Four Early 20th Century Dresses

These four dresses were preserved by multiple generations of the same family and are believed to have been made by members of the family. Many garments show alterations and style changes, likely from updating to a new style.

This lot includes four dresses.

THE FIRST
Pink silk taffeta floral brocade two-piece dress trimmed with black lace including an open scoop neckline, pleated front bodice, fitted sleeves with scalloped cuffs; paired with matching unfinished skirt and white cotton petticoat. 1900s.
Unlabeled
Size Label: N/A
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
BODICE
Shoulders: 13"
Chest: 32"
Waist: 23"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 17"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 30"

SKIRT
Waist (as dressed in photo): 23"
Hips: 40"
Length (side waistband to hem): 39"

THE SECOND
Pink wool two-piece dress including a dark pink velvet trimmed bodice with pin-tuck lace neckline, tulip styled sleeves with puffs and fitted forearms of lace, velvet-trimmed lace shoulder flaps, and nipped waist trimmed in velvet with center back hook and eye closures; paired with matching wool skirt with flat front panels and pleated sides, and white cotton petticoat. 1900s.
Unlabeled
Size Label: N/A
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
BODICE
Shoulders: 14"
Chest: 38.5"
Waist: 25.5"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 18"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 32"

SKIRT
Waist: 25"
Hips: 44"
Length (side waistband to hem): 42"

THE THIRD
White cotton day dress with inset lace trim, high banded lace collar, pin-tuck, and inset lace details, full gathered sleeves into banded lace cuffs, gathered waist into pin-tuck stitched tiered skirt trimmed in lace; paired with a white cotton petticoat. 1910s.
Unlabeled
Size Label: N/A
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 14"
Chest: 38"
Waist: 24"
Hips: 44"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 55.25"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 26.5"

THE FOURTH
Gold threaded lace sleeveless dress with Art Deco motif, scoop neckline, drop waist with purple chiffon flower and swag, and lined with soft pink satin embellished with purple chiffon flowers, and side snaps closure. 1920s.
Unlabeled
Size Label: N/A
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 12.5"
Chest: 40"
Waist: 39"
Hips: 40.5"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 46.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 9.75"

THE FIRST:

The overall condition is fair with the following:

Structural Issues:
There are several small splits in the taffeta throughout both the bodice and skirt, mostly around major stress areas. The skirt has no closures or real shape.

Losses:
The skirt has no lining or other original finishing.

Fading/Color Change:
There are some variations in the color of the taffeta.

Soiling/Spots:
The interior of the bodice is moderately soiled throughout, but mainly under the arms and waist.

Repairs/Alterations:
The bodice has signs of alterations along the neckline, the sleeves at the cuffs, and the front opening. The skirt is essentially a shell that has no real shape at the waist (photographed in an approximate facsimile). The interior seams aren't finished and the pattern pieces are crudely cut and restitched back together.

THE SECOND:

The overall condition is good structurally with the following:

Structural Issues:
The internal silk lining the puff of the sleeves has shattered.

Split/Separated Seams:
The velvet waistband on the bodice has some popped stitches at the back opening.

Fading/Color Change:
The lace on the bodice has yellowed throughout.

Soiling/Spots:
the bodice interior cotton lining is moderately soiled with spots along the waist and into the sleeves.

Repairs/Alterations:
The back bodice closures have been altered, where buttons once were placed are now hooks and eyes, the inset back panel closures have been moved and appear to be a later addition, and the waistband closures no longer match up. The skirt has been heavily altered and appears to have been a much larger skirt from an earlier time frame. This is most noticeable along the back hemline as there are darkened lines that suggest previous folds or pleats. The interior is no longer lined and the seam allowances are irregular and unfinished. There is an extension panel at the back closure along with elastic at the waistband.

THE THIRD:

The overall condition is good with the following:

Split/Separated Seams:
There are a few popped stitches in the upper bodice where the lace and cotton pieces are connected, mainly on the right near the sleeve, back right shoulder blade, and back left rib cage level. The back right waist has a 2" separation near the closure. The lace at the sleeve cuffs and throughout the skirt has some small holes and broken threads, mostly where attached to the cotton fabric.

Losses:
There are two small holes in the bottom tier of the skirt, one in front and one in the back.

Fading/Color Change:
The dress has slightly yellowed from age.

Soiling/Spots:
There are some small dark spots located on the side right hip.

THE FOURTH:

The overall condition is very good with the following:

Structural Issues:
There are some loose threads along the shoulders and back waist of the lace.

Soiling/Spots:
There is some minor soiling under each arm in the lace and lining. Everything is sold 'As Is'. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please contact us directly with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.