-40%
heirloom antique v long christening gown wh dimity whitework+eyelet, lovely cond
$ 47.51
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Description
I buy antique linens and clothing at local estate auctions, and always keep an eye out for antique treasures.This is a long formal christening gown from the Victorian Era. It is hand sewn of cotton dimity, with raised heavier threads forming a crosshatch pattern in the fabric, and it has mellowed a bit to a creamy white. This is beautifully made, with felled seams on the inside. Around the neck there is a ruffle of eyelet 1.5" wide, and the bodice is made of densely embroidered whitework or Ayrshire work that ends in scallops over the gathered skirt. The sleeves are 5.5" long and end in eyelet ruffles with an embroidered band above the ruffle. The skirt is full and quite long as was the fashion in those days.
In back there is a 12" long placket that closes at the top with two pearl shell buttons with hand-made buttonholes. The top buttonhole is made underneath the eyelet ruffle. There is a 3"+ hem at the bottom.
measurements, all taken with the garment lying flat: 8" across front from shoulder to shoulder; ~12" across front at underarms; 5.5" sleeve length from shoulder to end; 38" length from center back to hem.
I have laundered and pressed this and found the fabric to be in sound condition, soft and strong and not brittle. (It is necessary to wash the fabric in order to know its true condition, and ironing it gives a close inspection.) This is in quite good condition with one exception: I found one area of three pinholes beginning, as shown in the last photo. This area is on the back of the gown about 12" below the underarm, and is mostly hidden in the gathers of the skirt, but you need to know about it. This is an heirloom garment and will last for generations with proper care. Please contact me for more information, and thanks for looking!