Help dating a dress with unusual buttons

[Athena]

This dress needs a lot of tlc before its ready to sell or wear but I'm just curious about dating it. It kind of reminds me of an Edwardian style but it has these small decorative cube buttons (bakelite possibly?) along the back and at the sleeves that don't seem to really match the style of the dress. It has hook and eye and snap closures up the back with a short layer of netting under the skirt

 

[poppysvintageclothing]

It looks as it was restyled from an Edwardian dress. Also, have you tried to see what it looks like with the buttons in the front. I realize the neckline you are showing will look strange at the back but in your photo it looks like it was taken apart in this area.

 

[amandainvermont]

I asked my button expert friend about these buttons. He said they look like "little vegetable ivory cubes" and they are right for the period of the dress, but it's unusual to see them used as closures - they are seen more as trim on sleeves.

 

[Jonathan]

The dress is c. 1917 but they do seem to be an usual style of button to be used as a closure on a lacey dress.

 

[amandainvermont]

Here is more info about this type of button used for decorations - from my friend Matthew...

 

[Athena]

Thanks for the help everybody, glad to know I wasn't wrong about the era. I had no idea that these types of buttons were used as early as the 1910s. The ones on the back are purely decoration, not sure if I made that clear. There is a set of hook and eyes all along the back used for closure.

Mary Jane - The neckline looks strange because there was originally lace at the collar but it's falling apart now and makes the neckline appear torn in the picture.

 

[Pinkcoke]

Amanda it looks like your friend has some great button resources, I have a few sets I'd like to know more about, do you think he could help if I posted them in the Q&A?

 

[amandainvermont]

Sure Pink - give it a try.

 

[retro ruth]

I might add to it too - I have a few fancy buttons I'd like an informed opinion about. Just got to get them photographed...

 

[amandainvermont]

I think he would be pleased to help. (Easy for me to say!)