Need help dating infant gown

[Jennifer M.]

Hello All!
I’m new to the Vintage Fashion guild and I very much appreciate your help. My family is beginning a genealogy search, and upon finding our family’s Bible, we also found an infant gown. It’s in fairly decent condition, considering how it was stored. The Bible dates to the 1880’s, so I’m wondering if the dress does as well?
I’m attaching photos here for you all to review.
Thanks so much!
Jennifer McCracken
Laurens, SC

 

[Jonathan]

These are SO hard to date because they didn't change much over large periods of time. That type of gingham woven cotton was popular in the late 19th century, so 1880s is plausible.

 

[Jennifer M.]

These are SO hard to date because they didn't change much over large periods of time. That type of gingham woven cotton was popular in the late 19th century, so 1880s is plausible.

Wow! This is great information, thank you so much! How would you recommend I store the dress to best preserve it?

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Agree with Jonathan, also want to add that it could be the petticoat to go with the gown: maybe see if they're a similar size, match up with necklines etc.

Nicole

 

[The Vintage Vendeuse]

It looks to be in pretty poor condition and may not be worth the effort to preserve it... unless there is sentimental value? IMHO, it unfortunately doesn't have any significant monetary value, even if cleaned up.
If you do want to try to clean it (and it shouldn't be left as is to deteriorate further), it could do with some repeated soaks in Restoration, rinse carefully, air dry, and then a light ironing. It also looks like it needs some repair. If it makes it through all that, it should be stored in acid-free tissue and box.
I, too, think it is possibly a slip or undergarment, meant to be worn under a dress.
The fabric appears to be a fine cotton windowpane dimity. Similar heirloom fabrics are still available today:
https://farmhousefabrics.com/swiss-voile-baby-dimity-tiny-windowpane-check-colors-62-wide
As are similar sewing patterns:
https://farmhousefabrics.com/ofb-embroidered-raglan-daygowns