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#9964 - Dated
December 28, 1938 Wedding Gown of Silver Lame and Ecru Netting with Lillies-of-the-Valley Headpiece! Worn by Betsy Canfield Rorty
born August 5, 1916! I have many more photos of this
gown to go up tomorrow, but for the time being... This
gown comes with the original lillies-or-the-valley headpiece, long
veil, and original photos and newspaper clippings of the bride! This
was an amazingly expensive (for the 1930's depression era!)
"made-to-order" gown of off-white silk netting over a silver lame
base!! Massive skirt and train is studded with large silver
lame bows which echo the lame bow at the bodice. Short tulip
net sleeves. Wide inset waist. 39 buttons down back (all
button, but this mannequin has a bit of a hunchback so I didn't want
to pull too hard!). The condition is quite good, but not
perfect. There is some darkening to the lame in areas - but
hardly even seen under all that netting, so it's only important for
you perfectionists. The only real issue is some underarm
staining and some tearing - which I tried to photograph, but had
trouble showing it (again, it's not much). You could certainly
use a bit of the long netting to repair under the arms. OR... cut
them totally away if you want a less demure gown, and more 1930's va-va voom! :). The netting for the long veil is different,
and is dry, so it tears fairly easily... but still in great
condition now....so it might hold up to one wearing and that's it.
The gown netting is in VERY GOOD condition - thought not quite as strong
as new, so you will still need to be careful wearing. Measures: 34/35" bust, 25" waist, 58" long from shoulder to
hem in front, 100" long in back. This bride's Mother's wedding gown
from 1913 was just recently sold on this website (scroll down to see
it). So... it's a complete family provenance. I have
some original very shiny silver lame remnant as well.. though you
will see major tarnishing from the original color... so you have to
wonder if there is some true silver content in this lame!!
SOLD - but
on display in Museum Category for Research/Study
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