hook and bar closure at neckline.

Although both pieces have wear, stains,
rips and tears,
I believe it is an important piece of history,
and I hope someone will continue to keep this
sad memory of the past,
and hardship that some women endured
sometime in the 19th Century.

Don't miss adding it to your collection!!!!

Offered as is for study or preservation.

AT AN UNBELIEVABLE

NO RESERVE!!!!!!

PLEASE CLICK ON MY SHOWCASE FOR MORE

NO RESERVE ESTATE TREASURES!!!!










I BUY ITEMS FROM ESTATE AUCTIONS AND ESTATE SALES AND BUY THEM AS IS. I SELL OLD VINTAGE, ANTIQUE, AND COLLECTIBLES THAT ARE USUALLY USED. AS WITH A TYPICAL AUCTION OR ESTATE SALE THEY ARE BEING SOLD AS IS WITH NO REFUNDS UNLESS ITEM IS GREATLY MISREPRESENTED.
PLEASE ASK QUESTIONS BEFORE BIDDING.

NO returns or refunds on vintage clothing
UNLESS there's a major error in my listing,
in which case we are very happy to make it right
so you can have a Five Star experience.

CONDITION CHART

MINT means mint. Rare, flawless, perfect and pristine. Garment tags may still be attached.
NEAR MINT lightest of wear, garment that is in complete condition.
EXCELLENT CONDITION totally sound in condition and appearance, any wear is a result of having been worn now and then. The construction of the garment is sound with no buttons missing.
VERY GOOD CONDITION means wearable with some flaws. Flaws such as stains or minor structural flaws.
GOOD CONDITION wearable, but the dress is no longer in pristine condition. If there are repairs to be made it could never achieve excellent condition.

Remember these are vintage garments, Some may be 50, 60 or 70 years old, they are from estates, and they may have been stored for many years, may have been in contact with pets, or smokers, or may have been stored with items from a smoking estate.
Most will need cleaned before wearing.

I ACCEPT PAYPAL,
PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED WITHIN 3 DAYS.

I combine shipping at actual cost,
PLEASE wait for combined invoice before paying if bidding on other clothes auctions.




I SHIP INTERNATIONAL ON MOST ITEMS.

PLEASE NOTE THAT FIRST CLASS, if offered,
MAY TAKE LONGER TO REACH YOU,
AND IS SOMETIMES VERY SLOW.



INTERNATIONAL BIDDERS

You are responsible for paying the required customs fees.
They are not included in the shipping costs.
Delays in shipping due to customs, etc, are also expected at times and are out of my control.










From Me:

I'm going to admit, this one has me confused. The style of the skirt and the point at the waist are more common in the 1850's - however the sleeves look a bit later. It might have been redoen during the war but I'm going to put this in the 1850's for now.