This one is an oldie..dating help please?

[furwise]

When I saw this originally I thought of titanic era but I am thinking that I may be incorrect. I think the fabric is some sort of crepe and then there is really neat handsewn stuff on there. There is also netting underneath the bodice and there are snaps in peculiar places. It unsnaps just enough in areas to make room for a person to pull it over their head and on. The flap or layer in the back has weights sewn in. I think that is to so it didn't fly up allowing a woman's bottom to show. It is all one piece.
I tried to steam it but it was very difficult to steam.
Any information on dating this dress, what kind of dress it is, the fabric content, and any tips on getting the wrinkles out better would be great. Here are some photos. Thanks in advance.

 

[Jonathan]

I think its about 1923 but old fashioned - probably intended for an older woman. At first glance I thought it was 1914-16, but the lack of any waist definition pushes it later.

 

[furwise]

Thank you. I am not sure if I had the waist snapped correctly. I had two snaps left over in the waist area after I thought I snapped them all but could not find the other snap connectors to snap them. Maybe the waist would have been tighter. I am not sure if it would have made a big difference. I will have to undo them and try to figure it out again.
I did not know that in the 20s weights were used in clothing besides bathing suits or that the dresses had those long flaps on the back.

I can't find any 20s patterns with that trim or with the flap on the back.

 

[Jonathan]

These are similar: http://dressmakingresearch.com/1923_basque_dress.htm

The reason why I said it was a bit matronly is because the decoration, especially the two tassels at the front is a bit passe for 1923, but the bodice, length, and sleeve style is all right for 1923. I would iron it - sometimes those fine silks don't have enough body to smooth out without pressure from an iron.

 

[furwise]

Thanks Jonathan. I will try to iron it with a pillowcase in between to protect it.

 

[furwise]

Jonathan, I found a pattern from June 1920. I think this one is closer in similarity. Can you take a look at the June pattern and let me know what you think please?

http://dressmakingresearch.com/1920.htm

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

I agree with Jonathan that it has elements of earlier styling but would probably date from the early '20s. I recommend gently ironing it on the underside. It doesn't look like crepe to me, just very badly wrinkled silk.

In the 1920 illustration you linked to, the waist is too high - you have a very clearly dropped waist. There are some similarities in style but in this era the positioning of the waist is crucial.

The embroidered cotton insert may be earlier, an addition or incorporation. Your mannequin is too big in the chest for it so it's hard to see how the bodice would sit - perhaps if you lie it flat on a table you can do the front up as it should be?

An interesting piece, and it seems to be in quite good condition.

Nicole

 

[furwise]

Hi Nicole, I hope you are doing well today. Thank you for your input and advice. Please let me know if you still want to see the dress off of the mannequin. I think it fits the bust better now.

I ironed it on the silk setting. It still did not come out perfectly straight but it is amazing what the iron was able to do.

Take a look at the after ironing photos;

I have another question too; The embroidery looks like it was done by hand. Is that right and is it yarn? Was that common technique? It is very interesting.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

The hand embroidery looks like silk floss.

Nicole

 

[furwise]

Thank you Nicole. It is quite interesting.