1880's Blue Bustle Dress

From the seller:

BE SURE TO SCROLL TO THE RIGHT / LEFT AND ALL THE WAY DOWN AS THERE ARE MANY MANY PHOTOS FOR THIS SUPERB GOWN!! This auction is for a very lovely original Victorian early 1870's era bustle Trained gown that is created in a glorious shade of royal blue silk taffeta. An all in one gown, typical of the Polanaise era, the style that has the derrier oversized and long slender bodice flowing over the skirt! The faux cuirass style bodice in lined in brown cotton buckram, there is not any metal stays, a high mandarin collar, a front closure that I cannot close because my mannequin is too large (size 4). There are 3 of the most beautiful buttons still present; gold tone with painted filligree work in very lovely iris flowers. The attached skirt is lined differently in the front than in the back. The back is constructed in two layers, a heavy underskirt which is lined with the same coarse material as in the front. The outertrain is lined in thinning dark musline like fabric while having a wide heavier lining on the hemline of both layers. On each side of the skirt is 4" x 1.5" area of lovely thick ruching that matches the front just below the buttons with a long satin bow only being present on one side. The back of the bodice to skirt is decorated with a gathered fan that creates pleats and draping flowing down over the derrier. The hemline in front of the dress to sides is quite attractive, be sure to see the photos, it is tight knife pleats with larger tabs that are alternated to be upward and downward. Approx measurements are 30" to 32" bust (the form it is modeled on is a size 4 and as you can see it does not close), 27" waist and 52" mid shoulder to hem. In overall very good very clean condition, there is some minimal underarm organic marks, a small split on the left near the right sleeve seam, and a split on one button area. A stunning display gown, my photos cannot do this gorgeous gown justice. Happy Bidding or why wait, BUY NOW!


From Me:

The high neck, the 3/4 sleeves, and the overall styling suggest an 1880's date.

Your Moment of AWWWW!

From the seller:

This is such a beautiful little girl's Victorian dress but unfortunately it needs restoration. The dress is a sheer material with rows of lace and embroidery and fastens up the back with tiny covered buttons. The sheer material is fragile and starting to shatter mostly around the neck and down the back near the buttons (photos). The embroidered work is done on the sheer material and there are some breaks in it (photos). The dress has a detachable collar that matches the dress (photo). Pale blue silk ribbon trims the dropped waist, the collar, and the sleeves.
It measures:
chest....30 inches
neck....12 inches
dropped waist...40 inches
neck to hem....35 inches
sleeve....14 inches


From Me:

*making grabby hands*

Poss mid 1860's Wedding Gown

From the seller:

This two-piece Victorian gown dates from the 1860's. It is fashioned of fine golden beige silk with a Brussels lace decorated bodice and sleeve edges.
--Our apologies for the gown being a bit wrinkled, but the dress had been stored away and because it's an antique and a substantial piece, we did not
want to fool with it too much. The gown is sturdy and very well preserved. Has a beautiful sheen quality to the silk as well.
It fastens at the neck with a single hook and eye at the top with its original fancy silk buttons down the front. Double hooks and eyes at the bottom of the bodice too. Lined
with cotton and stays.

The very full skirt rustles with movement and has a long train (over 7 feet) and has a pleated edge around the hem. It's lined with a stiff gauze material and it fastens at the waist with hook and eye.


It is in EXCELLENT condition and without
any significant issues other than the deteriorating netting beneath the shoulder lace (see photo #5) and about 5 tiny spots on the lower skirt/train (see photo #6).

We do not normally deal in Victorian or Civil War gowns so please review the photos and ask questions and we'll do our best to answer. Don't have the
capacity to restock this gown so this is an AS-IS final sale. A collector or museum would likely be very pleased with this antique gem. No label or identifying marks.

Measurements (in inches)


The Bodice:
Bust: 33
Waist: 22
Length: 16 1/2
Sleeves: 19
Shoulders: 17

Trained Skirt:
Waist: 22
Waist front length: 46
Waist back/train: 91



From Me:

The train confuses me but I think it might just be because it's a wedding gown.

Blue 1870's Bodice

From the seller:

A flattering 1860’s Civil War era blue silk evening bodice. The bodice has a front hook and eye closure and also holes for front lacing. The original lacing is missing. The bodice is lined with cotton. It is in good condition. There is some slight underarm discoloration and a ½ inch surface only split on the back of the bodice. Bust 32 Waist 20.



From Me:

The way the front has those little sawtooth designs and the way the back is "bustled" out, I think this is 1870's. If it was 1860's, I would expect either a higher waist or more fullness to the sides.

Pink 1890's Bodice

From the seller:

*Original Victorian top

*100% pure silk material

*Pink ribbon silk with cording

*Cotton lining/ inner boned corset

*Black velvet trim

*Shoulder inserts of pin tucked fabric

Offered here is a fascinating original Victorian bodice top. This is made with an undergarment lining which is boned like a corset,this is a sturdy cotton muslin, has a linen texture and weave in a pale pink tone. This is fitted and has the original hook and eyes, fully lined including the sleeves. Over this is a bodice of pure silk, this is a ribbon silk with a pink stripe and cream color raised cording running through the material. The silk bodice is cut blouson in the front, has a full ruffle cascading to the hem that is edged with black velvet ribbon. The blouse has a stand up collar and a sheer silk piece that wraps around at the neck and snaps in the back. The upper bodice has rows of velvet ribbon, the shoulder has inserts of cream material with tiny 1/32 to 1/8" pin tucks. This is all original and over 130 years old! Very rare that this fragile fabric has survived over the centuries, hard to find Victorian pieces in colors at all. It it truly remarkable for the age, the silk is not deteriorated and very good for the delicate nature of this material, a little fraying on the sleeves, there is some variation in tone. The size is extra small, measures; waist 24", bust 32", length center front from top of collar to hem point 17". The only real damage is that there is a 'reddish' area on one sleeve on the upper part and a smaller area at the cuff of that sleeve, this looks like it maybe from the dye in the garment laying over the years, maybe something laid on it. Could be covered with some lace appliques if desired. There is also one row of velvet ribbon trim missing on one side of the front. The color in the inside seams is a bright pink. The fabric is just incredible, the silk has a narrow cream stripe then it is set off by the corded raised thread that runs through it. Should be in a museum, the condition is antique but remarkable for the age. I would not recommend it to be worn, should be used for display or fabric. This is a genuine piece of history.



From Me:

Not quite 130 years old - more like 115 or so. Don't want to age the old girl too much!

Bustle Brown and Black dress

From the seller:

This gown dates to the Victorian 1870’s and is fashioned of a butter brown silk faille, 2 piece in its construction. The bodice buttons closed down the front, rear in a full cap bustle tail. The skirt is layered in apron swags trimmed in silk and fringe, very full rear with bustle form and billows of fabric, rich in full volume.
The darker silk taffeta needs to be fully removed and replaced. Inner underarms have staining and seen slightly from the outside, stomach panel in the front interior has torn, revealing a bone. The body of the gown, both polished cotton and silk faille are fully strong, easily restored to a pristine condition…wish I had the time.

MEASUREMENTS IN INCHES:

BUST: 36

WAIST: 26

SHOULDERS: 16

BODICE LENGTH: 28

SKIRT WAIST: 26

SKIRT LENGTH: 40



From Me:

It's too bad the front is shattered but the overall look of the dress is lovely still.

1820's Ivory Shoes

From the seller:

A dainty pair of 1820-1830 ivory silk straight shoes. The inside label reads Viault-Este Rue de la Paix, Paris and Thierry & Sons, 278 Regent Street London. The shoes retain partial silk ankle straps. There are lined with cotton and kid leather. The shoes are in fair condition. There is missing fabric on the back heel and along the edge near the soles of one shoe. This same shoes also has some age discoloration. Length 10 Width 2 ½ inches.

From Me:

Computers are evil. That is all.