This sweet silk wrapper dress circa late 1870s to 1880s is looking for her forever home. When I found her, she had been in storage for some time and was covered in dust and cobwebs. I instantly fell in love and I couldn't leave her!
A one piece dress, often called a wrapper dress, this would have been worn at home, yet it is quite elegant. The beautiful damask silk fabric features intricate floral designs, and the collar and cuffs are a lovely, delicate lace with a leaf and vine motif.
The dress is lined with brown cotton and was fully boned (most of the boning pieces are now gone, but three remain) with whalebone (baleen). There was an inner waistband with hook and eye closures but only one side of this remains.
Bustled at the back. Button closures down the center front, down past the waist, with ball covered wooden buttons.
A very charming dress, best for study, display, inspiration, or pattern-making.
+++ Measurements +++
39" bust
35" waist
52" length
+++ Condition +++
Fair condition with flaws to note:
- The silk is delicate and there are several splits and tears
- Only three boning pieces are left, and one of them is poking out of the channel
- She was in storage for a long time and there are some remnants of dust and a few bits of spiderweb (no spiders!), most of which I have gently removed by hand, but there were some more stubborn bits I left
All 21 covered wooden buttons are miraculously still present! This would be a wonderful piece to study or display.
+++ Please read +++
This item is not new, and as such, it has wear commensurate with age. As with all older vintage and antique items, please handle with care.
All items are sold as-is, and I do my best to point out all condition issues and provide a detailed description and photographs.
Unless specified, items have not been cleaned.
I do not accept returns or offer refunds. Please see all photos, read the entire description, and ask any questions before purchasing.