1890's Ballgown Bodice

From the seller:

An exquisite 1895 white chiffon bodice that has huge blue satin leg of mutton styled sleeve. The label reads Marshall CO. Chicago. The front neckline has an insert of pleated white chiffon. The bodice has a front hook and eye closure and is lined with silk. The bodice is in good condition. There are no splits or holes in the fabric. There is some light underarm discoloration, some age discoloration on the inside lining only and missing pleated chiffon trim on the back neckline. Bust 30 Waist 20.

From Me:

What the seller said. :-)

Lovely Spring Lavender Teen's Era Dress

From the seller:

Amazing old dress

Antique Edwardian Silk lavender Tissue over lace on the bodice

Many semi sheer layers of fabric create this wonderful creature

Their are many issues , holes , stains , spots

use it as a study design , the draping and construction are worthy and to be noted

take apart and use as a pattern

or Dolly ladies will get some beautiful fabric out of this for your doll clothing

this is all hand sewn

very small size

measurements are taken on the flat , so you double them

top across shoulders is 13" or 33cm

under arms across bust is 16" or 41cm

skirt waist is 12.50 " or 32cm

length of skirt is 40" or 102cm


From Me:

GAH! We do not take apart antique clothing. We do not use them as cutter pieces unless they are completely trashed. This is NOT completely trashed. It still looks like a dress. Even is someone did rip it in half!

I don't believe the trim is original but the dress is from about 1914.

Edwardian Lace Bodice

From the seller:

Very finest quality Victorian couture handmade lace bodice dress top.



Straight out of a trunk from a big house where it has been in storage for more than 60 years. Beautiful condition. Sold as-is.

From Me:

I love those sleeves! The high neckline but shorter waist- as well as the 3/4 length sleeves and the slight puffy (pigeon) front all point to about 1907 ish. You are starting to get out of the early Edwardian styles but go into the "Titanic" Era, neo-directorate styles.

1840's Ballgown Bodice

From the seller:

THIS PIECE DATES TO THE CIVIL WAR ERA AND IS FASHIONED OF SILK TAFFETA OVER A POLISHED COTTON BASE.




THE SLEEVES ARE CAPPED WITH A RUFFLED FULLNESS AT THE EDGE, TRIMMED IN SILK FLOSS COVERED BUTTON ON EACH SIDE, TWO ARE ABSENT.




WHALE BONING IS IN A FAN IN THE SHARPLY POINTED FRONT, AS WELL AS THE LACING REAR, WITH TASSELS TRIMMING EACH OF THE REAR POINTS




THE PIECE IS STRUCTURALLY SOUND, BUT HEAVY SUN STAINING SEEN, COLOR IS COMPLETELY UNEVEN AND FADED THROUGHOUT THE PIECE




MEASUREMENTS IN INCHES:

BUST: 32

WAIST: 24

LENGTH: REAR BUSK 24 INCHES NOT INCLUDING THE TASSELS.

From Me:

This piece is from a good 15~20 years before the American Civil War. You can see another 1840's bodice that has both a front and back point at the Met. This one has the a front and back point but also has a similar neckline to the bodice above.

Late Regency/Early Romantic Era Corset

From the seller:

An early 1820-1830 cotton corset. The corset is all hand stitched and has bone eyelet holes for the back lacing. The original lacing is missing. The corset is in good and clean condition. There is a nickel size hole and tiny split on one side near the waist and the other side has a small peas size hole. There are a few small age spots on one side. Bust 30 Waist 20.

From Me:

This style was worn by the less fashionable ladies well past the American Civil War. You'll find letters in the middle of the 19th Century complaining about how the old fashioned stays are still too commonly worn. It's sort of amusing to read, really.

Stunning Edwardian Gown

From the seller:

1012, Delicious 1900 Hand Made Lace & Aqua Silk Ball Gown: This may be one of the prettiest gowns on ebay this week. It was created at the turn of the 20th century, early 1900. It is the quintessential wealthy American Gibson girl. Those of you who know me are familiar with all of the exhibitions I do. This dress is far from perfect, but displays well. Most museums use soft light so that flaws are not noticeable. The bodice has a bust of 38 and a waist of 26. The skirt has a front length of 42 and a waist of 26.5. This woman was almost as tall as I am and I am five eleven. She had to be very striking. The bodice has been enlarged in the front two inches and this is period work. The condition of the lace of the skirt is good. I don't see many places that need mending and I see only a few spots on the back close to the bottom. The bodice lace is good as well, except for the large stain in the front. See photo. Both shoulders are accented with heavy velvet bows. The right shoulder has a repair under the bow where the bodice strap was torn. This was not done very well. Both the aqua silk of the bodice and the skirt lining are shattering. The silk chiffon ruffles are in fairly strong condition, but the bottom ruffle is stained from wear. There is fading to the silk and wear to the outer silk of the bodice and skirt as well. The lace is hand-made tape lace. The pattern is just beautiful. The lace would make a wonderful heirloom wedding gown. Hand-made lace is selling at premium prices right now. Check out Karen Augusta Textile Auctions in New York for prices realized and you will be amazed. The hours to make a piece of lace like this by hand are stupendous. There is no label in this gown. It looks like it was made by a dressmaker. It is good work but not quite up to couture standards. This gown is totally original from the top of the dress to the hem. The flowers are wonderful. This is the only dress I am listing this weekend because I am going to Dallas to shop at a Vintage show. I will list more great garments by Tuesday of next week.

From Me:

Please, no drool on the gown.

1920's Bra

From the seller:

I bought a collection of vintage lingerie from a costume shop that went out of business. This costume shop provided costumes for local theatrical productions. She had a nice clean collection. I will be listing these items, so make sure to check my other auctions.




It is a piece of lingerie, almost like a short camisole. I think it might be an early bandeau style bra. I'm guessing it is from the 20s or 30s

There is a tag that says "R & C"

The material is some sort of satin, maybe a silk satin? It has embroidery throughout, and very light mint green trim.




The condition is not great, although it is still a very beautiful piece. The shoulder straps are very thin and frayed. They are just satin ribbon straps so they could easily be replaced but I will leave that to you. There are many brown spots on the fabric, although they are mostly noticeable from the inside.




The tag says it is a size 44. Assuming that is French sizing, that would be about a L or XL in American sizing.

Refer to measurement for your best fit. Measurements are taken flat and are approximate.




Shoulder strap to shoulder strap: 14

Underarm to underarm: 21

Top of shoulder to bottom hem: 16




Please ask if you have any questions. I cannot accept any returns. Thanks!

From Me:

I love 1920's undies. And, clearly with the shredded strap, YOU SHOULD NOT WEAR THIS. Seriously, people, what is this seller thinking?!?