Victorian dress - dating & other questions

plousia

plousia

Registered Guest
I have come into possession of this, I guess, Victorian dress.
  • What would the approximate date be? I guess late 1800s?
  • It's quite smelly. I'm wondering if it would be safe to soak it in Eucalan (the green leaf material seems to be lightweight wool)? Or what would be the best way to deal with it? I'm going to put it in the freezer for a bit in case of moths, to start.
  • What's the best way to sell this? Would it be something a museum might be interested in? (It's not in perfect condition; other than being a bit dirty and smelly there are a few tears/worn spots/missing eyes).
Any other info or details much appreciated.
 

Attachments

  • PXL_20231005_145320989.jpg
    PXL_20231005_145320989.jpg
    70.4 KB · Views: 126
  • PXL_20231005_145353581.jpg
    PXL_20231005_145353581.jpg
    72.1 KB · Views: 123
  • PXL_20231005_145450742.jpg
    PXL_20231005_145450742.jpg
    61.3 KB · Views: 123
  • PXL_20231005_145510464.jpg
    PXL_20231005_145510464.jpg
    112.2 KB · Views: 122
  • PXL_20231005_145606967.jpg
    PXL_20231005_145606967.jpg
    121.8 KB · Views: 128
  • original_10ecffbd-c41e-4a92-a79d-a6a40b261c84_PXL_20231005_145617899.jpg
    original_10ecffbd-c41e-4a92-a79d-a6a40b261c84_PXL_20231005_145617899.jpg
    126.5 KB · Views: 124
  • PXL_20231005_145804403.jpg
    PXL_20231005_145804403.jpg
    67.3 KB · Views: 122
  • PXL_20231005_145833075.jpg
    PXL_20231005_145833075.jpg
    75.2 KB · Views: 124
  • PXL_20231005_145849467.jpg
    PXL_20231005_145849467.jpg
    143.4 KB · Views: 117
  • PXL_20231005_145902846.jpg
    PXL_20231005_145902846.jpg
    113.2 KB · Views: 121
1860s - middly - 1865ish I think, but its difficult to be more precise without handling it. The fabric is wonderful - very bright and colourful. Missing eyes are not a big deal, tears and wear spots are, but it depends where they are placed. It won't win any dressmaking awards, but it's the choice of fabric that makes it interesting. Freezing is a great idea - DON'T wash it. You could have it dry cleaned, its the best way to remove smells, however, as this is so old, I wouldn't trust it to any dry cleaner... A provenance would make it more interesting - any idea where it came from, or who originally wore it? It has a 'little-sod-hut-on-the-prairie' kind of chicness to it - stylish poverty, or farm couture...
 
I called the auction house today. They know the person who brought the dress in; apparently she's a regular. They are going to ask her next week if she knows anything about the dress and would be willing to speak to me.
 
plousia said:
I have come into possession of this, I guess, Victorian dress.
  • What would the approximate date be? I guess late 1800s?
  • It's quite smelly. I'm wondering if it would be safe to soak it in Eucalan (the green leaf material seems to be lightweight wool)? Or what would be the best way to deal with it? I'm going to put it in the freezer for a bit in case of moths, to start.
  • What's the best way to sell this? Would it be something a museum might be interested in? (It's not in perfect condition; other than being a bit dirty and smelly there are a few tears/worn spots/missing eyes).
Any other info or details much appreciated.
Click to expand...
I adore this! Looks 1860s to me with the sloped shoulders and tailed back. I'd love to know what you decide to do with her.
 
I sure hope I can get hold of the person who brought it in and they may have information about it. I am intrigued by the fact that everyone seems to think this fabric is so interesting. I know nothing about this era of fashion history so it's nice to know I found something a bit outstanding.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top