I bought this tissue thin embroidered silk top and case off of Ebay about a year ago. The seller said that it had been sent to the women whose estate it came from during the first World War by her husband. <img src="http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/bartondoll/Dcp_0677.jpg"> Here is the top (it has deep slits at the side seams. I was hoping that the embroidery, which is silk and hand done was Porthault, however I'm pretty sure it isn't. <img src="http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/bartondoll/Dcp_0632.jpg"> Now, the case is pretty shattered, and the top has some shattering and a couple of small holes. I really don't think it is wearable....still listable? Also, is there a name to this style? Hollis? Jonathan? Lei? Any comments would be appreciated. Sue
You might want to double list this is in militaria WW1, the reason being that there are collectors of just French embroidered souvenir items, mainly postcards, but this might appeal to them as well because it is a bit more unusual. It looks like it is in excellent - mint condition too. You should do well with it.
Hi Jonathan! Thanks for the double listing info! Unfortunately, it isn't in even <i>great</i> condition...the silk is starting to go, and it is sooooo pretty! (and super tissue thin). I just didn't post the 'flaw' pics. Is there a name to this type of top? If it was longer, I would think tabbard...but it is only 22" long. Here is a view of the side slits: <img src="http://image.inkfrog.com/pix/bartondoll/Dcp_0633.jpg"> Sue
What a lovely item! I've never seen one like this before, especially with the matching case. I'm guessing that it would have been worn over a dress, almost like a tunic. I agree with Jonathan too about double listing it in the WW1 category too as it is an item of wartime memorabilia. Lei
Thanks Lei! I think I will try and get it up tonight if I can shake this darn migraine that has been lingering for three days. Sue
Hi Jonathan! (is it really foggy where you are too this morning?) What is a combing jacket? I'm not familiar with that term - sounds like something you would do with a horse Sue
Its for wearing over your clothes to dress your hair in the morning, so that any stray hairs or dandruff don't fall on your clothing (in the days when women washed their hair once a week, if that, but brushed the hell out of it as brushing was thought to strengthen the hair and give it shine (what it was doing was evenly distributing the oil throughout the hair...)
I wondered if it was too due to the daintiness and the generous sizing but all the ones I've seen have opened at the front. Did they make combing jackets closed too? Lei
Maybe it is a combing 'top'? This just pops over the head and has no closures. The measurements are basically 40" straight down from the bust, 22" long, and those deep side slits that go to the yoke stitching. Sue
I think the older ones would open in the front to get over the big hair, but if this is c. 1917ish, the hair is pretty close to the head, so it would work.
