An original Victorian turn of the century summer evening gown. Most likely French. The pale yellow silk satin fabric has multiple insertions of ribbon with hand painted white flowers, leaves and stems and alternating with vertical strips of valenciennes lace. The bodice is lined and has a front center hook and eye hidden closure and with long slender curved fitted sleeves with a fancy tulle lace cuff with a rhinestone buckle on each cuff. Bodice has tulle lace and net lace trim at neck line, and with inner fabric covered stays. The skirt is lined with yellow silk lining and has a inner pleated bottom hem protector at hemline.

CONDITION
The dress is in fair condition. The material is strong and sturdy except around its underarms. There is underarm discoloration and ribbon is starting to split. The bodice lining has stains. Lace has shredded on neckline.
Unlabeled.

APPROXIMATE MEASUREMENTS

BODICE
Bust 35 inches
Waist 25 inches
Sleeve length 15 inches
Length from shoulder to bodice hem edge 15 inches
Length from shoulder to skirt hem edge 59 inches
Shoulders across back 13 inches
Underarm to waist 8-1/2 inches.

SKIRT
Waist 29 inches
Length of front skirt to hemline 41 inches.
Length of back skirt to hemline 47 inches.

PROVENANCE:
Clothing from the estate of William Insco Buchanan (September 10, 1853 to October 17, 1909) who was an American diplomat. On January 26, 1894, President Grover Cleveland (the former mayor of Buffalo and governor of New York appointed Buchanan United States Minister to Argentina. Buchanan was chosen by John G. Milburn, president of the exposition, as the exposition was planned with a Latin American theme and they wanted someone who knew the South American countries well Buchanan was Director General of the Pan-American Exposition, held in Buffalo, New York from May 1 through November 2, 1901, and is credited with the construction, operation, and dismantling of the exposition. His ancestors still resides in the same home in Buffalo, New York and all clothing were stored in the attic of this ancestral home.

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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 condition photos, please email oldthreads@aol.com 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.