Exceptional MUSEUM QUALITY antique Civil War Era off white IRISH crochet lace 2 piece Wedding Bridal gown~dress. It is made of an off white cotton features hand made Irish crochet lace with raised three dimensional flower, leaf designs, connecting thread picot ornamented bars, dimensional flower trim accents, hand stitched to the lace on the skirt and blouse are what appears to be linen hand embroidered horse shoes (for luck), and I could be mistaken but some of the edge trim also appears to be in the shape of a horse shoe. This beautiful dress is 2 pieces. The skirt is a very full floor length bustle style, closes in the back with eye hook closures. Interior is lined with matching silk and hand stitched hoops to help with the fullness (the silk lining in the skirt is shattered and is deteriorating needs to be replaced), very minor fix. The blouse is darling....features capped off the shoulder split sleeves, closes with eye hook closures, fully lined with matching silk. May have been made in IRELAND-the United States or even France (not certain). Was made in the mid to late 1800s. It is EXCELLENT condition for its age, there may be an occasional scraggly thread or a small faint storage spot (as shown-this was the most noticeable one I could find), I have carefully examined and could not find any broken brides (if there are any it is very few). There is no wear or breakdown of the lace fabric, just needs to be carefully cleaned and I would replace the lining on the skirt. This has been carefully preserved and wrapped in acid free blue tissue........this is how you will receive it.
Excellent wearable displayable condition! This is truly an
exquisite piece of antique wearable art! The photos just do not capture the true beauty of this piece.
Approximate Measurements as follows:
Skirt-
waist ~27" (measurements taken side to side flat across and doubled)
length waist to hem front ~42" back 47"
Blouse
Waist ~30"
bodice armpit-to-armpit ~36"
length shoulder to hem~ 16"
(waist and bust measurements are taken side to side flat across and doubled)
This has not been laundered. Please enlarge photos for details.
*****Please note these measurements are taken on the outside of the garment. I
always recommend measuring one of your own garments, that fits well, in
the same manner for comparison. Returns are not accepted on clothing
or accessories due to size, fit or color.
Thanks for looking!
Our
merchandise is collectible and is not new and has lived a long and
eventful life. We do not launder or dry clean unless stated in listing,
and most times have been in storage for many years picking up old age
storage oxidation spots. We expect the winning bidder to be prepared to
clean or launder items even if item has never been worn or used.Remember
antique fabrics most always has some sort of flaw from being around so
many years. Every effort has been made to describe our items as
accurately as possible including flaws and imperfections to the best of
our ability. We mention any marks or stains that are noticed, in the
listing. We try to observe and report every defect that we are aware of
to the best of our abilities, to give the buyer an accurate description
but to mention every single minor blemish is laborious and unnecessary.
As condition and description is largely based on personal opinion, we
ask that you look at the photos carefully and decide the rating and
pattern if applicable of this item for yourself. Antiques in perfect
condition are more often than not, reproductions. We never knowingly
sell fakes. Circa dates are approximate and not guaranteed, but dated
according to some referencing and our experience. Circa means "about the
time" and usually references a 10 year period.