I’m hoping for an idea on how old this lovely dress is and also suggestions on what I can do to remove the stains. It looks like someone dribbled their hot cocoa or coffee or something down one side. It closes at the side with a metal zipper and buttons up the back. Seams are raw and unfinished. Buttons look to be covered metal. Thank you for your help!
Awww, it's a sweet dress. Does it have shoulder pads? To me it looks like 1940s vintage. The fabric does appear to be linen, and the lace is Irish crochet. It's hard to tell what kind of stain you have when it's as old as this must be, but if it is coffee, tea, or wine, it is a tannin stain. The best remover of a tannin stain, in my research, has been a mix of hydrogen peroxide 3% and dishwashing liquid. It may be very tricky to take out a stain of this age—If it were me, I would take it to a trusted dry cleaner. I've written a bit about stain removal if you'd like to read.
I agree with the ages estimated above. For the stains, it's most likely a food stain, but this doesn't tell us whether it's plant-based, animal-based, has oils/fats (or doesn't), or whether it's some combination... like coffee (plant) with cream (animal and oil). It's also going to be oxidized due to age, and that makes it tougher to remove. Whatever you do, don't just blot with water and hope. Water sets oil-based stains, and that can come back to haunt you. Check for a local dry cleaner who has a CGCP designation (Certified Garment Care Professional). That will make it more likely that you are in good hands. Best of luck! April
