SOLD Breathtaking French Fashion Doll Gown c1870s Delectable Couture

Antiques : Dolls : Clothing, Accessories

 

Stunning white confection of fine lawn with fitted cuirass and generously ruched skirt with bias flounce, dramatic ruching, and silk ribbon trim in pale pink. This could grace milady's summer wardrobe or perhaps become her wedding gown.

Finest white lawn is constructed with a slightly heavier fine cotton foundation fabric for body and stability. The fitted cuirass, which emerged in 1874, reveals the front-buttoning, long-waisted, tight-fitting bodice without waist seams, that extended below the hips. The neckline has a delicate needle lace edging, while the edges below the waist, and all around the hem and cuffs of the sleeves, have elaborate ruching detail. The cuirass has beautiful lines with narrow waist and flared hips.

The skirt, typical of the early 1870's keeps a flat front panel, lavishly bordered with double ruched panels, and widens at the sides with deep gathers which extend to the back. The fabric shows a gradual descent outward, where it slowly fans into a luxurious train.

Note: We have not bustled the skirt, but there is ample room if one wishes to add some padding. This era began the decline of the bustle, but small ones were still in use.

This ensemble also includes a matching half slip with pin tucks, flounce, and lace trim at the hem. It has a simple draw-string waist.

As can be seen in our photos, the costume fits our wicker model fairly well, though a bit long in the torso. We have given the dress form dimensions here for comparison to your doll. Please don't confuse them with the measurements of the costume itself: Dress form from shoulder to floor 15"; across shoulders 4-1/2"; bust 9-1/2"; waist 5-1/2"; length from shoulder to waist 4".

Costume measurements: Cuirass (bodice) shoulders between sleeve heads 4-3/4"; waist 7"; bust 10-1/2"; sleeve 4-3/4" at underarm seam; sleeve at wrist 2-7/8" circumference; length from back neck to waist 4-1/4" and to hem 9". Skirt waist 8"; length in front 10-1/4"; length in back 14".

Condition issues: several rust spots, a few of which have caused holes in the lawn. On the jacket, the foundation fabric has camouflaged the issue; on the skirt there are a few pin-head sized holes which are largely covered by the long cuirass. We have shown the largest spot on one sleeve which is much larger than all the other spots combined; this one is a bit smaller than a pencil eraser. The seams in front have some stress related loss which again are camouflaged by the foundation fabric which causes one to overlook them. Overall, there are a few areas of wear as mentioned, but the presence of the white foundation material really makes it all quite unnoticeable.

An early 1870s French Fashion Doll costume this beautiful just does not come along every day. This should fit a fashion doll between 16 - 19" tall, with length adjustment between the two pieces. Please feel free to email to request whatever photos you might like to see and also to check your dolls measurements.

Item ID: DC-JS785

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Layaway available - please arrange prior to ordering.