1850s - 1920s
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Museum Wedding 1750-1840's 1930's-Today Special Under $150 Hats, Shoes, etc. Lingerie Memorabilia Furs, Etc.
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[ORDER ITEM - #5153] Click on image for additional photos!		#5153 - c. 1920's Black Silk Crepe Chiffon Beaded Flapper Dress!  LARGER SIZE!!  For those of you seeking a beaded flapper dress at a great price, wearable size and condition, and pretty enough for a 1920's gala... ta da!   This dress was worn to a party years ago, and has remained closeted ever since.... so "she" wants to GET OUT and PARTY!!  Excellent condition!  Quite strong!  Even comes with a slip under (certainly an original 1920s slip, but at some point that slip was enlarged, so it's not all that attractive, but you won't notice or care... you'll just be happy to not have to go search for your own slip that works perfectly under this sheer dress!!  The beading down the front and back of the dress is black on black, so it's subtle, but really glitters under the lights. The large batwing sleeves are lovely and hide just want you might want to hide!  This is one of those dresses that is mostly open at the sides and SO easy to wear!  Chiffon bows and streamers at the side hips.  Snap closures. Measures: up to 42" bust, up to 44" waist, up to 53" hips (NOTE:  meant to be worn large, so you do NOT have to be this size!  It was previously worn by about a size 8/10 gal!), 51" long from shoulder to hem.  I found two teeny pinholes at upper back and that's it! Nearly mint condition...  if any beads are missing... you have to hunt for that.   NEW LISTING!   $ 785. Approx. - SIZE 10 - 14 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM #6950] Click on image for additional photos!		#6950 - c. 1900 Wedding Gown!  2-Piece Ivory China Silk Trimmed in Delicate Lace!  SOOOOOO pretty!!!  Like a true china doll!  The material feels so soft.  As you can see, this gown is on my size 2 mannequin so it will fit a small humanoid (as opposed to some of the other antique wedding gowns that seem like they must have been worn by 10-year-old brides).   Oh geez.... now I'm going to get arrested when some offender Google searches "10-year-old brides"!  Here's the shout out... "Just Kidding"!!!!!!!! :)    Anyway, back to this gown, the skirt is simple but with a delicate ivory lace trim and a wonderful plain lace trimmed overskirt.  The bodice has puffy shoulders and terrific diagonal lace sleeves (check those out!), lace drape at front, sweet organdy bows at shoulder, upper front and a large organdy bow with long ties at back! Measures:  33" bust, 27" waist bodice, 14" across mid-back, 28" waist skirt, 41-44" long from waist to hem.  Excellent condition.  There are small spots on the lowest edge of the organdy ties, and the overskirt has extreme minor pulls (that may well be original to the silk), and perhaps one bow is missing from shoulder.  I have to say that the silk taffeta lining is just beginning to be fragile, so it will tear, but it's near perfect now.  So just treat it carefully. In the future, you can stabilize or replace the interior taffeta. NEW LISTING! Also Listed in the Wedding Category.  $ 645.   Approx. - SIZE 2 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #6861] Click on image for additional photos!		#6861 - c. 1908/1909 Gorgeous Pink Silk Embroidered Coat with Lace Trim!  I don't have to say anything, do I? I will just let you look at the photos.  If you are one of the smart ones... you will jump on this!  How many times do you see a pink silk  embroidered "Edwardian" coat in near mint condition????  This is short, but would have been worn over a long dress, giving a great look (I probably should have photographed it over a longer dress, but hey.... I figure you know just as much as I!). The embroidery is quite 3-dimensional of lovely flowers, I believe they are lilies.  Love the original embroidered decorative buttons! Even the interior is lovely with the large embroidered pocket!! Excellent condition all around. Even the white lace at cuffs and neck. Measures:  34/35" bust, 42" long from shoulder to hem. You will LOVE this in person!    NEW LISTING!   Also Listed in the Furs, etc. Category.  $ 1,465.  Approx. - SIZE 4-6, perhaps 8 if you fit the bust (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM #6926] Click on image for additional photos!		#6926 - c. 1880 Wedding Gown of Ivory Silk Satin Trimmed in Silk Floss Fringe!  2-piece Gown with Extreme Long Pointed Bodice! Ok gals....  for all of you fighting over the last 1880's wedding gown I sold, I found another... not quite as fancy, but with all the same wonderful detailing of the ultra long pointed bodice, double draped apron, silk floss and chenille fringe, long train, etc.  If you want to "fancy it up" even more, add pearl trim, and/or wax flowers and/or matching satin bows here and there (all those might have been original to the gown when worn for 1880 wedding). This gown already has other fabulous details including the high puffy shoulder sleeves, pleated skirt inserts, triple pleated cuffs, and dorset crochet covered buttons down front. Measures:  31/32" bust (10" across back), 25" waist, 40" long skirt in front, 74" long in back. There are minor small spots most in the left apron (see photos - these can be hidden in the folds) and some on the skirt.  Otherwise, just normal hem line dirt.  Really Excellent condition. Strong fabric like new!  NEW LISTING! Also Listed in the Wedding Category.  $ 1,645.   Approx. - SIZE 0 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #6767] Click on image for additional photos!		#6767 - c. 1898 E. CONWAY Robes, 14 E. 45th Street, New York Trained Late Victorian Gown of Black Chantilly Lace Over White Silk!  Nearly as MINT condition as you can find!  Looks like it was made yesterday (though I assure you it's over 100 years old!!).  Magnificent black silk Chantilly lace covering the entire 2-piece gown over a white silk lining.  Trimmed in a beautiful soft aqua velvet on high collar, and around bodice yoke to a great velvet bow!  Black sequins cover the net yoke and waistband.  Lovely flounced lace hemline on trained skirt.  Even the fine pleated china silk trim is in perfect condition!!!  So rare!  It's very small.... which is good, because this 2-piece gown deserves to be preserved in this condition for another 100 years, so it's unlikely someone will be able to wear it.  But a gorgeous display piece for museum quality collection!!   Measures:  32" bust, 11.5" across shoulders (tiny!), 22" waist, 42" long from waist to hem, 52" long in back.  This gown is even prettier in person... I should have photographed on a different color background so the aqua blue velvet stands out as it will in person.  But I'm assuming you can figure that out!  I very much doubt this gown was EVER worn!!   As any vintage clothing collector will tell you... buy the best pieces you can find in the best condition you can find. This is IT!  NEW LISTING!  $ 1,745.  Approx. - SIZE 000 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM #6863] Click on image for additional photos!		#6863 - c. 1900's Wedding Gown of White Tambour Net Lace with Ecru Satin and Pearl Flower Trim!  Comes with Original Photo of the Bride and Original Shoes!  I know there are soon-to-be brides out there just waiting for this gown! You have to see the photos of the original bride to see how it can look with the right underdress and petticoats.  Then you can get creative if you want with something other than white under.... ecru would be lovely... or go be different with light blue or plush pink, or whatever suits you!  Excellent condition with just a few minor holes in the netting at the lower back skirt (see photos).... and I only found one small area of light spot on the hemline (I'm sure that can be carefully bleached).  Measures:  32/33" bust, 23" waist, 12.5" neck, 56" long from shoulder to hem in front, 78" long in back.   You can get creative with just a bit of extra pleated netting at back to increase size.  The shoes are tiny and just for show, but lovely with glass beaded "buckles". The original photo has some damage, but I photoshopped it for you!   NEW LISTING! Also Listed in the Wedding Category.  $ 1,285.   Approx. - SIZE 0 (can be made larger with creativity) (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #6768] Click on image for additional photos!		#6768 - c. 1912 Black Sequin, Beading and Lace Trained Evening Gown! Wearable Size! Yup, a 1912 gown!!  Thank God this wasn't owned by a woman who decided to buy a ticket on the maiden voyage of the Titanic... as it would have been on the ocean floor instead of here on my website in all her glory!!  I also have to thank Deborah L. Scott for not finding this gown when costuming for the Titanic movie, because she purchased many, many original gowns from 1912 and then sadly they were trashed in the filming of the movie!!   I remember at that time that so many 1912 evening gowns were bought for the film that there was a dirth of them for quite a number of years on the open market!  REALLY True!  So again... I'm glad this little beauty was neatly tucked away... waiting just for me... and you! :)  Black lace gown teeming with black sequins in a design of swirling fern frond bands diagonally placed to create a feeling of motion even when still! Jet beaded font and back bodice inserts, jet beaded fringe on the short sleeves, neckline and wraps diagonally across the torso. Boned bodice.  Black taffeta lining with ruffled hemline shorter than the gown so one can see the beaded/sequin pattern around the hemline.  Just gorgeous!  Excellent condition however there are a few condition issues to discuss... the black taffeta lining is tearing on the skirt portion only...the bodice lining and hem ruffle are fine... so frankly a fairly easy seamstress job of replacing the mid portion of the lining, or backing for what is there, or leave be and just add another black lining under.  Other than that, there are small net tears to upper (hanger, argh) sleeves, again easy to fix, and browning of the black lace in some areas (again, easy to fix if you must - see photos).  Nothing terribly difficult to deal with... and certainly the look of this gown is worth any of these minor efforts! Measures a wearable: 36/37" bust (perhaps a bit more with care), up to 25" waist best (perhaps a smidge more), up to 40" hip, 61" long from shoulder to hem in front and 75" long in back. NEW LISTING! $ 2,450.  Approx. - SIZE 4, perhaps 6 (with small waist) (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #5700] Click on image for additional photos!		#5700 - c. 1908-1910 Duster Coat with Fashionable Black Silk Trim! These early duster coats are sought after by early motorcar enthusiasts as they are terrific to wear at the next antique car meet!  Especially if you happen to have an early Model T Ford!  They were first produced in 1908, so this is perhaps the perfect duster coat for you!  And pretty to boot!  Linen and silk blend (likely) in linen color trimmed in black silk and goldtone buttons and trim on notched collar, patch pockets and turned over cuffs.  Gathered upper sleeve helps to date the coat.  The back has two 18" slits for ease of movement. Measures: up to 35" bust, 13" across the back (so if will be tight under the arms and across the back, so you will want to be small to fit!!), 51" long from shoulder to hem.  Can be worn to ground as you see, but will look perfectly acceptable shorter (with a long skirt under). As these go, Excellent condition... often they are very dirty, but this is quite clean with just the most minor dirt, some loss of the black silk at collar (see photos) and the buttons could be shined up a bit.  But what a nice coat!!!  NEW LISTING!   Also Listed in the Furs, etc. Category. $ 425. Approx. - SIZE 2/4 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #9891] Click on image for additional photos!		#9891 - c. 1925/26 T.A. Chapman Co., Milwaukee Afternoon Dress and Coat Ensemble of Black Rayon and Steel Beading with Steel Beaded Scarf! When I first saw this ensemble it was balled up into a box and just looked like hell (can I say word on my website without upsetting anyone)?  Then I got around to steaming and mounting on the mannequin and what d'ya know!!!  It's a quite exciting looking set!!  Let's start with the dress.  It's a black rayon chiffon dress of 2 layers... sheathe under with steel beaded low round neckline and matching beading on short sleeves.  Dress is lined all but yoke and sleeves.  Then there is an attached overlayer that looks like a long vest of set pleats!  You can wear the dress straight and use the long matching chiffon scarf (beaded near ends) as a neck scarf, or wear the dress cinched in with the scarf used as a belt sash!  Gives the dress two very different looks.  So as if the dress isn't great enough, it comes with a black rayon (20s was pretty much the first decade using rayon to any extent in clothing) wrap coat of a stitched down design to mimic pleats, a horizontal braiding at the lower skirt  and actual pleating under.  The tie wrapped coat can also be worn different ways... with tied neck or not.  Just imagine the lucky flapper gal wearing this outfit with her bobbed hair under her cloche, grasping her clutch purse and sashaying like Marilyn Monroe in "Some Like it Hot" in her T-strap shoes!   OK.. what's next.  Oh yes, condition information. Excellent condition with just a few minor issues.  Just a few of the beads on the sleeves are a bit rusty (cleanable if you care to take the time with sandpaper), snaps missing on coat cuffs (sleeves meant to be worn fuller than you see creating a lovely shape) but really the only issues worth noting are that the top-stitching on the coat has come undone here and there, so just a bit messy looking (see photos), and there is a bit of musty smell that should be aired outside or fabreezed (but again, I leave that choice to you!). Otherwise this is a just fabulous 1920's afternoon or dinner ensemble!!   Measures a large up to 40" bust, up to 40" waist, up to 42" hips dress.  Coat measures up to 51" bust, waist and hips! Both pieces are 48" long from shoulder to hem. Meant to be worn large, and the coat meant to be wrapped as you see.  Scarf measures:  6" x 98". NEW LISTING!  $ 1,085.  Approx. - SIZE 8-14 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #6777] Click on image for additional photos!		#6777 - c. 1926 Mme. Mazzau (?), Paris, New York Rose Silk Velvet Flapper Dress with Coordinating Blue Velvet Cape!!  Even comes with Provenance of Elizabether Goggi of Goggi Brothers Winery, Staten Island!  OH MY!  Even though I seek out items in near pristine condition, there are those pieces that are just SO incredible that I make a few exceptions. Still considered Very Good condition, and since I've never seen another, it's a MUST have! 2-piece set of dress with long cape.  Both items of silk velvet.  The dress is a rose color with bib over bodice and phenomenal 3-Dimentional gathered two-tone look velvet of rose velvet over blue velvet. A large floppy silk flower on shoulder. The cape is that same blue silk velvet with exactly the opposite hemline colorations of blue over rose in graduated 3-D gatherings! Even the lining of the cape is velvet of wide horizontal striping! Just awesome! White fox collar with one button closure. Condition issues entail just overall dusty/dinginess, a few small wear spots in dress velvet, a very floppy shoulder flower, and the cape has matted fur.  Measures:  up to 40" bust, up to 38" waist, up to 39" hips, 42-43" long from shoulder to hem. If pristine it would be near twice this price.  You won't find another one like this soon!!!  Very wearable as is!   NEW LISTING!  $ 1,485.  Approx. - SIZE 6-10 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #5689] Click on image for additional photos!		#5689 - c. 1920's John Wanamaker, New York, Paris, Philadelphia Black Crushed Velvet Coat with Soutache and Embroidery Trim! If you can just overlook the minor velvet baldness at the very edge of the front and on the cuffs... and the tearing of the lining at the upper back.. you will score yourself a heck of a great 1920's black crushed velvet coat trimmed in gorgeous black soutache and embroidery! The kind of coat you wish they still made today.  Elegant, with lots of "eye candy"! Since it's a wrap, it will fit many of you... all depends how you like a coat to look on you, and what you wear under! Remember 1920's items were always worn large!  I measure it as:  up to 43" bust, up to 43" waist, up to 48" hips, 52" long from shoulder to hem. SO, it you are seeking a 1920's coat... or heck, just a great coat to wear to attract attention on the street... this will do it, I promise!  The exterior wear is very minor and disappears because it just looks like more crushing.   The only thing you'll want to do is get that lining repaired or replaced and this will be your favorite winter coat! :)  NEW LISTING!  $ 485.  Approx. - SIZE 8 - 12 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #2020] Click on image for additional photos!		#2020 - c. 1929 CAROLYN, Paris / New York Coral Silk Dress! Created for Schuette Bros, Co, Manitowoc, Wisconsin! Yeah, I know... it's damn pretty.  Damn.  Because it's not perfect... but YEAH, for those of you who want the look without spending too much. Gorgeous color of a pinky coral... like a Bermuda beach!  And ooh... that asymmetrical hemline and extra flounce at one side along with exciting tailoring details at the waist at front and sides (see photo for close-ups if you can't see the inverted "v" at front and the ruched, gathered sides. Sexy but simple "v" neck.  Just the perfect shape and color!  Now for the issues... the material has slight variations of color throughout which just give it a "sueded" look.... nothing bad, actually pretty, but just not what it was originally. And there are underarm discolorations which are seen, but do blend in. The hemline is slightly dirty and two pinholes found (you won't find them without searching.  There are a few areas that could use a bit of stitching.  So.. you can pay twice this price if perfect, or enjoy it as is! :) Measures:  up to 37" bust, up to 31" waist, up to 36" hips, 43" long from shoulder to hem at shortest, and 52" long at longest. It's shown on a mannequin of 35" bust, 25" waist, 36" hips and she looks great in it!  I love the history of Schuette Bros. Department Store.... founded in 1848 (!) it was one of the oldest retail establishments in Wisconsin (closed in 1994), and my favorite part... one of its greatest charms was its pneumatic tube system for handling money!  Damn I miss things like that... and automats... and old cash registers.... and salespeople who actually SMILE and GREET you!! What this world is coming to... NEW LISTING!  $ 365.  Approx. - SIZE 6/8 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #2643] Click on image for additional photos!		#2643 - c. 1909/1910 Ivory Brocade Re-Designed Trained Evening Gown with Rosette Detail at Back!  This gown is a bit hard to date, because it's a re-make of an earlier gown.  You can see the detailing inside the bodice of the original bodice which had a corset tied lacing originally as well as bodice hooks. These still remain inside this dress!  So it's great fun for a fashion historian to figure out what original era this might have been.  Whatever it was, it was remade back in 1909/1910 (this is not a new remake!)... and still has some additional original material.   The gown as it is now was re-designed for a very fashion forward woman who didn't mind being a bit more risque than others at the time... as high necks and longer sleeves were more often seen.   I love the folding of the mid-weight silk brocade fabric across the bodice and around to the back, and then the "tail" over the "v" train (definitely 1909/1910 shape).  Matching satin rosette with trailing ribbons and "blossoms" complete the lovely back of the gown.  Excellent condition... very wearable. Break out the long gloves to go formal!  Wear with smashing necklace or with jewels on the straps at the bows (that's the way I'd probably go!).  Measurements about 31/32" bust (small back!), 26" waist, up to 39" hips, long enough for 5'6" approximate. Wearable as a wedding gown as well!  NEW LISTING!  Also Listed in the Wedding Category.  $ 1,485.  Approx. - SIZE 2 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #6704] Click on image for additional photos!		#6704 - c. 1920's RARE French Silver Bullion "Hair" Cloche Labeled "Ideal, PARIS"! The ULTIMATE Flapper Cloche or Flapper Headpiece!  If you have been one of my website groupies for awhile, you might have seen the gold bullion "hair" cloche I sold some years back (still in my sold museum section). I bought that last one in London and hated to sell it as I had never seen another in my 35+ years of collecting.  So, since then I've been searching everywhere for others!  AMAZINGLY, I found two of these recently and again, it kills me to put these up on the website as I just LOVE LOVE LOVE them!!!!   And since, if asked what I would most like to collect, it would be flapper headpieces.  But I know there are others of "me" out there also with flapper collections, so... WAAAHHH.... you get the opportunity to own these forever!  Absolutely amazing!! It's a cloche woven with silver bullion threads in the shape of a classic 1920's hairdo... complete with the finger wavy hairs all over, and the pinned up "longer" hair at the back and coiled at the sides in braids (Princess Leahish!). I suppose this is the ultimate hat for a "bad hair day"!!! Excellent condition with the only thing to mention is slight tarnishing... it might have been brighter silver when new, but frankly I like it "as is" with this patina and just a bit of "hair" out of place.  Net lining. This will easily fit a 22" head, and even a 23" head! Nearly impossible to measure, but it's large on my normal 22" head (as you can see in the photos) and will fit, but higher on the 23" head - see other photos).  I assume originally this was worn by a women who didn't yet want to cut her long hair into the fashionable "bob", so wore this over that full hair (which is why it's larger).  Absolutely a Museum quality piece! NEW LISTING!  EXTENDED LAYAWAY AVAILABLE! Also listed in the Museum and Hats, etc. Category. $ 3,450.
[ORDER ITEM - #6819] Click on image for additional photos!		#6819 - c. 1920's RARE Pink Silk "Hair" Flapper Cloche! The ULTIMATE Flapper Headpiece! Likely Parisian!  I will reiterate from the listing above... If you have been one of my website groupies for awhile, you might have seen the gold bullion "hair" cloche I sold some years back (still in my sold museum section). I bought that last one in London and hated to sell it as I had never seen another in my 35+ years of collecting.  So, since then I've been searching everywhere for others!  AMAZINGLY, I found two of these recently and again, it kills me to put these up on the website as I just LOVE LOVE LOVE them!!!!   And since, if asked what I would most like to collect, it would be flapper headpieces.  But I know there are others of "me" out there also with flapper collections, so... WAAAHHH.... you get the opportunity to own these forever!  Absolutely amazing!! It's a cloche woven with pink silk threads in the shape of a classic 1920's hairdo... complete with the wavy hairs all over, and the pinned up "longer" hair at the back and coiled at the sides in braids (Princess Leahish!). This piece has the original tiny purply-blue flowers at the sidepieces!!  Nice!! I suppose this is the ultimate hat for a "bad hair day"!!! Excellent condition with the only thing to mention a bit of "hair" out of place for an ever so slightly "tousled" look, and the silk interior is torn (though in most cases this would just be a total loss, so nice to still have some of the original interior silk... with writing!). This will easily fit a 22" head, and even a 23" head! Nearly impossible to measure, but it's large on my normal 22" head (as you can see in the photos) and will fit, but higher on the 23" head - see other photos).  I assume originally this was worn by a women who didn't yet want to cut her long hair into the fashionable "bob", so wore this over that full hair (which is why it's larger).  Absolutely a Museum quality piece! Likely Parisian piece - has some writing inside with name.  NEW LISTING!  EXTENDED LAYAWAY AVAILABLE!  Also listed in the Museum and Hats, etc. Category. $ 2,850.
[ORDER ITEM - #5613] Click on image for additional photos!		#5613 - c. 1910 White Lawn Dress with Lace Inserts!  This dress came from the same estate as the other 1910 white lawn embroidered "Arts & Crafts" motif dress below.  This one is a bit dressier with the various lace insets tiny ruffle 1/2 length sleeves, embroidery, and crochet lace insert around neckline. Still in great condition and bright white.  Measures: 32/33" bust, 25" underbust, 23" waist (slightly high), up to 37" hips, 52" long from shoulder to hem (so it's short.... even on me at 5'2" tall, but just wear a longer petticoat under to stick out the bottom and it will then be the right length!). Excellent condition with the most extremely minor leg breaks.  NEW LISTING!  $ 465.  Approx. - SIZE 2 (check measurements above)
RESERVED Click on image for additional photos!		#6812 - c. 1915 White Organdy Summer Party Dress with Original Blush Pink Slip!  How cute is this little number?  Incredibly crisp and beautifully white.  Practically like new!  LOVE the latticework edging at the sleeves, front, hemline and shorter at sides!  Simple ecru satin waistband... ooh, and then that great original spray of hanging flowers!! See the close-up photos to see all the detail!    Not much else to say, just the perfect little 1915 summer dress.  VERY wearable size!  Measures: 35" bust, up to 35" waist, up to 48" hips!  But as you can see, looks great on the size 6 mannequin as well.  The measurement of the bust is actually about 38/39", but I don't think you will be able to get this dress on with a larger than 35" bust, 41" long from shoulder to hem.  Snaps closure.  Blush rayon slip comes with it and is original. So pretty you could wear this to a wedding... as a simple wedding dress, or for your bride's maid.  NEW LISTING!  $ 465.  RESERVED Approx. - SIZE 6-10 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #5612] Click on image for additional photos!		#5612 - c. 1910 White Edwardian "Arts & Crafts" Designed Summer Lawn Dress!  If you know who William Morris is, then your probably will love the design of the embroidery on this gown!  If you don't know who he was, but still love the look... go Google his designs! You'll thank me. OK, so now to the dress.... near pristine white with white embroidery, high neck, 1/2 sleeves.  The pink sash is just my little addition (doesn't come with it), but I think this dress looks better with it.  Perfect enough to wear for your informal summer wedding. Or for your next Edwardian event as it's in a wearable size! Yeah! Measures:   34/35" bust, 24/25" waist, 12.5" neck.  Sweet crochet button back (you will need a friend, lover or maid to help you on and off with this!). There are only 2 tiny holes in this dress, which will disappear when you wear over a white slip (which, as you can see, you will need).  Otherwise, excellent condition. NEW LISTING!  $ 435.  Approx. - SIZE 2 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #6821] Click on image for additional photos!		#6821 - c. 1910 White Edwardian Irish Crochet Jacket Lined in Light Blue Cotton!  Near perfection in a summer Edwardian jacket!  So pretty!  If you've checked out prices of Irish Crochet items lately, you will see that they are commanding quite high prices.  No surprise... I don't have to tell you it's gorgeous.  This jacket can be worn as you see as a wrap style, or if you need it larger, you can wear more open (see photos) at front.  1/2 length sleeves. Great double-vented back.  And probably the best part... it's fully lined in a light blue cotton fabric...even weighted at the bottom corners to keep it's shape!  If the lining isn't original, it's perfect anyway (I really don't know... as it's so rare to find any of these jackets lined at all, that I have nothing to compare it to!  I've certainly seen irish crochet lined in china silk, but never in cotton.  This is so perfect, it can easily be worn as a modern jacket with a pair of jeans, or go Edwardian and wear with a white or light blue skirt. Hard to measure as it changes when you move that one snap, but basically up to 36" bust, up to a large 37" waist (but as you can see it on the 25" waist, looks great), up to 47" hips (again, looks great on 36" hips),  31" long from shoulder to hem, and probably most importantly, a smallish back at about 15" across, so probably still best for a size 2-8. Excellent condition - almost like new with just the most minor dirt on close inspection (see photo).  NEW LISTING!  $ 785.  Approx. - SIZE 2 - 8 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #6731] Click on image for additional photos!		#6731 - c. 1910 Bright White Cotton Batiste Lawn Dress with Sky Blue Embroidered Butterflies and Trim!  SO SWEET!!!  Looking for a white Edwardian gown that any girly-girl should love?  Looks like these blue butterflies just happened to lite on this gown while strolling around the manor gardens.  I guess the first thing I should say is that this is in NEAR MINT condition!  With the exception of one small brown spot on back hem that I can find (see photos)... otherwise nearly pristine. Very wearable size and strong. There are open weave lace accents on the tiny collar, the front of the bodice and the bottom half of the sleeves. Wear with or without a matching blue sash at waist (doesn't come with one, but probably was worn with one originally.  The blue butterflies and trim are embroidered on to the dress, not appliqued on. Measures:  up to 38/39" bust, up to 30" waist, up to 37" hips, 36" long from waist to hem, 53" from shoulder to hem.  If you need it longer, just wear a longer white slip under to create another tier... it will still look perfect. NEW LISTING!  Also Listed in the Wedding Category.  $ 785.  Approx. - SIZE 8/10 (smallish hips) (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #4548] Click on image for additional photos!		#4548 - c. 1935 Black Crepe Gown with Rhinestone and Beaded Bodice in Butterfly Design! Larger Size!  I always seek out great larger sized gowns for this website... but they are very hard to find. So.. when you see them... pounce! I tried to lighten the photos enough for you to see the shape of the gown.  The bodice is hard to miss... fully beaded in silver bugle beads and tons of thinestones.  The sleeves are open at the sides but cover everything you want to cover as they hang to the elbow.  The back is a wide vertical strip of rhinestones, which matches the design on the sleeves.  The front... well, the front is designed in a artistic butterfly!  NICE!!!  The black crepe skirt has a wide waist front and back with tiny buttons up the back (OK, I didn't button them all, but they are all there).  And then a gathered back to give the impression of a train.  NICE!!  This gown isn't in perfect condition, but certainly quite wearable... especially as you would likely wear for the evening so the very minor pulls and light faded red spots (see photos) won't be seen.  There is a bit of rust on the rhinestones in the mid-front.  With a bit of scraping, or cleaning, it will come off.  Only other thing is a slight mustiness for those who are finicky.  GREAT SIZE... Measures:  up to 44" bust, up to 35" waist, up to 40" hips.    NEW LISTING!  Also Listed in the 1930-Today Category.  $ 685.  Approx. - SIZE 12/14 with small hips, large bust (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #6765] Click on image for additional photos!		#6765 - c. 1903/1904 MRS. BAKER, COURT DRESSMAKER, 15 New Burlington Street, W, London Elaborate and Opulent Trained Black Chantilly Lace Evening Gown and Matching Coat Ensemble!  Previously Owned by the Eminent Collector DORIS LANGLEY MOORE, the Founder of the Fashion Museum at Bath, England (Previously the Museum of Costume at Bath) and Prominently Featured in Ms. Moore's 1947 book "The Woman in Fashion"!  Comes with the 2 Original 1947 photos of Ms. Moore Wearing the Ensemble! QUICK NOTE FOR COLLECTORS:  Both Pieces were Expertly Relined!  From I have been collecting, buying and selling Antique and Vintage clothing for 45 years now (yes, I bought my first Edwardian white dress at age 10 at a flea market!!).  So, as you can imagine, it takes an extraordinary piece to take my breath away... I believe I gasped out-loud with a "Oh God"! And when it happens, I remember all over again that I LIVE for antique and vintage clothing!!!! If you are reading this, you probably feel the same way.  This outfit was previously owned by Doris Langley Moore, who loved it so much she had herself photographed wearing this outfit!  As I mention upfront, for those collectors who want items fully original, these pieces have been fully and expertly relined (most likely by a museum)... but the exterior I believe to be fully original on both pieces!!  And certainly the relining has allowed this pieces to remain in NEAR MINT condition! YEAH!  Trained Black Chantilly net lace gown with embroidered green silk floss leaves and pink silk roses with embroidered bows and trellis designs and tiny silver sequins.  One of the most elaborate gowns and coats ever seen! Labeled "Mrs. Baker, Court Dressmaker" from London.  I spent some time researching what this might have cost new (with inflation and exchange rate) and the gown alone would be close to $20,000... with the coat, likely $40,000! The matching coat has pagoda sleeves, deep collar, pastel colored chiffon roses and black velvet ribbon trims with silver sequins.  Measures:  34/35" bust, 23/24" waist, Skirt is: 42" long from waist to hem, 54" long in back. Coat is: 56" long from shoulder to hem. Condition is amazing with only tiny a few leg breaks in the Chantilly lace.  NEW LISTING!   Also Listed in the Museum Category. $ 9,500. Approx. - SIZE 0/2 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #6758] Click on image for additional photos!		#6758 - c. 1870's Trained Pale China Blue Wool Twill Morning Gown with Watteau Back and Two-Tone Embroidery!  Damn I've found some pretty stuff lately!  I guess I still love what I do, as I am excited about offering such wonderful pieces.  Imagine waking up and slipping into this beauty to sip your morning coffee!  Especially because that means that you were wealthy enough to employ a few maids and servants to fetch you your coffee! :)  The color is close to that perfect Tiffany blue color wool twill embroidered with off-white and light blue silk floss all over the place in a small floral pattern.  Gotta love that watteau back,  the two pleated side pockets,  the knife pleated hemline, daisy embroidered buttons down front, and the interesting "overcoat" tailoring at front.  Measures: 30" bust, 23" waist, 50" long from shoulder to hem in front, 71" long in back. Condition is Very Good... not perfect, but I'm extremely picky and others would call it Excellent. There are extremely light discolorations or fading here and there, and a few tiny spots. These issues are hardly important... but what you will find are two old professional mends on the sleeves (see photos).  They blend in well, but they are seen.  NEW LISTING!  Also Listed in the Lingerie Category. $ 1,385. Approx. - SIZE 0 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #6746] Click on image for additional photos!		#6746 - c. June 1, 1880 (Museum Dated) Silk Satin Trained One-Piece Wedding Gown! I have a handwritten card with the museum tag number, and that same number written on the inside of the gown, so.... along with the fact that the dating matches my dating of the gown, I'd say we can pretty well assume that this date of June 1, 1880 is correct!  Now if only I had the name and address of the original wearer, I might be able to find a newspaper article or something about this wedding.  Alas...   However, I feel with years of therapy, we can get over this disappointment and get on with just loving the gown for what we DO know.  A one-piece gown in a silk satin champagne color with sweet front pointed bodice with dorset buttons, 3/4 sleeves, self fabric knife pleating, ruched bands and pleated circle trim, princess line at back.  Excellent condition with just a few tiny, tiny stains, one "pencil" mark on sleeve, and the worst... a water stain on the train near the hem (see photo).  Otherwise, underarms, the lining, and overall condition is near mint.  Measures:  32" bust, 22" waist, 11" across back. 52" long from shoulder to hem in front, 79" long in back.  NEW LISTING! Also Listed in the Wedding Category. $ 1,285. Approx. - SIZE 00 (see back width - making it likely unwearable today) (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #6255] Click on image for additional photos!		#6255 - c. 1920's Gold and Black Reversible Lame Shawl with Black Velvet Trim! A wonderful art deco gold metallic silk lame evening shawl made of gold metallic and black silk lame fabric with an Art Deco floral design woven throughout.  Can be worn however you want... and reversible from the mostly black side to the mostly gold side. It is edged in black silk velvet.   Measures:  60" x  60" .  It is in great condition with a few exceptions... there are a few small wear/tears in the black velvet trim (see last photo) and just a hint (and I mean slight) tarnishing in one small area... otherwise quite brilliant!!The just don't make lame like this anymore!!!! NEW LISTING!   $ 945.
[ORDER ITEM - #6807] Click on image for additional photos!		#6807 - c. 1894 Wedding Gown 6-piece Outfit with Original Wedding Bustle, Shoes, and Garters with Important Provenance!  This wedding gown belonged to the same owner as the c. 1888 Worth Velvet and Satin Court Gown and Train that still has the record for the highest price ever paid for an antique gown of $101,000 at Doyle Auction in 2001. That owner was Ester Maria Lewis Chapin (1871-1959) the great great granddaughter of George Washington's sister, Elizabeth Washington Lewis (1722-1797).  Ester's father, Col. Edward Parke Custis Lewis (1837-1892) was the American Minister to Portugal under President Grover Cleveland from 1885-1889.  The gown is a beautiful ivory silk satin.  Boned high neck bodice with huge gigot sleeves, front chiffon inset at yoke, waist and cuffst.  Front hook and eye closures.  Petersham stamp "C.W. Sherwood, 281 W. 11th St. New York".  The skirt is gathered at back with gigantic 8-foot train.  Flounced and ruffled petticoat under hemline.  Comes with the original satin pump shoes with abalone ornaments, and two original bowed satin garters.  Also comes with the extremely RARE ivory silk lace trimmed lobster tail bustle (worth at least $500 by itself)!!  The original plain taffeta slip is included, but that is in shreds I'm afraid.  The rest of the outfit is in Excellent condition with a few exceptions.  The shoes and garters are near mint!  The bustle has tears/weakness at upper one side.  The gown has minor tears to the chiffon (what else is new) and needs a new waistband on the skirt (torn at back band). The gown was probably dotted with wax or real flowers here and there as you can see tiny stitch holes where something would have been. I added one at the neck for the photos (doesn't come with the gown).  An example of that is seen on a previously sold gown: http://antiquedress.com/item3761.htm.   This is likely unwearable by any human these days due to the size of the back!  Measures:  32" bust,  23" waist, 10.5" across back (!),  54" long from shoulder to hem.  NEW LISTING! Also Listed in the Wedding Category. $ 2,485.  Approx. - SIZE 00 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #9892] Click on image for additional photos!		#9892 - c. 1929/1930 Sheer Reddish-Brown Cotton Gauze Chiffon Dress with White Iridescent Seed Beads in Bow Decoration with Matching Jacket with Huge Bell Sleeves!  I wish I had the original slip for you for this dress, but it's SO easy to make one... just a tube shape that slips over the head with thin straps will do!  Even I could sew that!!  You can even use ribbons for the straps for ease.  Anyway, obviously it needs a slip... you think??? :)  Look at the photos to see the dress without the jacket.  Great to find these two pieces together, eh?  I love the off center hip detail on the dress and the white iridescent beaded bow (VERY Chanel!!!) on bust and upper elbow on jacket sleeves... with additional beading around the neckline.  Also gotta love that scalloped bottom to the jacket!!  Condition is Excellent, EXCEPT I found 8 tiny pinholes (really, I mean pinholes... not gaping holes!!) in the jacket and 2 tiny pinholes on the dress, and there is a bit of unravelling of the hem stitching (a 20 second fix by a seamstress).  Measures: 32-34" bust, up to 29" waist, up to 33" upper hips (that's 19" long from shoulder to hem to that high hipseam line), and 36" lower hips (that's 21" long from shoulder to lower hipseam line), 52" long from shoulder to hem.  No closures, so you need a friend to get in and out of this dress!!!  Find someone you love, as you will be in a funny position bending over at the waist with your hands over your head letting gravity help remove the dress.  If you have really wide shoulders or back, you might think twice about this dress... to hard to get on! $ 435. Approx. - SIZE 2/4 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #4714] Click on image for additional photos!		#4714 - c. 1878 EMILE PINGAT, Paris 2-piece Heavy Black Silk Satin Bustle Gown in Near Mint Condition!  EXTREMELY RARE EXTRA LARGE SIZE!  I can't believe the condition of this gown! It's LIKE NEW!! I doubt it was ever worn, and then it was stored in some amazing place that didn't allow for anything to harm it.  You'd swear you went back in time to 1878, except for one missing carved abalone button (damn that one button!).  The gown is 2-pieces. The bodice is trimmed in ivory lace at the neckline and cuffs.  The skirt is shown over a bustle (doesn't come with it) and has nice bustle draping and silk floss fringe.  The hemline is fully pleated and has a "kilting" of magenta pleated satin peeking out from under the black satin - which, according to the expert - proclaims that this gown could not, under any circumstances, be worn for mourning. Actually this expert called this an "at home" gown or as we might know it today, a "hostess gown".  Though I'm not sure why it has that designation, nor why she would have such an expensive gown for "at home"!   Unless she was SO damn wealthy that she bought her wardrobe from Pingat and Worth and Doucet and just had so many gowns that she didn't have a chance to wear them all!!  And even her "simplest" gowns were Parisian masterpieces! Now for the other incredible information about this gown. It's an Extremely Large Size by Victorian or any other standards!  Measures an astonishing 45" bust, 37" waist, 42" long from waist to hem, 66" long from waist to back of train.   Also Listed in the Museum Category.  $ 5,250.  Approx. - SIZE 18-22 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #9981] Click on image for additional photos!		#9981 - c. 1922/23 Flapper Dress of Raspberry and Coral Silk Cut Velvet Chiffon! LARGER SIZE!  What a great, and certainly rarely seen, combination of two colors!  Looks like the designer of this dress was dying for raspberry and orange sherbet, or had that for dessert the night before and thought... hmmmm, that would make for an interesting dress!  The dress is a gorgeous silk cut velvet chiffon in something between an art deco and art nouveau design.  Simple straight shape tabard with the side panel of gathered silk chiffon held at the low waist with a rhinestone and metal ornament.  Meant to be worn slightly large.  No closures, just goes on over the head. Excellent condition with just a few issues to mention.... the rhinestone ornament metal has oxidized so it's green in areas (just needs a cleaning) but the rhinestones are still brilliant... and there are underarm stains to the silk chiffon, and a bit of stain and wear on the velvet underarm on the other side. These aren't terrible, but there. Price could easily be $200 higher if perfect. Very wearable as is.  The sheer chiffon slip is attached under.  Measures: up to 41" bust, up to 38" waist, up to 42" hips, 47" long from shoulder to hem with 6" hem.    $ 645.  Approx. - SIZE 10-12 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #9971] Click on image for additional photos!		#9971 - c. 1850's Gown of Muted Rose Plaid Taffeta Trimmed in Black Velvet! I have to confess, at first I put this on the mannequin with the hooks in front.. but something was definitely wrong, so I turned it around and voila!  You'd think I'd know better by now... but.... I can always blame it on menopausal brain freeze. Now as for the gown, it's a lovely muted rose colored silk plaid taffeta with great detailing (see close-up photos).  The wonderful bell sleeves are trimmed in strips of black velvet.   Off the shoulder bodice, flat front skirt with gathering at sides and more at back.   Hooks and eye closures at back.  Excellent condition! The underarms are actually quite good!.  There are a few (only a few) true pinholes (seen when holding up to the light.. and one seen without... and then a small area on the skirt of what seems like a faded out area (see photos).  It's nothing of great importance, and frankly I just tried to find it for you in normal light and can't find it!!  Even looking for it!  Measures: 32/33" bust, 26" waist, (high waist - between waist and underbust), 39" long from fairly high waist to hem.  It would fit me but there is NO WAY to get this on, because the armholes are only 10" around!!!  I can't get these sleeves up my arm far enough to get the dress on.  And I have fairly thin arms for my size.  So you will have to be quite thinner than this to get the dress on.  Or... renovate to open the armholes.  For display, it's gorgeous.  And it's very wearable (thin but still strong taffeta) if it will fit you!   $ 885.  Approx. - SIZE 2 (see above for size issue) (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #9972] Click on image for additional photos!		#9972 - c. 1870s Princess Front Bustle Gown of Two-tone Sage Green Silk Taffetas with Tassel Trim One-piece Gown!  Yup... another great bustle gown in a wearable size!  My favorite thing to find! :) Actually that's not true... I prefer 20's headpieces, but hey, I'm not on a lie detector machine! Two-tone sage gray/green taffeta of one piece (looks like two).  Love the diagonal detailing at the front. I'm having a little trouble dating specifically.. but I think 1876-77?  I might have expected more of a "mermaid" trained back with this front?  I'm just showing my ignorance now... or perhaps it's just those menopausal symptoms of forgetfulness that everyone talks about?  Now, where was I?  I wish I could tell you that this gown is in the same nearly pristine condition that I mostly try to sell.  However, this piece has had perfectly matched gussets under the arms, and still there are underarms stains.  There is some minor spotting here and there, and some simple tacking that needs sewing (I could do it and I can't sew!), and a few tassels missing at the front, but most all are there everywhere else!  Basically however the material is strong and the gown is wearable. Inside the hemline you will see much wear, but that's INSIDE (see photos).   Still a beauty!  I've priced this gown to reflect these issues... Otherwise it would have been $1,895 at least! :)   Measures:  36" bust, up to 30" waist.   $ 985.  Approx. - SIZE 4/6 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #2364] Click on image for additional photos!		#2364 - c. 1908 Light Gray Linen Duster Motor Coat!   Are you one of those lucky ones that owns a 1908 motorcar?  If so, you probably have been looking your whole life for this duster coat!  For the rest of us who own early 21st century vehicles... you probably don't need this to keep our Edwardian gown from getting mudsplashed... but if you if you love this website, you probably want it anyway! :)  Just so perfectly evokes the era of the early horseless carriages.  This coat has the typical grease spots you would find on just about any motorcoat of the era (see photo for example).  But basically this is one of the cleaner coats!   Oh and look at the wonderful shiny silver buckle at the back! Abalone buttons. One button is missing from the bottom.  Measures:  56" long from shoulder to hem in front, 58" long in back.  So... break out your goggles, head scarf and if nothing else you have a great Halloween outfit! :) $ 485.  Approx. - SIZE 2 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #6017] Click on image for additional photos!		#6017 - c. 1920's Coral Beaded Flapper Dress!  LARGER SIZE!   For all of you who always ask me, "wasn't anyone larger than a size 6 in our nations history?" :)  Well, the answer is, "sure, but those dresses seem to be harder to find".   Perhaps they were just worn more often as they fit more people through the years, and therefore they wore out?  Just speculation.  Anyway... look what I found for you!  A lovely beaded coral chiffon flapper dress designed to look like the beads are real turquoise, coral and pearls (but they aren't).  They are painted to look real. Excellent condition with 2 pinholes found, a very few missing beads and wear to paint on beads,  and minor tiny spots in front bib and back skirt.   Measures:  43" bust, up to 43" waist, up to 46" hips, 48" long from shoulder to hem.  Goes on over the head, no closures.  You will want to wear a slip under as it's semi-sheer, but other than that.... it's ready to wear... and surprisingly strong for a chiffon dress from the 1920s.  Often 1920's chiffon deteriorated over the years from bad storage.  Whoever stored this did a great job!  Now it's your turn to enjoy it! $ 1,145. Approx. - SIZE 12/14, perhaps a small 16 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #9940] Click on image for additional photos!		#9940 - c. 1820's /1890's Ivory Satin Wedding Gown! I hate to be stupid, but I guess I can't know everything (though I DO try!).  This gown is really confusing me.  It has an 1820's hemline (with the lovely bow / ribbon detailing) and early 1820's closures at front, and brown cotton lining... all correct to about 1822-1826... but the stitching is by machine... so I wonder if perhaps it was reworked a bit... perhaps back in style during the aesthetic period around 1892-1894 - because... the person who owned this gown has a note that reads "Mary Jane Crusau's satin wedding dress, June 1894".   I really can't tell you one way or another.  I need to go to fashion school (never did you know!), so perhaps one of you educated types can help me out here!!  FYI, I added a dash of wax flower at one sleeve (doesn't come with it, but would likely have had some decoration similar) and show it with a wax headpiece - available separately on this website.   There is an underlayer sweeper at the hemline with narrow band of matching velvet.  The gown is lovely and looks to be in great condition (with the exception of a few age marks here and there), but then, unfortunately, the underarms are torn up (see photos).  It's great for display, but not to wear... as is.  Tiny anyway!    Measures: 30" bust, 11" across back between armseams (tiny!), 54" long from shoulder to hem in front, 65" long in back.  The gown has its faults, but damn pretty for display when the underarms won't be an issue.  Also Listed in the Wedding Section. $ 685.  Approx. - SIZE 00 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #9960] Click on image for additional photos!		#9960 - c. 1915 Black Chantilly Lace Gown! Wearable Size! Direct from the Estate of Mrs. Martha Yocum Canfield! This gown was given to me by the Granddaughter of Martha Yocum Canfield.  I also got her wedding gown, which I recently sold.  This gown came with a handwritten 1966 family note dating it to 1870, but that is most likely referencing the fact that this gown was made from a large 1860s-1870s Chantilly shawl - which makes this is one beauty of a gown!  From the width of the skirt and the bodice design, I date to 1915.  I have one correct photo showing the dress worn slightly shorter to the "new" ankle length of 1915.  However you can wear it long if you wish... looks great either way.  I show the skirt with a petticoat under which doesn't come with it, but gives it more shaping.  The skirting is a black netting over a black silk with the "overskirt" of the black Chantilly lace in an interesting pannier shape over hips, and draped effect at back. The bodice is boned inside with nude lining under the Chantilly lace.  The back of the collar is wired to stand up, and then the lovely ivory lace falls over that.  The slightly high waist is encircled with black satin and a satin rosettes.  Measures: 36" bust, 29" (slightly high) waist, 56" long from shoulder to hem. Excellent condition with just one or two small holes in the skirt overnetting (not seen unless on close inspection), and just minor tearing of lace at underarms (only seen when arms are raised and fairly easily fixed with a scrap of black lace).  $ 895. Approx. - SIZE 6/8 (check measurements above)
From FINEST EUROPEAN COLLECTION [ORDER ITEM - #4485] Click on image for additional photos!		#4485 - c. 1925 Black Silver Beaded Flapper Dress in "Tassel" Design! Made in France or Belgium! LARGER SIZE!  Oooh baby!  Absolutely thrilling in person!! There is no way to capture the beauty of the dress because it's in the movement as the light captures the silver and white beading! The dress weighs a very heavy 4 pounds!!  SO get to the gym so you don't wear yourself out wearing it! :)  Black cotton base with millions of silver and white beads in trompe d'oeil tassel like design. Another gem from the incredible European collection of flapper dresses I was lucky enough to pick through and pick out the best of the best!  These Parisian flapper dresses were created on cotton bases so they survived in Near mint condition, and will easily survive another 80+ years! Measures: up to 42" bust, up to 38" waist, up to 42" hips, 42" long from shoulder to hem. Near mint condition. $ 2,485. Approx. - 10/12 perhaps 14 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #6157] Click on image for additional photos!		#6157 - c. 1884 A. WALLES, 15 Rue Auber 15, Paris Deep Ruby Velvet, Lace and Jet Beaded Caplet! Ah... you should know this label! First off, this came from a collection that included an exquisite Emile Pingat outfit that was also labeled "A. Walles".  Seems that in 1896 Pingat grew tired and relinquished his business to the well-established dressmaking firm, A. Walles  - who  apparently by 1892 specialized in court dresses, including clothing for the Austrian court. This fabulous capelet certainly could have been worn by royalty!  Deep ruby velvet adorned with elaborate design of sequins and jet beads surrounded in a heavy ecru lace and topped off with large black silk bows.  Lined in an iridescent burgundy silk with scalloped edges.  A few minor marks in the velvet, but basically Near Mint condition.  This is one for the museum collection!   Also Listed in the Museum Section.  $ 2,485.
[ORDER ITEM - #6303] Click on image for additional photos!		#6567 - c. 1908 All Lace Princess Trained Gown with Wool Inserts!  OK kiddies.... Like I say all the time, "I try to sell the 'best of the best'"! One look at this frothy confection will likely make your blood pressure go through the roof.  If it doesn't, then you have no business being on this website!  :)  Princess shape, all spider lace gown with high frilly lace neck and train.  The photo at left shows the gown with a white petticoat under the skirt which is why it's whiter than the bodice.  I should have found a full slip for the photo, but hey... I figure you can use your imagination just a bit to see what the gown might look like with various colored slips under.... nude, white, pink, light blue, ecru.... whatever your little heart desires!  Even black if you want to get crazy!  Check out  the close-up photos to see the design detail.  The inserts are a woven ecru wool that no moth has ever found! Hooks up the back. Near Mint condition!  This is short, so a slip with lace at hem that peeks out the bottom will work for a taller gal.  The neck and sleeves are also especially tight, so you might need to add a bit of lace to fit you. For those of you who collect, or display.... you will never find a better lace gown!  Measures:  33" bust, 27" waist, 53" long from shoulder to hem in front, 67" long in back, 11.5" neck, tight arms.   Also Listed in the Wedding Section. $ 2,485.  Approx. - SIZE 0/2 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #6454] Click on image for additional photos!		#6454 - c. 1920's Rare Find Black Sequin Jacket with Huge Deco Sequin Red Roses and Gold Trim!  Most likely French!  Absolutely stunning 1920s sequined evening jacket entirely covered in sequins. The jacket is completely covered in black sequins and decorated with gold and red flowers of sequins. Curved cutaway shape with huge bell sleeves. No closure, just meant to be worn open. All the sequins are sewn onto black cotton ground of excellent condition with no damage or repairs.  The only thing to mention is one vertical line of black sequins missing on the back  which is nearly impossible to see when worn black on black   Easy fix!  I'll try to get to it for you.  Would look incredible over black evening dress or great evening pants.  Measures:  up to 38" bust (shown on a mannequin of 35" bust, and as you see it laps over, so could be worn slightly open at the front with a larger bust,  34" long from shoulder to hem, 23" sleeves.  Looks incredible on!  It will certainly WOW the crowd!  $ 2,485.   Approx. - SIZE 4-8 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #9939] Click on image for additional photos!		#9939 - c. 1906/07 RARE Parisian Fabulous Ermine and Lace Coat!  With the Photo of the Original Owner (Willie Mae Thompson Norfleet) Wearing the Coat! Wearable Size!  This coat comes directly from the descendants of the woman in the photo.... the coat was stored for all these years in the homestead and remains in surprisingly Excellent condition!!  There are only a few issues to speak of... other than the missing crocheted button on the front (big deal)... there is one spot on the lace on the lower back of the coat, and the inner barely seen silk is shattering behind the lace at the hemline (see photos).  The silk lining is in great condition (see photos), but the extremely delicate pleating chiffon trim (which hardly ever survives!) was taped together.  This kept it from getting worse, but it's not something I'd recommend! :)  Anyway, I'm leaving as I found it.  You can remove the chiffon and no one would know anything was wrong, but I'd rather leave as much fashion history as possible.  NOTE: The coat was not meant to be worn full-length, but rather to about 7/8 length over a gown, so imagine a gown peeking out the bottom.  Wearable 2-6 size!  Measures: Up to 35" bust, but the back is a bit small at 13" between armseams, so best for a size 2/4 gal with smallish back. Though as you can see, she wore it open!  52" long from shoulder to hem. Until the 20th Century, ermine was reserved for royalty in Western Europe seen on the coronation robes of royal and noble persons.  It symbolized purity, valor, justice and dignity. After that, only the most wealthy could afford something this luxurious!!  This coat comes with the original photo of Willie Mae wearing the coat, and a typed 7-page family diary from 1894-1904 which describes the constant trips to Europe and Paris... and even times when they stayed with Royalty, and Willie Mae's sister Ada's address in NYC which was the prestigious Central Park West... one block from the famed John Lennon's Dakota building!!  I'm attributing the coat as a Parisian Designer Coat as it's nearly an absolute match to the Parisian jacket I have listed below! And I know this family bought most of their clothing from Paris.  Also Listed in the Museum and Furs, etc. Section. $ 5,875.  Approx. - SIZE 2/4, perhaps small 6 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #4321] Click on image for additional photos!		#4321 - c. 1909-1914 JEANNE LANVIN, Paris Black Cotton Velvet Walking Suit with Separate Original Tasseled Sash! Very Old Label!  Labeled in hard-to-read woven gold: Jeanne Lanvin, 22, Rue du Faubourg, Paris. Jeanne Lanvin started her own line in 1909, so this could be one of the earliest known pieces!  Due to the surprising short bolero shaped jacket, I'm having a bit of trouble dating it specifically to year. Purchased at an estate sale from a wealthy New Jersey estate.  An obviously fashion forward, very tailored Parisian Couture skirt suit in black cotton velvet.  The bodice jacket has a lovely rope frog closure and black silk, nicely shaped collar.  The sleeves are long and each ornamented with 7 working velvet buttons. The back waistline of the jacket has embedded elastic and ornamental tabs with buttons on either side. The skirt is ornamented with 37 or 38 working velvet covered buttons down each side of the lower skirt.  The hemline is surrounded with a box pleated "ruffle".  The skirt is a hidden built-in inner wide waistband with hook/eye closures.  There is a separate (I can't believe this remained with the suit all these years!!) black silk sash belt with an amazingly wonderful long green passementarie and huge, long black silk tassel!!!    Measures:  34/35" bust, 28.5" waist skirt, 40" long from waist to hem in front skirt (may have been shortened), and 44" long from waist to hem in back.  The condition is Quite Good with a few fairly minor issues.  The black silk collar is delicate and tearing at back fold, there are 2 covered buttons missing from each skirt side, and 2 missing from back. Extreme minor wear at hemline and some re-tacking needed. All these issues are nit-picky for such an historic piece!  The only real issue is the silk sash which has fairly large holes and pinholes and is delicate.  But the fact that it exists at all is incredible!!   $ 4,250.  Approx. - SIZE 6 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #4732] Click on image for additional photos!		#4732 - c. 1891/92 2-piece Silk Crepe and China Silk Wedding Gown! Direct to you from a museum deaccession - still has the typed collection tag attached.   So if you want items good enough for a museum...... but don't think you are capable of a museum heist, best to shop on my website!  :)  Lovely thin silk crepe 2-piece gown with draping at bodice and skirt.   Hooks and eyes under the bodice draping.  The slightly puffy sleeves are actually different material of just a china silk.  NICE LOOK! Cotton lined so it's still in great condition with just a few minor issues.  Needs some hooks/eyes at collar and waist.  There is one small spot on back that can be tacked to be hidden in the folds. The crepe needs tacking down at the collar (it's pulled away from the lining).  There are a few spots on the silk ribbons (replace or cover), and one small rip at the skirt side (caught on something... not due to deterioration). I'm being picky.  The gown is really strong and in amazing condition for this age!  This gown will actually fit a human today if you are small enough (in other words, the 12" back measurement is acceptable - not that ultra narrow antique back width - it fits my back.  Measures: 31" bust, 25" underbust, 24/25" waist, 40" long from waist to hem in front, 46" long in back (perhaps).  I say "perhaps" because someone let out the hem at back to make a bit of a train.  You could hem back up for no train - and you might want to because there is a dirt line at that hemline (see photos).  Oh, I added the silk purple flowers at the waist... they don't come with it.  I just thought it looked nice.  Museum tag reads:  Mary Gardner. Also Listed in the Wedding Section.  $ 465.  Approx. - SIZE 0 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #6229] Click on image for additional photos!		#6229 - c. 1926 YVONNE, Paris Gold Beaded Cotton Net Flapper Dress! Handmade in France! NEAR MINT Condition!  Love the label inside this dress! It's a bit light to see, but it's large and reads, "Yvonne, Paris, Handmade in France".  Now Parisian labeled garments are always great, but especially the 1920s dresses because they were usually beaded onto cotton netting (which is so strong it survives in like new condition over 80 years!) as opposed to chiffon which tended to shatter over the years leaving many a beaded flapper dress in shreds. This Parisian dress is in Near Mint condition!  Great deco all over design of gold bugle beads on gold cotton net and an inner cotton netting to help keep the stress off the exterior.   The gold lame satin bow at the side is original (I just love that old lame!).  No closures, just goes on over the head. NOTE:  to get these heavy beaded dresses off easily, bend way forward at the waist, pull the skirt up and then raise your arms over your dropped head and let gravity help you wiggle out of the dress.  Measures:  32/33" bust, up to 27" waist, up to 36" hips best (smaller hips will allow less draping at the hipline), length will depends on your hip size... approximately 37-40" long from shoulder to hem.  $ 2,285.  Approx. - SIZE 0/2 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #2875] Click on image for additional photos!		#2875 - c. 1905 Ecru Wool Jacket or Short Coat!  I just love the shape of these coats from the mid 1900-1910 era.  Almost babydoll shaped!  Nice empire lines with wide gathered sleeves and full pleated body. I've had some museum quality coats of this era.  And then there is this sweet little thing.  Someone loved the decorative buttons that used to be on the front and back more than they loved the coat.  So sad.. poor thing!   So she is naked.  She also has a few age spots on her upper right yoke and a few freckles on her sleeve and along hemline.   Only the ones on the front are something that needs attention. I found one teeny moth hole (pencil point sized) and extremely minor moth nips at front (not seen).  I might just cover the yoke area with some heavy matching lace, give her some buttons and let her shine!  Lining is great, nice label inside.  She just needs some tender care.  Wanna give her a new home? Measures: up to 34-38" bust, 40" long from shoulder to hem.  Also Listed in the 1850-1920s Section. $ 485.  Approx. - SIZE 4-8 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #6163] Click on image for additional photos!		#6163 - c. 1905 Irish Crochet "Crown" White Blouse! Great blouse... better than most!  Irish crochet is really "hot" these days... prices are going crazy!   And this is one of the prettiest with the very collectable extreme high neck.  Oh, and look at the lace trim on that neck!   It looks like a royal crown!!  This blouse has a bit of a pigeon front (dating it to circa 1905) and 1/2 length sleeves. Lined in a sheer white netting. Very white, and ready to wear if you wish.  Excellent condition. Has new hooks and eyes at back.  Measures:  30/31" bust, 23" waist.  $ 785.  Approx. - SIZE 0/2 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #6155] Click on image for additional photos!		#6155 - c. 1904 White Dotted Net Lace Lawn Dress! Lovely one-piece white cotton dotted net and lace lawn pigeon front dress with great ruffled lace yoke. Shown over a white petticoat and pink sash that don't come with the dress.  Dress has a sheer gauze cotton lining to make it a bit less sheer, but will still need a slip under and a belt/sash.  Go white, go nude, go colored... change the look as you wish! Excellent condition.. you'll see a few net breaks here and there only if you look for them, but 10 seconds each with a needle and white thread and they will disappear. Still strong, very wearable. And beautiful! Damn... fits me like a dream!! Measures: 33" bust (up to D cup is fine),  25.5" waist, 55" long from shoulder to hem. Hooks and eyes and button at back (extremely minor rusting at hooks INSIDE hardly worth mentioning - so why am I??).  Great on me at 5'2".  The only thing I guess I would mention for you perfectionists, was only discovered when I tried it on.  Seems perhaps someone realigned the skirt with the bodice and it's just slightly off.  Again, 10 seconds by a seamstress to re-gather in the right place and re-sew.  So easy I could do it!  And I can barely sew on a button.  I just don't have a sewing machine, so... I will leave it to you.   Still very wearable as is if you don't care.  Also Listed in the Wedding Section.  $ 545. Approx. - SIZE 2/4 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #2624] Click on image for additional photos!		#2624 - c. 1910 FOLLER Gowns, Baltimore Ecru Silk Satin Trained Wedding Gown With Silk Fringe - With or Without Beaded Fringe Applique! OK... here's what I've gone and done.  I found this elegant ecru silk satin Edwardian wedding gown with terrific handmade lace yoke and neck, dramatic fringed lace panels at bustline, and silk fringe all over the edges of the gown front and back! So for those of you who love Armani, you will love the gown alone.  However, for those of you (like me) who can't resist a little "Bob Mackie flash"... I pinned on a silver beaded ornamental piece with beaded fringe (!) that echoes the fringe on the dress.  This piece just looks so great on this gown, I just had to offer it with the gown.  So... your choice.. with or without (priced separately). So let's start with just the gown. Please look at the close-up photos to see the detailing!  It's subtle, but great! The gown is in Excellent condition on the exterior! The only thing I could find wrong was a small water stain on the hemline.  However, just like most Edwardian gowns, the lining is shredding and will need to be replaced if you want to wear.  Though it would take a pretty small gal to wear!  The gown measures: 31" bust, 23" empire waist, 13" across back, 13" neck, 57" long in front from shoulder to hem, 67" long in back. Note: the mannequin is 32.5" bust and it fits her just... but she has a tendency not to breathe or move, so you probably want to be a bit smaller.  Also Listed in the Wedding Section. $ 1,175. Gown Alone $ 1,275. Gown with Beaded Piece Approx. - SIZE 0  (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #6175] Click on image for additional photos!		#6175 - c. 1880's Victorian Black Beaded Dolman Mantle Lined in Red Satin! Yeah, OK... so I called this a Mantle as well as a Dolman only because mantle is most commonly known. However, according to the dictionary... a mantle is a "loose sleeveless coat; a cloak"... so... this ain't no mantle... and yet, the fashion magazines of the time called it a mantle! so what's a girl to do???? :)  Just call it gorgeous! :)  Black cut velvet base  covered with jet black beads creating an exquisite pattern.  Large jet black bead medallions adorn the cuffs, and drip down the front of this piece.  Beaded fringe hang off the cuffs and collar.  This is NOT a piece to wear if you want to wave hello, hail a cab or hold onto your hat.  You get extreme limited movement of the arms in this dolmans as they are cut with batwing sleeves. Fully lined in ruby red silk satin!!  Excellent condition with just some beads missing which you'll never find... and one small wear in one shoulder, one small tear at stress point on back "sleeves" - hardly noticeable, but otherwise terrific!!  Even the lining!  Wearable size for today's size Small woman - the backs of these are usually too narrow for humans today.. but this is an exception.  WEARABLE.  Measures: 33-35" bust, 39" long. ! $ 1,485.  Approx. - SIZE Small (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #3984] Click on image for additional photos!		#3984 - c. 1888 Connell, Chicago Black and Taupe/Mauve Faconne Velvet Dolmanette with Ostrich Feather Trim! Every well-dressed Victorian woman owned at least one fancy velvet dolman or mantle.... it was the pashmina or poncho of the times! :) Many were lavish and highly decorated and this is no exception. Some of the photos you will see were lightened to see detail of black velvet, but it's the beauty of the flocked faconne velvet in a highly stylized leaf motif that is so special.. in a pinky taupe and moss green edged in black velvet... has the look of stained glass! Trimmed in black ostrich feathers, lined in black satin. Excellent condition with perhaps some feather loss. Tiny seam tears of lining at collar (see photos). $ 1,150.  Approx. - SIZE (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #4576] Click on image for additional photos!		#4576 - c. 1931/1932 MAISON DOUCET, 57, Knightsbridge, SWI  Beige Lace Gown with Matching Jacket! OK... This could be listed in either the pre-1930 or post-1930 categories, so I will list it in both... as well as wedding, since it would work beautifully for just about anyone!  I wish I could give you history on the London Doucet label, but I find nothing in my research... so I will have to assume it was an authorized London outpost of the most prestigious Parisian Maison Doucet of Jacques Doucet, one of the greatest designers of the late 19th, early 20th centuries. However, Jacques Doucet died in 1929, and his Parisian house was merged with Doeuillet soon after. So.... it's very possible this was a VERY short-lived, Rare London label!!!  Beige lace slender, bias ruffled skirted, sleeveless. 'U' neck gown with high draped bateau back neckline with china silk underlay.  The matching short lace jacket has lovely tiered bell sleeves and no closures.  I added the ribbon and flowers at waist for show... doesn't come with any. Measures: 34-36" bust, up to 31" waist, up to 40" hips, 56" long from shoulder to hem. Side snaps. NOTE:  The nude china silk lining is still attached but is quite fragile (torn at seams, and large stain at hemline), so you will want to remove and wear your own slip under. No big deal.  Many of these antique lace gowns have lost there linings long ago!  At least you have an excellent pattern if you want to remake a new one.  OR.... go naked under!  Woo-woo! Now THAT will make an interesting entrance! :)  Other than lining, Excellent condition with just one small light spot found in skirt.  This is ONE gorgeous piece on!!!  And as you know... ANY couture labeled gowns from the 1930s (the depression era) are VERY rare!!! Also listed in the 1930-Today and Wedding sections. $ 1,885. Approx. - SIZE 6, perhaps 8 (check measurements above)
From FINEST EUROPEAN COLLECTION [ORDER ITEM - #4473] Click on image for additional photos!		#4473 - c. 1927 Black Beaded Cotton Net Flapper Dress in Deco Chevron Pattern! LARGER SIZE! Here's yet another Near Mint condition beaded flapper dress from the Museum Quality collection I was lucky to get. This dress was designed to party the night away... evidenced by the open slits at the skirt sides 20" to hip!  Wonderful scalloped and slight handkerchief hemline.  The dress is fully beaded of silver beads in two patterns for a modified chevron design. All on cotton net.  Note:  Beaded flapper dresses on cotton netting are the ones originally made in France or Belgium and have withstood the test of time thanks to the cotton base, as opposed to other 1920s dresses beaded on chiffon which have, or are in the process of disintegrating over time due to the weight of the beading on fragile fabric. So always best to buy the cotton net flapper dresses if you want to wear them! Measures: up to 42" bust, up to 37" waist, up to 44" hips, 39-46" long from shoulder to hem.  Shown on a size 6 mannequin and since flapper dresses can be worn large, it will fit a smaller size as well. $ 2,285.  Approx. - SIZE 10/12 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #4650] Click on image for additional photos!		#4650 - c. 1905 White Eyelet, Cluny Lace and Embroidery 2-piece Linen Gown with Matching Bolero! WOW! Amazing and ornate embroidery and lace. Very strong and wearable. Tons of French knots, eyelet and embroidery. The dress is two pieces... the skirt is attached to a sheer net short-sleeved blouse,and then worn with a sleeveless bolero jacket. The pieces are clean and white and ready to wear! Excellent condition, can't find a flaw! It was soaked clean by the previous owner, so it should stand up well to continued soaking! The dress seems to have much handwork. The pink sash was just added by me... not included. Measures: 36" bust (net stretches), 27" waist, 55" long from shoulder to hem, slightly longer in back. The bolero can be worn open or hooked at center closure. If worn with a petticoat, it will give it just the right period look.. I just forgot when photographing to give it that correct volume. Waaahhh! However, I think you can use your imagination! $ 1,450. Approx. - SIZE 6/8 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #4455] Click on image for additional photos!		#4455 - c. 1910 Ivory Wool Ratine Ladies Suit! One of the best things about this suit is the label! Classic! Even the typeface is great! Obviously, according to the label, it is true couture! :) "Tailored to measure by The American Ladies Tailoring Co., Chicago." And for all you antique car enthusiasts... the perfect item to wear if you happen to have a 1910 Model T Ford.. aka "Tin Lizzie"! Just add a hat and a pair of goggles! OR... if you happen to be an early Suffragette (the women's social and political group which became known as the Suffragettes in 1909). I'm assuming in the year 2010 there will be a 100-year re-enactment of the Suffragette Demonstration of 1910. in the UK (when, during a clash with police, hundreds of suffragettes were imprisoned!). So.. buy this suit now so you are ready to join in!!! :) Classic S-curve shape ivory 2-piece suit made of ivory wool rating (has a nice diagonally lined texture). Excellent condition!! The jacket is like new! Perfect lining, etc. The skirt has always been unlined. Measures: up to 36" bust, 23/24" waist, up to 35" hips, 35" long jacket from shoulder to hem, 39" long skirt. You can wear with the jacket closed and not worry about the skirt waist so much, or grab your corset and pull tight!! This jacket is looks perfectly modern and wearable!! Or is it just me??? Have I been living too long in the past???? $ 875.  Approx. - SIZE 4 (check measurements above)
[ORDER ITEM - #4332] Click on image for additional photos!		#4332 - c. mid-19th Century Woven Paisley Shawl with NO Plain Ground! Museum Quality and Condition! You know Pashmina shawls.. every women has one. Well, as per fashion historian Meg Andrews,... for 100 years from 1770-1870 it was the paisley shawl that was in fashion! The reached the height of popularity in the mid-1800s when the skirt became huge... and every better class trousseau included one! From 1840-75 the shawls were made much larger to cover the skirt. As is true with so many fashions.. once shawls had become affordable so every woman could own at least one.. nobody wanted to wear them! Not to mention they didn't look so great over the "new" bustled gowns. I've researched a lot of paisley shawls, and have found few better than this! Exquisite and vibrant colors (olive-brown, red, yellow, white), wonderful design, good size, shawl and fringe in near mint condition, etc. Measures: 68" x 69" with 4" border and 3.5" fringe. There is nothing that isn't paisley! No center, no solid grounds... 100% paisley design! Likely English in origin. The only issues are one dirt round spot near an edge (see 6th photo) and extremely slight wear to one tiny area near fringe edge (see last extreme close-up photo). If you have a collection of antique clothing, it is not complete without a paisley shawl.. and since I know you want the best... here it is! $ 945.
From FINEST EUROPEAN COLLECTION [ORDER ITEM - #4492] Click on image for additional photos!		#4492 - c. 1926 Black Silk Charmeuse Wrap Flapper Dress with Bead Trim! This dress stumps me a bit...the bead trim is unquestionably vintage 1920's.. but I wonder if the silk charmeuse is old fabric re-designed into a new dress. There is nothing but a hint that it isn't all original. And certainly it's the beading that is so special... not to mention how SEXY this dress is on! The silk drapes beautifully on the body! And you can size a bit to fit by just changing the snap closure at waist. Get the best of both worlds... the look of a 1920's dress with the shape of a modern designer piece! Measures: 34" bust, up to 32" waist, up to 36" hips, 40" long from shoulder to hem. Excellent condition. $ 585.  Approx. - SIZE 2-6 (check measurements above)
		NEXT PAGE - More Items for Sale
SOLD		#6766 - c. 1903 Trained Taupe Wool Flannel Cutwork 2-piece Tea Gown!  I work very hard to try to find the most beautiful items for this website.  I've seen sooo many antique/vintage pieces in my life, it takes more and more to excite me.  So I was happy to find a few really special pieces lately!  How do ya like this one??  For those of you who are purists, I have to say upfront that the gorgeous and vibrant turquoise silk lining has been replaced by an expert (certainly not by me!).  This turquoise peeks through all the small cutwork dots and soutache ornaments!!  Fantastic!!  The exterior taupe wool gown (and now the turquoise lining as well) is in excellent condition with only the most tiny and minor moth holes!  Look at the close-up photos to see all the detail of chenille soutache embroidery and needle lace high collar and cuffs, gold enamel buttons, scalloped cuffs, etc. Measures: 35/36" bust, 26/27" waist, 40" long from waist to hem in front, 57" long in back. A Very wearable gown!!!  I would probably wear a cameo pin at the front neck... it would be the perfect complement.  $ 1,845.  SOLD Approx. - SIZE 4/6 (check measurements above)
SOLD		#4493 - c. 1927 Made in France Aqua Sequin Deco Design Mini Flapper Dress on Nude Cotton Netting!  Oh my god - this dress is incredible on!!!! SO sparkly!!! Absolute showstopper. This dress is like none I've seen before.  It's original to the 1920s - no question - but it's too short as is to have been the entire dress.  I'm sure this dress was worn as a tunic over a silk underslip (most all flapper beaded/sequin dresses were sheer and therefore worn with silk slips).  And since the shape of the dress is quite full at the hemline, I'm thinking that perhaps the lower portion of the underslip was covered in matching aqua dyed ostrich or marabou feathers!  Similar to the Parisian Dec. 1925 etching dress (see photos).  It's something you might consider making... unless you prefer to just wear the dress as is and show off those great legs of yours! :)  The dress is in Excellent condition with just a few sequins missing showing through to the light ecru net base (see close-ups).  There are sequins which are bunched up that might just need repositioning.  Overall, unless you are inspecting the dress, it's Excellent.  The design is terrific... slight color hue differences in the aqua create a Deco design with tiny rhinestones at low "v" neckline. Measures: up to 36/37" chest, up to 34" waist, up to 43" hips, 34" long (that's short!) from shoulder to hem.   $ 1,745. SOLD Approx. - SIZE 6/8, perhaps 10 (check measurements above)
SOLD		#4490 - c. 1925 Black Silk and Crepe Flapper Dress with Slit Skirt Front!  One of the few dresses from this fabulously rare collection of 1920s flapper dresses that is not beaded on cotton netting.  Instead this dress is a fine black silk - fully lined at top, and then the dress is unlined, sheer and open from hip to hem in front! So it needs to be worn with a half slip... unless you are Paris Hilton! Wear a black slip, or go wild with silver lame or nude or whatever else floats your boat! :) But PLEASE wear a slip! The beading is black jet which sparkles in the light, and then the "firework" flowers are created from pronged brilliant rhinestones!!  Awesome.  Excellent condition. Gorgeous on!!!  Elegant! Measures:  up to 34" bust, up to 35/36" hips (will go on 37" hips, but better smaller), 43" long from shoulder to hem. $ 1,395. SOLD Approx. - SIZE 2/4 (check measurements above)
SOLD on LAYAWAY		#5620 - c. 1911/1912 Edwardian Dress of Ecru Silk/Linen with Silk Fringe! For those of you who want the "Somewhere in Time" or "Titanic" look without paying a fortune... I have a gorgeous Edwardian gown for you!!  This seems to be a silk/linen blend in the classic linen color trimmed in matching Irish crochet lace at yoke and neck, and matching wide lace at bodice and diagonally across skirt.... oh, and then there is that FABULOUS silk fringe!!!!  Seems to be everywhere!   And then as if that is not enough... two beautiful mother-of-pearl (MOP) ornaments with blush light blue satin, 3 MOP ornamental buttons, thin trim of that same blush blue satin and knife pleated hemline!  If this dress had no issues, it would be over $1000, but it has light stains here and there and under the arms, and the lace at the cuffs is tearing, with one small lace hole at neck.  These are really quite minor issues for such a fabulous dress... even the interior is great....  AND it's a wearable size measuring 34" bust, 28" underbust, 27" waist, up to 40" hips, 13.5" neck, 53" long from shoulder to hem (so it's only for short gals!).   Take a look at all the photos and then get out your credit card.   $ 685. SOLD on LAYAWAY Approx. - SIZE 4/6 (check measurements above)
SOLD on LAYAWAY		#6745 - c. late 1870's/early 1880's Fan Trained Wedding Gown of Cream Silk Satin with Crystal Beading! First thing you have to do is click on the photo at the left to see the extensive white crystal beading down the front of the skirt, around the neckline and on the sleeves. Only the wealthiest of brides would have such an elaborate wedding gown!  Likely too small to be worn today (unless you are a Calista Flockhart or Audrey Hepburn build). Awesome details including self-fabric pleated fans on the skirt sides.  I've added a sprig of wax flowers at the bust (doesn't come with it), but I would decorate this gown with additional similar wax or silk blossoms.  The condition is excellent, with a few issues to explain.  First off the dress itself is excellent with no underarm staining or anything... strong material... clean interior.  However, there is one spot on front side skirt (see photos) and then the fact that the netting behind the beading is torn away, yet the beading is strong everywhere but on one shoulder where the beading needs to be retacked.  Still, it is mostly all there! Just needs a little TLC to be nearly mint.   Measures:  30" bust, 23"/24" waist, 38" long skirt from waist to hem in front, and 66" long in back.  $ 1,785. SOLD on LAYAWAY Approx. - SIZE 00 (check measurements above)
SOLD		#5693 - c. 1889-1892 Mme. Lambert de St-Omer Black Lace Cape with Black Bead and Chenille Yoke!  Thanks to Mark who deciphered the name on this label... but it seem no one can read second line (address?) on this cape! Possibly a N-V, though I don't know what that would mean? I will let you figure out what you think it is. This black lace cape is fairly easy to date as it has tiny shoulderpads!  So if you look through the fashion magazines of the time, you will see that the shoulders popped up from about 1889-1892 and the expanded into the extremely huge "mutton" and "balloon" sleeves of the mid 1890's... at which point the capes got shorter to look better with the voluminous sleeves.  This cape is still in Excellent condition (except for one area at midback where the lace has some small breaks (see photos - easily disguised in all this lace!) and the fact that the beading threads are brown (yet amazingly still strong, and beads are staying on!).  Nothing else wrong to report to you.  Fresh from a Southern estate where you'd expect them to want a nice "airy" lace cape! :)  I still don't know how they survived in their corsets and head-to-toe dresses without air conditioning!!!   We are SUCH wimps today, eh? :)  Measures:  38" long from shoulder to hem and will fit most anyone.   $ 385.  SOLD
SOLD		#5605 - c. 1870's Gray-Green 3-piece Bustle Gown! Near Mint condition 3-piece gown! One of those pieces that makes you think you went back in time because the condition is so terrific!  The three pieces are the bodice, the skirt and then the long overskirt.  Bodice is trimmed in thin matching satin.  Crochet buttons in same color as well. Lace at cuffs. The material seems to be a strong silk/linen blend.   OK, now I have to say, I'm not absolutely sure I have the overskirt facing the right way.  Sorry... I think it's right, but I won't swear to it.  I'll let you figure it out! :) Measures:  up to 29" bust, up to 24" waist, 50" long from shoulder to hem. $ 685.  SOLD Approx. - SIZE 00 (check measurements above)
SOLD		#5610 - c. 1867 Purple Taffeta Trained 2-piece Gown with Separate Belt!  I am telling you right now, you can't fit into this.  Great for display or for a large doll!  I have a "thing" for purple... I think I must have some regal blood as I always gravitate toward this color.  I've had to lighten the color a bit in the photos otherwise you would see no details... so it's a deep, but not overly dark purple. This gown was purchased in 1973 by the previous owner  who put it into storage and just decided it was time to let it go.  It's pretty, but not perfect.  There are underarm stains and there are light patches of slight loss of color here and there on the skirt and one upper sleeve  (see photos).  Other than that, the skirt was likely resewn, or repaired as the the sewing just under the waistband is messy in front placket and back (see photos). And there are only a very few teeny pinholes in skirt when you hold up to the light.  The belt bow at back seems to need a bit of work - just held together with a pin.  Measures: 32" bust, 21" waist, 10" across back (!), 41" long skirt in front, 55" long in back. Shown with hoop under that doesn't come with it. Much handstitching along with machine stitching. Priced to sell for those of you who are young collectors for study! SOLD Approx. - SIZE 000 (check measurements above)
SOLD		#3640 - c. 1880 Ecru Satin and Tan Lace Bustle Skirt!  As you know, I don't often just sell separates, but it's a recession so I know I have many customers who can't live without feeding their vintage habit (yes, it's just like a drug addict!  I know as I am one of you!!)... so as I can, I'm trying to photograph some of the more affordable, yet still fabulous pieces in my collection.  Who knows?  You might have the perfect bodice to match this skirt! It's still a lovely piece... just needs a bodice (as I don't think you want to wear it topless).   This bustle skirt is an ecru satin with an especially beautiful hemline with the gathering and knife pleating!  And the interest of the tan lace cascading diagonally across the front. Excellent condition with a couple brown spots at front.  BUT, take a look at the photos... you can see I turned the satin under at front in one of the photos and the spots disappear!  So with a bit of tacking, it would look great.  Measures:  25" waist, 42" long from waist to hem.  You can probably get a bit creative in the waist at back and re-arrange bustle to hide another couple added inches in the waistline (as it is, the waistband itself is only 25" long, so you will have to add material or ribbon or whatever to increase size). $ 485.  SOLD Approx. - SIZE 4 (check measurements above)
SOLD		#4511 - c. 1892 Reception Gown of Golden Ecru Brocade with Rare Watteau Train!  These photos may not give you the full effect of the beauty of the color of this brocade.. it's a gorgeous golden ecru... very rich looking! Hard to believe there is no designer name on the petersham!! This is one of the best reception gowns I've had due to the unique and fairly rare watteau bow back!  That piece of the train is actually part of the skirt that hooks high onto the bodice with hooks.  The gown is edged with a pretty silk ribbon, gathered and purposely "distressed" to create the design. The interior bodice is cotton so it's in near mint condition - with the original bust pads still soft and in place (!).  The hemline of the underskirt has a still triple ruffle.   Measures:  30" bust, 21" waist, 41" long from waist to hem, 72" long in back. Near Mint condition with just a couple hooks/eyes missing, and some rust spotting ONLY on lining.  The exterior is like  Crazy good.... you'd almost think you've gone back in time!  And perhaps with this gown, you could.  Tiny size, so really only for display or your young daughter.  $ 1,895.  SOLD Approx. - SIZE 00 (check measurements above)
SOLD		#6750 - c. 1890's Black Silk Velvet Jet Beaded Cape!  There are times when I just run out of things to say.  Perhaps it's because I'm updating this website while watching television (I like to muli-task!).  So I'm just gonna let you look at ths photos of this beaded velvet cape and make up your own description.  Certainly looks special enough to have been a Parisian cape!! Exquisite black jet beaded in a floral trellis design and a modified Crimped silk gauze trim around the bottom and neckline.  Black satin "leaves" all around the shoulders and back edged in beading.  Awesome look!  Small satin bow at neck back.  Fully lined in black silk.  Please forgive the photo of the cape laying down.  It must have been moving (it certainly couldn't have been MY fault!!).   I'll re-photograph at some point.  The cape is in  Excellent condition - which is what you really need to know!  The close-up photos will tell you everything else.  $ 865.   SOLD
SOLD on LAYAWAY		#6747 - c. 1860's Trained White Fine Linen 2-piece Gown Trimmed in Purple Ribbon! Civil War Era! Wearable Size!  OK...  This gown leaves me weak in the knees!  I rarely see a 1860's gown that I love... usually they are just too dark, or plaid, or something other than "heavenly" like this particular one!  Two-piece, fine linen lawn gown with deep v-front bodice, pagoda sleeves, long back streamers attached to back bodice, bodice and trained skirt are trimmed with purple silk taffeta ribbons and embroidered white on white lace. Like I said "HEAVENLY"!   Measures:   35/36" bust, 26" underbust /ribcage (14.5" long from shoulder to bottom of bodice), 27" waist, 40" long skirt at front,  67" long at back.  Excellent condition with just the tiniest holes and period mends on skirt, pinhead rust stains and one on shoulder.  Other than that one rust spot shown in photo, most anyone would call this MINT condition.  Crisp, white, and strong! Shown with a hoop petticoat under (doesn't come with it -my hoop is a 1950's era, so you can easily buy one - find one where the hoops don't show through as this dress is fairly sheer).  The bodice is short, so you will want to wear a white or matching purple sash/belt.  Wearable for a 1860's Civil War era wedding gown... ooh carrying a bouquet of purple flowers.  I always say I seek out the best of the best for this website... you gotta agree with me that I hit the jackpot on this one, eh?  $ 2,685.  SOLD on LAYAWAY Approx. - SIZE 2/4, small ribcage 6 (check measurements above)
SOLD		#4765 - c. 1922 Smashing Black Sequin Evening Dress on Netting! Oh my...  I wish you could see this sparkling in the light!  The photos just don't do it justice... perhaps I can add some video   Measures: 35/36" bust, up to 41" hips, 49" long from shoulder to hem. I've photographed it without a slip under to show detail and the sheer area of netting at the waistband.  It likely originally was worn with a black silk slip under, but I might suggest a nude color slip to show off the detail as much as possible.  Check out the great hanging netted scarves!  Excellent condition with tiny leg breaks here and there in the netting and some beads missing on the (to be) re-enforced shoulders (see photos).    $ 1,465. SOLD Approx. - SIZE 4-8, perhaps small 10 (check measurements above)
SOLD		#9986 - c. 1926/1927 EXTRAORDINARILY RARE ATTRIBUTED TO JEANNE LANVIN Ivory Silk Evening Coat with Fur Collar Lined in Brown Silk Velvet! This fabulous piece just came to me "out of the blue" from the descendant of a wealthy woman who travelled in only the best circles.  The family oral history is that this coat was a "runway" piece from Jeanne Lanvin's Parisian Couture house. My expert fashion historian dated it to likely Winter 1927 due to the bell-bottomed sleeves (introduced in 1926 - but at the height of fashion in the Autumn/Winter collections of 1927, when couturiers used all their design ingenuity in finding clever dressmaker details, and decorative treatments, to emphasize these flaired, wide-bottomed sleeves.  Certainly, the extraordinary cartridge-pleating on this coat qualifies as a "clever dressmaker detail."  The placement of this decoration, both to emphasize the width of the sleeve and to suggest a slight flare toward the hem of the garment, reinforces this probability.   The quality of the materials, and the craftsmanship, do suggest that this is real couture, missing label notwithstanding.  In the Fall of 1927, both Doeuillet and Martial & Armand showed coats that vaguely resemble this one, but while there are no specific "designerisms," to verify the Lanvin attribution, there is also no compelling reason to doubt the family tradition that it is, indeed, by Lanvin.  This MAY be a "one of a kind" sample, and if so... it's certainly extremely rare!  The exterior is ivory silk tightly gathered into the "feather" scalloped edged design in the bell sleeves and stepped sides and back.  The interior is completely lined in a brown silk velvet. The large collar worn as you see or high and tight (as often seen in the 1920s) is a brown silky fur (not sure what).  There are no closures on the coat.. it just stays open as you see, or use a brooch to close... the fashion etchings from that era just show coats held closed when wrapped.  It's quite small... as shown on the size 2 mannequin, it really should wrap a slight bit more... so it's better for a size 0 today.   The condition is very good... Excellent in the structure and the detailing, but the plain ivory silk has large waterspots (light, but they are there) in the front (see photos)... and age spotting on the inside (not seen) under the velvet lining. This is really a coat for a collection or museum as it's SO special!   Or certainly if you have a Lanvin retrospective ball to attend....  well, this should be one of the highlights of that evening!  A RARE DESIGNER 1920s COAT!  Also Listed in the Museum and Furs Categories.  $ 5,000. SOLD Approx. - SIZE 0 (check measurements above
SOLD		#9982 - c. 1920's CHANEL, Paris Adaptation Red Silk Velvet Flapper Coat! Amazingly, this is the 2nd of these Chanel Adaptation velvet flapper coats I've had! The first one was sold a few years ago, but was a black velvet.  This one is a strikingly beautiful ruby red silk velvet!!  To explain... there is the authentic Coco Chanel piece from the 1920's that are quite rare. So, a few of the top designers agreed to license adaptations which are exact replicas of the authentic items made from the same time period and often made using the actual fabrics bought from the designer.  I would imagine that this gorgeous ruby red silk velvet flapper coat is indeed made from the same silk velvet that Chanel used... because it is one of the plushest, softest velvet I have ever felt (and I've felt a lot!). The detailing is all in the ruched collar (similar to the Worth Velvet coat I sold from the 1930s).  The quality of the design is in the elegant simplicity.  The condition is Excellent on the exterior. The ivory silk lining has just a bit of ripping at the underarms.  It's a wrap coat with no closures, or you can wear open.  $ 945.   SOLD Approx. - SIZE 0-6 (check measurements above)
SOLD on LAYAWAY		#6313 - c. 1898 Ballgown / Afternoon Trained Gown of Ivory Silk Faille with Pearls Trim with Separate Sleeves!  Wearable Size! Yup, here's a wearable condition 2-piece gown in a wearable size! And it's in Excellent condition!  Hard to find! So, where should I start?  I want to start with the trained skirt... because of the beautiful detailing of the three lines of faux pearls down the skirt front ending in chiffon centered pearl bows!!  The bodice has elaborated pearl beading at waist front, around waist,  down the front and around the sleeves.  Then there is additional silver (old patina) braiding, pearl and sequin decorative trim at bustline. The slightly gathered short sleeves were worn as you see for ballgown, and then the additional separate long sleeves were worn for less fancy affair!  There are the most minor of issues (I've photographed all!)... otherwise it's practically like new... the fabric is extremely strong!!!    There are some pearls missing - mostly at the waist front, and in the silver neckline.  One underarm is slightly torn, the top of one undersleeve has a very slight reddish spot, there is one small black spot on back skirt near hem, and the lining of the skirt hem is tearing.  These are SO minor, but I'm just telling you everything.  The photos will show you how picky I am being!! Measures: 33/34" bust, 25/26" waist, 42" long from waist to hem in front, 52" long in back.  Fits on me.. you should just have smallish back/shoulders and short waist.   Also Listed in the Wedding Section. $ 1,485.  SOLD on LAYAWAY Approx. - SIZE 4 (check measurements above)
SOLD		#9978 - RARE c. 1900 Black Chantilly Lace Skirt with Ruffles! Sure, you can find Chantilly lace shawls here and there, but when was the last time you found a total Chantilly lace c.1900 skirt??  And better yet, one with a mass of ruffles at the sides and back hemline?? This skirt was likely made by an expert seamstress back in the early 1900s from a Civil War era Chantilly lace shawl. Wonderful!  And in near mint condition with only a few of the tiniest pinholes (see photos of the only problems I've found).  Wearable with care.  The lace is not dry or weak.  As you can see, great care was taken in the making of this skirt to have the front and sides of the skirt show off the best of the pattern of the lace.  In order to do that, the back of the skirt had to be professionally tailored sewing the laces together in a bit of a patchwork (which you can cover if you want with streamers or panels of black silk.  If you wear the waist smaller, that will all be gathered and will not show.  Currently measures a remarkable 32" waist, 40" long in front, 43" long in back. You can wear at this size, OR as I said, you can gather in the back of the skirt (which will look great as you see in the photos) to make it fit any smaller waist. I show the skirt over an underskirt which doesn't come with it.  You can wear over various colors to create different looks. For the most spectacular ballgown, your mission in life then is to find (or make) a black Chantilly lace simple bodice with low neck and puffy sleeves (that's just the image in my mind, you might have another). But you have to own the skirt first.    $ 1,285.  SOLD  Approx. - SIZE 2-14 (check measurements above)
SOLD		#6326 - c. 1920's CIERI, Hartford Connecticut Fabulous Teal Blue Silk Velvet Flapper Coat with Gold Lame Embroidery and Off-White Fox Fur Trim!  You have to look at the close up, and larger photos of this coat!  REALLY!  I had to make the photos so small at the left so you could quickly see both the front and the back of this amazing coat.  The only other flapper coat I have seen with a fully decorated back was a Liberty & Co. beaded coat I sold for & $7,750!  OK, so have you looked at the photos yet?  If so, you can read on. If not... I'll wait here for you.  OK ready?  Sublime color of teal blue silk velvet with burnished gold lame embroidery in deco floral design.  Closes with buttons one at top, one at hip, slightly wrapped.  The skirt of the front is slightly "skirted" for a bit of flounce.  The interior lining is almost as fabulous as the exterior.. in a bird silk (see photos).  Excellent condition with only a minor darkening of lining at upper back and the fox fur has some slight wear.  Still fluffy and not dried out or anything, just wear ... Still lots of life left as is, or you can easily replace the fur when the time comes as the coat is still in remarkably great condition.  Measures: 45" long from shoulder to hem.  Also Listed in the Furs, etc. Section. $ 1,585. SOLD Approx. - SIZE 2-8 (check measurements above)
SOLD		#6658 - c. 1920's White Net Gauze Embroidered Dress! Great dress with lots of detailing! Looks great on me even though it's way larger than I would normally wear anything, but that's the greatness of 20's dresses.... they are meant to be worn larger.  It's all about the dress, not the shape.  So if it's all about the dress, the dress better be fabulous... as is this!  So pretty, it can be worn for an informal wedding dress.  Ankle length on me at 5'2".  Shorter would also look great, or... wear with a longer underdress/slip.  You can choose any color, or white.  Fabulous white embroidery at mid section, filet embroidered lace in a zig-zag design.  Short cap sleeves.  Side snaps. The dress is in Very good condition as there is some pulling of material at side seams area ( see photos).  The dress may have been smaller at side seams?  Often these dresses look exactly the same front and back, but although the top is nearly identical both sides, the skirt is different in the back... beautifully embroidered.  I show the dress with a nude slip under, but it doesn't come with it.  Measures:  38" bust, up to 35" waist, up to 38" hips, 52" long from shoulder to hem.     Also Listed in the Wedding Section. $ 1,465.  SOLD Approx. - SIZE 6-10 (check measurements above)
SOLD on LAYAWAY		#6245 - c. 1882 Wedding Bustle Gown of Ivory Satin with Pearls and Silk Confetti Fringe! Back Lacing! Long Train!  Seems to be getting harder to find really special bustle gowns.   Or perhaps I'm just not looking in the right places.  Seems the only place I'm finding these really special bustle gowns is on my own website! :) OR, if you are quick, in YOUR closet! :)  Fabulous ivory satin wedding gown trimmed in faux pearls, great silk floss "like confetti" fringe and lace.  1882 was just before the return on the bustle, so you see the beginnings of the bunching at back with the mass of bows.  This is a one-piece gown with an attached inner slip. The bodice is cotton lined, so still in near mint condition. I love the back laced gowns... you just need the lace (a thin ribbon would work, or thin cording). Excellent condition with some pearls and the back lacing missing, minor spots in the skirt which can totally disappear with the right gathering, and the only other issue found is a minor light reddish hue on one side of bust (so light it cannot be seen in photos).  Really in as great a condition as you will find for any gown 127 years old! :) Measures: 36" bust, 24.5" waist, 13" across back, 42" long skirt in front, 78" long in back.    Also Listed in the Wedding Section. $ 2,450.  SOLD on LAYAWAY Approx. - SIZE 2 (small waist) (check measurements above)
SOLD		#6066 - c. 1905 MAURICE-MAYER, Paris Ermine and Crochet Lace Winter Jacket! Very Wearable Size! I was lucky enough to have found and sold a Maurice-Mayer trained evening or bridal gown (which you can still see from my museum archive pages at:  http://www.antiquedress.com/item2839.htm  Obviously this designer label created spectacular pieces!  This jacket being yet another.  Ermine, in the past, was the fur only worn by the royals. Finally the wealthiest women had access to ermine .... but you will still find only a few pieces from this era. Off-white crochet lace edged as you see in ermine fur and trimmed in black velvet flat ribbon.  Under the lace is a sheer voile.  The interior is a thin wool to ward off the winter chill. The two rhinestone encrusted buttons at front are decorative, just closes with hook and eye.  The condition is Excellent except for the fact that the original lining is gone (the lining in the sleeves is still there but totally shredded - as was the lining of the trained evening gown I had) and a few tiny rhinestones gone from the buttons.  The label luckily still remains!  You will still see the lace and chiffon trim still at the inner sides.  Measures a very wearable up to 47" bust (!), 14" across back armseam to armseam, 21-25" long from shoulder to hem (slightly shorter in back).   $ 1,285. SOLD Approx. - SIZE 6-12 (14" across back) (check measurements above)
SOLD on LAYAWAY		#6450 - c. 1916 Butterfly Angelic Dressing Gown Robe! Undeniably one of the most extraordinary dressing gowns from the WWII era! I had a hard time trying to date this gown... it's in near MINT condition with extremely strong fabric and laces.  You think it's likely newer than 1916, but nothing else fits the style and shape, and certainly the only label in the gown at mid-back that reads "back centre" is older type and the older of European spelling of "centre".  The gown is a confection of pure cream color silk (?) and gold metallic trims. There is an inner skirt with tiny pleated hem and an overskirt of net with lace and gold metallic embellishments. The bodice has metallic stitching in a quilted pattern and gold accented laces around the neckline and down the front.  It buttons up the front.   Measures:  34" bust, 25/26" high-ish waist, 26.5" ribcage, 56" long from shoulder to hem.  Another way of dating this gown is for the length... which is fairly short, which was the "new" just-above-ankle length from the mid-teens.  If you are 5'2" to 5'4" it will be close to the floor as you see.  If you are taller, it would be worn at the more era correct length. I am at a bit of a loss confirming that the fabric is silk as it's just in too good a condition, so it's possible this is a very early "artificial silk" later named rayon.  It's a fabulous material, soft as silk, but strong as rayon!!    Also Listed in the Lingerie Section. $ 1,895. SOLD on LAYAWAY Approx. - SIZE 6 (check measurements above)
SOLD		#9935 - c. 1908 Black Lace Overdress Gown!  I'm dating this just by the Princess shape simplicity of 1908.  If you think I'm off by a few years, let me know. But I'm close, I'm sure.  Absolutely "killer" black lace overdress of extraordinary beauty.  All you would need is a colored or nude underdress (easy for a seamstress to make).  Think of the possibilities!  A red/burgundy underdress would give the Titanic look.  A nude would take their breath away!  White for an unbelievable Black & White gala ballgown.  Light blue would be darling... and any other color that suits your mood.  The long sleeves are horizontally striped lace, and the rest of the dress has an almost art nouveau look.  NOTE:  the square neckline shape is pinned at the lower straps, otherwise it was much too wide for her shoulders/bust... so you can indeed wear like this or if you are wider-shouldered it would be a bit more rounded neckline.  The dress is also shown worn long, but it WILL train in the back as it's longer.  Measures:  36/37" bust, up to 28" waist, up to 34" hips (best - but if you are larger, let me check first to see if it will fit. It has some give, but you don't want to stress it too much), 60" long from shoulder to hem in front, 77" long in back. Snaps in back are VERY strong, so just unsnap with care and strong nails! :)  The dress is in Very Good condition.... there are a few lace breaks and small netting holes here and there, but nothing dramatic (see photos).  Many are fixable with a few stitches.  The netting holes can be patched if you care, or just let be.  $ 1,285.  SOLD Approx. - SIZE 4-8 (check hips) (check measurements above)
SOLD on LAYAWAY		#6061 - c. 1915-1920 LORD & TAYLOR French Blue Silk Velvet and Floral and Gold Lame Deco Evening Cape! I don't really have to say much about this, do I?  Come on... I mean, if you don't understand how great this piece is, then you probably shouldn't call yourself a deco lover! :)  I mean... just look at it! Even more special in person because the printed deco gold lame gets a bit washed out in the photos.... because when the light hits it, it just shimmers with gold highlights!! The gold lame deco design and embroidery is a persimmon coral, french blue, off-white and soft black. Then the french blue silk velvet similarly shimmers (as only antique velvet can!)from french blue to a silvery hue. Awesome!  In addition, you will see in the photos the heavy silk and gold metallic floss embroidery at the transition from velvet to lame.  Wide floppy collar.  Closes with simple hook/eye.  Fully lined in ecru silk crepe lining which is all over lightly water-stained, but still all there... and you won't ever see this when wearing!  Excellent condition exterior with just a bit of fading on one side only seen under the harshest of lights.  If you check out the cape under normal lighting conditions, you'll think I'm crazy... and you will find NOTHING wrong with it!   Measures:  51" long from shoulder to hem.    $ 1,685. SOLD on LAYAWAY Approx. - SIZE Small/Medium (check measurements above)
SOLD Click on image for additional photos!		#4539 - c. 1921 MADELINE & MADELINE, Paris Bottle Green Silk Velvet Embroidered and Beaded 2-piece Dinner Dress! Sold at Bergdorf & Goodman, Co. OK.. pay attention now...  you may not know this label, but you should! A very important Parisian label, they opened their couture house in 1919, but unfortunately they were one of the first casualties of the Depression so Madeline & Madeline garments are very hard to find!  The rest of the label reads:  Modele Depose  and Marque Déposée  (I suppose you want me to tell you what that means, but I'm one of those stupid Americans who can only speak American! :)    However thanks to my Canadian web-friend, who translated for me:  Marque Déposée means that the trade mark, in this case Madeleine & Madeleine, is registered and protected under law and Modèle Déposé means that the actual style is registered and protected.  THANKS Mark!  The Bergdorf label is one of the oldest I've seen!  Very dark bottle green silk velvet (chinchilla soft velvet!) dress with nude net bodice (see last photos - too small for my mannequin so it's a bit funny looking) with great draping at skirt side embroidered with ivory silk floss and tube shaped seed pearls in floral and leaf design.  The same embroidery on the batwing overblouse with wide floss and beaded waistband.  Simply elegant!  Excellent condition with just some beads missing which hardly affects the design from afar and three small velvet crushes at front skirt (just need steaming out). Measures:  32" bust (underdress), 26" waist, up to 36" hips. Also Listed in the Museum Section.  $ 3,850.  SOLD Approx. - SIZE 2/4 (check measurements above)
SOLD		#4056 - c. 1905 E. CHARLES, New York Ivory Floral Silk Brocade Lace and Velvet Evening Coat in the Style of the House of Worth!  Ah... if only I could prove my theory that this is indeed a Worth, with the importer's New York label.  I have seen a very similar piece WITH the Worth label intact. And certainly the details, inner pink mauve chiffon ruffle and beauty of the floral silk brocade material all seems to scream Worth... to me.  You will have to decide what you think as there is no way to do anything but to sell it priced "as is" with just the E. Charles, New York label. Gold bullion embroidered applique trim on dark olive velvet high collar and yoke and sleeve trim. Heavy dark ecru lace sleeves and yoke trim.  The pink mauve chiffon lines the lace sleeves and peaks out in pleated form at the cuffs.  Olive chiffon edges the pink mauve chiffon around cuffs and inside back of neck.  Condition:  The exterior brocade is great! As is the lace sleeves as is the cotton olive velvet.  The gold lace is tarnished, but all there. So, the exterior is quite wonderful. It's the interior with problems. The satin lining has quite a few slits  but is all still there. The pink mauve chiffon and lining is torn inside the sleeves and chiffon has a few tears at cuffs.  The chiffon is also worn at inside back neck (hidden with collar worn up as shown). Measures:  46" long from shoulder to hem. Excellent condition with slight dirt marks on exterior. So... it's a beautiful display piece, and with a relining, you may want to wear it out to your most special event.   $ 2,450. SOLD Approx. - SIZE Small/Medium (check measurements above)
SOLD		#6535 - c. 1926 Black and White Silk Print Day Dress!  I usually stick with evening or fancy dresses and gowns, but every once in a while a fabulous day dress comes along in near Mint condition.  So what's a girl to do?  Leave it there? No way!! Especially not when the dress is as "yummy" as this sweet thing.  Great black and white "daisy" silk print trimmed in solid black silk at tiered skirt, bow tie at neckline, stripes down front, back tie and bow at front dropped waist which has a terrific silver embossed faux buckle.  I can't find anything wrong with this dress... either in design or condition!  It's like new... Ok... except for one slight pull at back sleeve seam. Snap cuffs. Measures: 38-40" bust, up to 43" hips, 44" long from shoulder to hem, 14.5" across back between armseams.  No closures - just goes on over the head.  Meant to be worn loose.  A rare beauty! $ 685.  SOLD Approx. - SIZE 6/8, perhaps small back 10 (check measurements above)
SOLD		#4597 - c. 1912 Incredible Bright Lavender Chiffon and Silk Satin Edwardian Gown with Crystal Beading and Beaded Fringe! Regal enough for a royal princess! And if you are anything like me.. that means YOU! I'm sure I was royalty during at least one of my previous lives! :) And I would certainly have ordered this gown.. perhaps one in every color! Wonderful brilliant lavender silk satin with an overlay of matching lavender chiffon covered with clear crystal beading in shapes of spires and dripping with crystal beaded fringe! She looks like a snowflake! (or is it just me!) And why do I end every sentence with a exclamation point?! The bodice is cotton lace. This is a gown for your collection, display or for those of you blessed with Audrey Hepburn's ultra thin frame. She was a tiny girl... so tiny that she even "enhanced" her bust with a bit of extra material inside!! The first "bra stuffer"! :) Measures: 32" bust, 25" empire waist, 36" hips, 58" long from shoulder to hem in front, 62" long in back. Heavily weighted hemline. Basically in Excellent condition. A few hooks need stitching, satin lining is just beginning to go, there are rhinestones missing from the ornaments around neckline on lace (I can probably fix that for you), one tiny hole in chiffon skirt, and the weighted hem needs a quick stitching.. but you will find fewer better in beauty, condition, ornamentation.. and last but by no means least.. in such a remarkable color! Note.. the necklace doesn't come with the gown... but the huge velvet orchid corsage flower at front was on the gown when I purchased it.. so it's yours. Looks great!  $ 3,450.  SOLD Approx. - SIZE 0/2 (check measurements above)
SOLD		#6179 - c. 1882 Black Silk Taffeta Bustle Gown!  Near Mint Condition! Like new!  Really... it's unbelievable that this is over 120 years old!  Wonderfully elaborate with all the bells and whistles you would want in a bustle gown - pleats, swags, bows, tucks, fringed gathered rosettes, crochet buttons, etc., etc.  Just take the time to look at the close-up photos of all the detailing (click on photo at left).  Even has things you didn't know you wanted, like the skirt having a hidden pocket under one of the tiers of lace. The cuffs are great - like little ribbon tied gifts.  The bodice is boned also with a hidden inside pocket.   Measures: 32" bust (fits more like a 30" bust due to 12" across back), tight ribcage, 26/27" waist, 40" long skirt from waist to hem.  Could certainly have been a half-mourning gown due to the black silk taffeta and white tulle trim at cuffs and neck.  Shown over a bustle not included.  For display, you would only have to stuff the backside with cotton or tissue for the right look if you don't have a bustle.  One of those elaborate pieces you can get lost in while looking at all the detailing.  Enjoy her!   $ 1,585. SOLD Approx. - SIZE 0 (check measurements above)
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