Is there a time period of clothing, for you, where damage doesn't matter?

Tabbyannabel

Tabbyannabel

Registered Guest
Just really asking out of curiosity. Not sure if my thread title makes sense but here's where I am coming from.

I am planning on going to my first vintage clothing auction soon and was looking at the items online first. There was a beautiful 1920s flapper dress in the most amazing cream velvet and silver beading. It's beautiful, but it is also stained with spots all across the dress and there are places where the silver beading is completely gone (and this is just what I can see from bad photos). And yet, it already has a high bid. Yes, the dress is old and beautiful, but it is also "damaged".

Which got me to thinking. At what age of garment, 1930s?, 20? Teens or before? will you obtain something even though it is not in good condition.

I personally rejected the dress in my mind because of the staining and missing beads, but maybe I am being too critical.

What's your opinion? Have you got something even though it was in bad shape just because it was older?
 
To me, it depends on if it still has value, damaged as it is, or if I can improve it by repairing some if not all of the damage. All the 1910's silk shoes I have had were split but they still sold and had value as decorative/research items for the people buying them. I imagine the most damaged 1920's dress would still have value simply in the materials used to make it, i.e. the glass beads, and the design.
 
Hi,

That is difficult to say, as to me it really depends on each individual garment or item, not necessarily the time period it was made. Condition is subjective to some collectors and buyers. "One man's treasure is another man's trash" as they say!

I saw the dress you are talking about and I personally do not think the bid on it right now is high, and I can see that going higher. I did not see a lot of missing beadwork in the photos (that may reflecting light from the rhinestones in the camera's flash), or notice any bad staining . It is the hand bead work that is driving that garment's bids.
 
I frequently buy damaged items for research, but I weigh the cost with the expected research.
Also, I generally bid absentee; this prevents me from getting caught up in the excitement. Recently I bid once more on the Fortuny, but once more is my limit.

I rarely go to auctions and depend on the expertise of the auctioneer when I'm bidding higher. I've only had one bad result which I wrote about earlier.
 
Barbara is it the auction in Milwaukee you are looking at? I think we may be talking about two different dresses! Lol

I suppose a lot could be too in owning something relatively rare or ooak and not caring that it has damage as you're never going to find another.
 
I frequently purchase damaged items, because most of my work is in restoration: I feel a responsibility to restore them to their faded beauty and get lots of satisfaction from doing so. But I have a lot of stock now, and most of it needs work, so the "bar" has been raised.

Mostly, the price must reflect the condition - and there are some kinds of damage I either can't fix, or are too much work to fix. Some of the issues I try to avoid: mildew, foxing in silk, tears in areas I can't repair satisfactorily (eg, across the back), food stains on the bodice, more than a few small moth holes. Basically, if the fabric is strong, I can do a lot with it.

The older it is, the more desirable it is to me so I'll put in a lot of work to restore it if need be.
 
Hi, everyone. I am relatively new to vintage, and I've discovered I have a passion for restoring those "not so perfect" items to the best of my ability. I have spent a lifetime sewing, so that is generally not a problem. Though I sure would like to know how to mend tulle or chiffon! Stains are what keep me guessing. I have read lots on the subject, but I keep thinking I am reinventing the wheel. I am wondering if there are one or more real experts out there. I would love to pick their brains and learn from their experience!

Sincerely,
Elaine
 
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