Originally used as a fancy blouse to be worn over a more form fitting blouse. CAN BE WORN NOW FOR THE SAME REASON OR AS AN ACCENT ACCESSORY OVER A DRESS. LOADED WITH LACE, LARGE MACHINE EMBROIDERED FLOWERS, EXTRA FINE PLEATING, & 8 PEARLY BUTTONS down the front. No sleeves so it could also have been worn as a vest type garment over another blouse.
In any event, this is a nice fancy Victorian period garment item. Made of very thin lace. Very nice designs with roses, flowers, and other fancy designs. REALLY NICE LOOKING PERIOD VICTORIAN STAND-UP COLLAR SYTLE. Appears to be a relatively small size, for a young or older woman. Might also be intended as a fits all accessory. Made in a cape/shoulder length, to come down and cover the bust. Scans provide an idea of the fancy lace and design details.Measures about 16 from shoulder seam to shoulder seam. Also, 18 from the collar (under the stand up section) to the bottom.
Has 7 tiny pearl type buttons. There are not button holes, but a thread "holder" opposite each button ON THE BACK OF the opposite vertical panel of lace. They are not "holes", but are dainty pieces of thread about 1/4 long, spaced as appropriately, that would hook on the button. Probably holes would not work or be sightly on the lace where they attach, so they did it this way. I had to look twice to find them and figure out the attachment strategy!Very fancy and elegant as would go with such a piece. Again, all there, but since on the back of the lace panel and just threads you may not see them in my scans. Condition is VERY GOOD TO EXCELLENT FOR THE AGE. Lace appears to be perfectt. The style probably worn from 1870 through 1885, so I have listed as c1880.
A REALLY SCARCE VICTORIAN CLOTHING ACCESSORY. Great for the antique clothing collector or someone interested in assembling antique Victorian costuming. For a collection or CAN BE USED. THIS WOULD ALSO LOOK STUNNING AND UNIQUE WORN OVER MODERN CLOTHING SUCH AS A DRESS, FOR SOMEONE WHO LIKES TRENDY CLOTHING. COULD ALSO SERVE AS A GREAT INSPIRATION TO A FASHION DESIGNER OR SOMEONE IN THAT INDUSTRY!!
A nice display piece for a collection and would make a nice gift. The item "REALLY RARE Antique Lady's Fancy Lace Victorian Cape Blouse, Vest, c. 1880, GIFT" is in sale since Wednesday, June 17, 2020. This item is in the category "Clothing, Shoes & Accessories\Specialty\Vintage\Women's Vintage Clothing\Tops". The seller is "marvinsmom9" and is located in Hampden, Massachusetts.
This item can be shipped worldwide.