Turn of the Century Black Bodice

From the seller:

Victorian Bodice 1890s Black 1800s Dress Top Jet Beaded Gibson Girl Early 1900s

I acquired this from an antique auction where the family held onto everything! Never giving anything away. Most items were from Victorian, Edwardian, 1920s and 1930s. The man of the house was a well known artist in Indiana. I believe they said his name was Mel Gray. His wife's name was Pinky.

DESCRIPTION:

* authentic antique vintage fashion
* closure - Metal hooks and eyes front
* label - J. H. Ligel Erie Pa
* fabric - Taffeta
* color - Black
* embellishments- Jet beads, Ruffles
* Era - 1890s Early 1900s

DETAILS:

The bodice is boned with fitted waist. Sleeves are lined with an ecru gauzy fabric. Neck and front are heavily beaded with a beautiful jet beading that really sparkles a lot! Bodice is made of taffeta, and covered with the black chiffon. Sleeves and shoulders have chiffon ruffles. Collar is high, Gibson Girl collar. Back of bodice dips to a rounded V. Inside belt is signed in a yellow orange "J H Ligel Erie Pa". Not sure if that is a designer or a department store name. It may be J W instead of J H. It's a fancy script writing that is hard to tell exactly what it is.


MEASUREMENTS:

* Bust: Approximate 32"
* Waist: Abt 22"
* Length: about 17.5"

MEASUREMENTS ARE TAKEN AS FOLLOWS


BUST-Underarm to underarm across front and doubled.

WAIST- Actual waist line unless other wise noted. Measured side to side and doubled.

LENGTH - Shoulder down to bottom.

Condition - Very good condition! With normal antique wear. Taffeta and bead work in very good condition. Lining inside sleeves do have some stain. Silk chiffon ruffles do have some fraying around edges on sleeves and shoulders. The body of the bodice is covered with the same chiffon, but part of it is missing in back. A seamstress should be able to replace the chiffon. Even if someone were to remove the chiffon, the bodice is beautiful! I see one tiny flaw on the bead work. Not noticeable! It looks like all beads are there!

All items are vintage and have been worn and loved, some small flaws may go unnoticed. I do my best to include every detail of every garment accurately.


From me:

Probably 1899 or so. It's very, very late Victorian.