Dating this puzzling dress thing

[acceber]

I am so stumped by this. All the inside seams are raw and unfinished. It closes in the front (I’m assuming that’s the front) with two hook and eye closings. There are snaps at the wrists, and little puffy inserts at the shoulders. The side with the hook and eyes is longer than the other side. There is some strange little gathering in the back. I only bought it cause it was cheap and stumping me. No tags or labels. I’m not even sure it’s a dress. Any opinions? Thanks very much!

 

[acceber]

I turned it around and I think it looks better. It has darts to accentuate the bust a little. I’m inclined to think it’s more modern.

 

[Jonathan]

At first I thought it was something fairly contemporary, but looking closely at the lace and snap fasteners, I think this is a late 1930s/early 40s redingote (jacket) to go over either a dress made of the same lace, or one of satin, crepe, or chiffon. It's probably a bridal piece.

 

[acceber]

Thank you Jonathan. At first I thought it might be from the 80s, but I wasn’t sure with those snaps and raw seam edges. So it does open in the front? It would be longer in the front if it does. It seems to hang the same way no matter what direction I put it on the dress form.

 

[The Vintage Merchant]

. So it does open in the front? It would be longer in the front if it does. It seems to hang the same way no matter what direction I put it on the dress form.

those darts definitely go to the front (so opening to the back) and in the side view, you can see it hangs much better on your dress form that way, too.

what an interesting find, acceber!

 

[acceber]

Thank you! I am so glad I bought it. I almost didn’t, but my instinct said I would regret it if I didn’t because of those seams and snaps. It’s in lovely condition too!