Wilhelmine Eckhardt Edwardian Lace Dress, c.1905

This dress was worn by Countess Anita von Galen's mother and has been carefully preserved for over a century. This dress features a dressmaker's label, Wilhelmine Eckhardt, from Frankfurt, Germany.

The bag in the images is in lot 69.

Black net lace two-piece dress trimmed with black velvet with a built up neckline, minimal leg-o-mutton sleeves, draped front bodice with fitted interior, floor length skirt with flared hem and minor train, and center back hook and eye and snap closures.
Label: Wilhelmine Eckhardt / Frankfurt A/M
Size Label: Unlabeled
Style/Serial No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 13.5"
Chest: 40"
Waist: 27"
Hips: 48"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 57"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 34"
Property from the Collection of Countess Anita von Galen
This lot is one of sixty-seven in this auction from Countess Anita von Galen, a German aristocrat and socialite known for her avant-garde sense of style and brilliant entertaining. Over the years, the Countess von Galen has used her visionary eye and a penchant for unique silhouettes to build an extraordinary collection of haute couture. She considered Hubert de Givenchy (Lots 1-18) and his partner, Philippe Venet, also a couturier (Lots 19-20), close friends, with Givenchy designing the baptismal gown (Lot 1) for her only son, Ferdinand Otto von Galen. Beyond her friendship with the couple, Countess von Galen was an ardent supporter of emerging, avant-garde designers including Pierre Cardin (Lots 25-48), Kansai Yamamoto (Lots 61-62), and Yohji Yamamoto (Lot 63).

Condition:The overall condition is good with the following:Structural Issues: There is some noticeable moderate wear to the lace throughout in all movement heavy areas but no major holes.Split/Separated Seams: There are some loose threads at the center back collar opening, the front upper chest, shoulders and sleeve caps, the back skirt lace above the flared hem, and the hem lining. There are some popped stitches on the third snap down from the waist at the back of the skirt. Fading/Color Change: There is some minimal discoloration to the various spots, most noticeable on the shoulders, right sleeve cuff ribbon trim, both sleeve elbows, and along the lace above the bottom skirt flare. The interior collar plastic boning has yellowed due to age. Soiling/Spots: There is negligible soiling internally under each arm. Repairs/Alterations: The bodice appears to have originally been separate from the skirt as it is tacked on instead of fully stitched. There are eye closures on the skirt waistband area that would suggest there was a connective hook in the bodice at one point. The silk chiffon interlining appears to have been repaired at the front hemline. 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 email us 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.