Two-Piece Silk Velvet Dress, 1880s

Dark purple silk velvet evening dress with box neckline, fitted sleeves and center front button closures; paired with matching dark purple silk velvet skirt with hip draped bustle and shirred pleat detail.
Unlabeled
Mary D. Doering Archive No.: DRW.141.1880AB

Approximate Measurements:
BODICE
Shoulders: 14"
Chest: 36"
Waist: 25"
Length (underarm to hem): 11.25"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 28.5"

SKIRT
Waist: 23.5"
Hips: 45"
Length (side waist band to hem): 4-.5"

Property of Mary D. Doering, Falls Church, Virginia

Condition:

The overall condition is fair with the following:
Structural Issues: The skirt has shredded lining at the back and along the entire waistband and there is varying degrees of wear to most of the folds throughout the velvet.
Split/Separated Seams: The front left armhole and back left sleeve have a small section of popped stitches and there are some loose threads along the bottom of the bodice hemline.
Losses: The hem facing and braided edging has some holes around the circumference.
Soiling/Spots: There is some soiling inside the bodice under the arms
Repairs/Alterations: A purple satin ribbon has been attached at the waist in the bodice as the original Petersham belt is worn to uselessness.

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

Two-Piece Silk Velvet Dress, 1880s

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