RARE ANTIQUE VICTORIAN 1840s SUMMER SHEER GAUZE COTTON FAB SLEEVES DRESS BODICE

Description

A very rare antique original Victorian 1840’s two layer summer bodice, the underlayer is soft cotton while the outer is sheer extremely lightweight gauze.  This very lovely bodice is all hand stitched and created with 9 narrow wooden /cane stays. The neckline, sleeve armscyes, shoulders and hem of the outer muslin are all piped. The gauze layer is attached on the bottom waist by being smocked into the cotton. The boat neckline is trimmed with sweet narrow embroidered eyelet trim. The awesome sleeves are created with 4 rows of narrow gathering, the superb bell sleeve starts at the end of the cotton; they are double layered with white silk insert bands. A hidden back hook/eye closure. Measures; Bust 26" Waist 20". In overall extremely good condition; the gauze has a short 2" split on the left shoulder and a shorter split on a sleeve. So very rare to find gauze in this condition during this era. As you can see it was originally acquired from being deaccessioned from a museum. Please feel free to ask questions before bidding. Have a great day.
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