Three Piece Dress with Day and Evening Bodices, 1860s

Cream silk gauze with woven in green silk stripe dress with two bodices, one for day and one for evening. The day bodice has a clean neckline, long flared sleeves trimmed in pleated gauze, and front hook and eye closures. The Evening bodice has a flounced wide neckline, boned body, and lace up back closure. All paired with a matching gathered circular skirt trimmed with stripes to appear tiered.
Unlabeled, though the evening bodice includes an "Essex Institute" label.
Mary D. Doering Archive No.: DRW.135.1860ABC

Approximate Measurements:
LONG SLEEVE BODICE
Shoulders: 17"
Chest: 33.5"
Waist: 23"
Length (underarm to hem): 5.25"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 31.5"

SHORT SLEEVE BODICE
Shoulders: 17"
Chest: 33.5"
Waist: 23"
Length (underarm to hem): 6.25"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 12"

SKIRT
Waist: 22"
Hips: 48"
Length (side waist band to hem): 35.5"

Property of Mary D. Doering, Falls Church, Virginia

Condition:

The overall condition is fair with the following:
Structural Issues: The evening bodice has some wear along the right side hemline where the covered piping has started to come loose from the bodice. The skirt has a large section where the fabric has worn and is starting to shred on the right hip line and upper left near waistline.
Split/Separated Seams: The back neckline flounce facing is pulling free from the neckline.
Losses: The back left sleeve elbow has a small hole on the day bodice.
Soiling/Spots: The day bodice has some light soiling around the neckline, sleeves and sleeve hems, and interior shoulders and underarms. The evening bodice has negligible soiling along the neckline. The skirt has some moderate-heavy soiling along the waistband and front hip and near the curved edges of the trim near the hem.

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 [email protected] 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.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Timothy Long

Director, Senior Specialist, Couture & Luxury Accessories

[email protected]312.334.4222

Mr. Long has nearly 20 years of experience as a curator of fashion and decorative arts in museums including the Museum of London, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and the Chicago History Museum. At Hindman, he works with individual clients, collectors, dealers, and museums to bring to auction collections of couture and luxury accessories. Mr. Long’s recent publications include Charles James: Designer in Detail and a chapter on the same designer in London Couture: British Luxury 1923–1975, both published by V&A Publishing.

Luxe Holiday: A Collectors' Collection

Three Piece Dress with Day and Evening Bodices, 1860s

Lot Description

Condition Report

Preview

Auction Contact

Shipping | Pickup