I found this gorgeous under? bodice in a lot from an estate that also included some early 1800s Quaker textiles and am wondering if this falls under that category. It is a beautifully starched, creamy white bodice that is loose & fastens at the neck with a brass hook & eye (eye is circle eye with 2 tiny side circles for attaching). It has amazingly tiny accordion pleating down the front, & a delicate eyelet trim down the front opening. The edges of the raglan puffed sleeves and neck are piped. I cannot ascertain whether it is entirely hand sewn. The stitching is uniform, tiny & straight but some places show that it was definitely hand sewn. The bodice hem edge may be machine sewn with a simple stitch. The sleeve edges are pinned, one under each sleeve, with an exquisitely embossed bar pin (copper?). Thanks for you input!!
I think its actually European folkwear - perhaps Dutch, French, Belgian, German? Something western European where the blouses aren't embroidered and are worn under vests or jackets.
Jonathan, thank you for this insight. I had originally wondered about that, but started in the Quaker direction. I appreciate you taking the time to reply!
