Need help dating antique wedding dress

zannew

zannew

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Hi Everyone,

At the same estate sale where I found the 1920s dresses I purchased this wedding gown. I need help in dating it and in describing it if there are any particular details or terms that are specific to this type of wedding dress or the era. It's made of silk and has an underskirt that looks and feels like polished cotton. there are weights in the hem of the underskirt and the silk is tacked to the underskirt at those areas (though most of the tacking threads have broken). The lace is in very good condition overall, with only a few holes here and there, but is it is a bit brittle and "crinkly". There is an interesting silk cord lacing up the sides of the dress and at the sleeves, from which glass bead tassels are hung.

I am guessing it is from 1905 - 1910. Would you agree?

Thanks so very much!

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Thank you all! Nice to know I was in the ball park. Now I have to decide what to ask for it. I wonder who the customer would be? Do you think it would be purchased for display only?
 
Do you have any close-ups of the lace? The who and why regarding the purchase will depend in large part, I imagine, on the condition. Can you elaborate? Is there a petersham that may have a label or a label anywhere? Brittle and crinkly are not good signs for any textile, especially lace, and I actually cringed when I read that.
 
Lynne has it exactly right. Condition is key to the type of buyer. Generally, the size on these pieces precludes wearing anyway. It sounds like a display/collectible garment. And since it appears to be in very presentable condition, it will certainly last longer if not worn. I also suggest you store this flat rather than hanging while you have it. That's a lot of weight on the shoulders. If that is not possible, you could make a train support out of a sturdy cardboard roll covered with muslin or acid free tissue and some cord. Just cover a 24" - 30" wide roll, then run a long cord through it and tie the cord in a knot. Then you can hang the roll next to the dress on the rack, and arrange the train over the roll neatly. Then adjust the length of the cord so it's taking the weight. That way the weight of the train is supported by the hanger and not dragging on the shoulders.

Hollis
 
I'll add some close up pics of the lace later today. Hollis, I really enjoyed perusing your shop last night and loved reading your amazing descriptions!

I will definitely take it off the dress form and find a way to store it flat to better preserve it.
 
That is gorgeous! What a fabulous find. The lace looks like Princess lace or Brussels lace and looks very fine. You say the lace is "crinkly". That may indicate the lace is silk, which is a good thing of course. It may just need to be woken up (my term) from its long sleep. A light steaming, done with great care to the surrounding silk and watching out for spitting and moisture, can often revive it nicely. The natural sizing present in the silk fibers of the lace can get stiff if stored in heat, but it usually revives nicely, but not always. While it is still moist from the steam, VERY gently manipulate the lace with your fingers to make it pliable. After it cools it might not be crinkly or stiff, or certainly less so. Try it on a small area and see what happens.

If it is not a tiny size and is in good shape, I can see someone wearing this. I also think it has use for occasions other than a wedding. I know it is a cream color but are you sure it was a wedding dress? If not, then you might want to consider selling it not only as a wedding dress but as a ball gown, court dress, evening gown, etc.

I do not like to see these antique garments worn of course. They will survive much better if no one wears them, but of course that will be the new owner's choice.
 
Here are some closeups of the lace. I did steam it and it was much more pliable, as you said. This was sold to me at an estate sale and they sold is as a wedding dress, but they may have just assumed it was a wedding dress. I agree, it looks like it could have been a ball gown.

Thank you all for your help.

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