A very pretty antique 1820s ladies’ cotton bodice. The bodice is made of a fine cotton lawn, it is decorated with inserts of eyelet embroidery. The sleeves are elongated and pull up tightly on the arms, creating full puffs at the top of the sleeves. The bodice does not appear to have ever been part of a dress; there is no evidence of a skirt being unpicked from the waistband. The side seams are left open with overlapped pieces, which seems to be an unusual feature. I can only conclude that this bodice was worn as a blouse or skirt, perhaps with a separate skirt or worn over an underdress. The back opening fastens with little shell buttons.
The condition is good for the age. The bodice does not appear to have been washed in a very long time; the cotton is a very aged off-white tone. The fabric has some minor discolouration and staining. There are some small tears to the fabric, most noticeably on the back of the sleeves. Overall, this is a very lovely example of early 19th-century dress, a great piece for study or display.
Approximate Measurements:
A petite size
Bust - 34 inches
High waist - 30 inches
Front length - 10 inches
Back length - 12 inches
A very pretty antique 1820s ladies’ cotton bodice. The bodice is made of a fine cotton lawn, it is decorated with inserts of eyelet embroidery. The sleeves are elongated and pull up tightly on the arms, creating full puffs at the top of the sleeves. The bodice does not appear to have ever been part of a dress; there is no evidence of a skirt being unpicked from the waistband. The side seams are left open with overlapped pieces, which seems to be an unusual feature. I can only conclude that this bodice was worn as a blouse or skirt, perhaps with a separate skirt or worn over an underdress. The back opening fastens with little shell buttons.
The condition is good for the age. The bodice does not appear to have been washed in a very long time; the cotton is a very aged off-white tone. The fabric has some minor discolouration and staining. There are some small tears to the fabric, most noticeably on the back of the sleeves. Overall, this is a very lovely example of early 19th-century dress, a great piece for study or display.
Approximate Measurements:
A petite size
Bust - 34 inches
High waist - 30 inches
Front length - 10 inches
Back length - 12 inches
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