Help Dating Early Dress

jauntyrooster

jauntyrooster

Alumni
I just got home with a lot of 27 dresses. I met with a couple who came into possession of an old steamer trunk many moons ago which they recently opened. There are about 40 clothing items inside - many still with tags. I brought home 27 pieces that I am going to go over and then make them an offer. I hope you can all suffer through me posting a few representative photos just so I can confirm what I have in the lot. Promise not 27 photos - just a few representative of the group.

This piece seems to be one of the older ones to me. Sadly, the collar is shattered. There are no zippers - lots of snaps and hook/eye closures - quite a contraption. Unsure of material. Would like to pin down dating. I also know we don't discuss value but my question is - does it even have value as is?

Thank you all vey much - any and all thoughts and input appreciated!
Maureen

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Maureen, that's a beautiful dress? Outfit? The colour is wonderful. It looks like it's about 1910 but the Edwardian experts will be here soon hopefully.

Shattering silk will only break your heart - it's almost impossible to fix and will keep getting worse. Such a pity this dress hasn't been worn and is now a problem - you could remove the collar if that is the only area affected. Might be best to sell as is - the rest of it looks strong.

I did a google using the terms "standard shirt company" cleveland" and found a few interesting pieces, including a 1905 newspaper where they talk about a fire in in the Cole Street building.

Nicole
 
THe full front in combination with a draped skirt is very fall 1912/spring 1913 - having the original hanging tag is amazing! The collar is a problem but its not structural. I would sell as is because a collector may want to spend the money to have it replaced with as nearest identical a material as possible - I know I would. The colour is great, and other than the silk facing on the collar - the condition is good too? Its obvioulsy tiny, which works against it, and its plain, but still it should do well for you. I'm not going to quote a price though because the Edwardian dress market is very volatile.
 
Actuallly other than shattering it is in good condition. Material is strong and seams appear sounds. The lace is pretty filthy but I am terrified to do anything to it.

Honestly, this process is making me feel quite jumpy. I just don't know if there is as much value in these items as the owners think there is but on other hand, I really want them all - over 40 items total including a box of unused purses that I think have Bakelite on them. It looks like a box of samples maybe - they are untouched. Something this big is rather new for me and I am feeling out of my league. Hopefully, we can arrive at a number that works for both parties.
 
The fact that these have been closed up in a trunk looks like it helped save the vibrant purple color of this dress. Purple is one of those colors that often fades. Beautiful!
 
This does sound like quite a find - unworn Edwardian? with hang tags? That's pretty wonderful.


Hollis
 
Maureen, if I were you I'd grab everything I could from that trunk - you've found a treasure trove. Just make sure you pay a price you're happy with, and no more - you can use the shattering as tool to help negotiate a good price as it's hard to know how much it's worth it's current condition.

Nicole
 
Well - I have made them an offer on the whole shooting match - including the old trunk. Crossing my fingers here - think good thoughts for me.
 
This dress is STUNNING! I know nothing about items of this age, but I do know that these last bunch of dresses you've posted are lovely. I read every single post because I love to learn about these beautiful finds!
 
Originally posted by msgrossmyer
Well - I have made them an offer on the whole shooting match - including the old trunk. Crossing my fingers here - think good thoughts for me.
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Good Luck! Hope you get it and post photos!! :cheer:
 
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