item number #SOLD1052
Edwardian 1909 FANCY Embroidery Armour Boston Princess gown
Here's another grand gown to gush about! This is a breathtakingly magnificent, 1909 lavish formal evening Reception Princess gown. You RARELY seen gowns as ornately embroidered as this one! This gorgeous quality gown has some of the finest hand embroidery work on black silk net I've ever seen- I can't even put a name to this high-quality, one-of-a-kind Art Nouveau embroidery, - except to say it's a unique mixture of ribbon work, silk Soutach cord, hand-stitched appliques and satin stitch- and all done by hand! (Oh-the hours invested!) Overall it's a rich, glossy midnight black color, which is notoriously hard to photograph, so just to let you know, I've lightened most of the photos so the amazing embroidery could be appreciated- any off tones are just lighting. The actual tone is on the "Close-up photo" that says "Actual color."
This is a Boston "Armour" Princess-line evening Receiving gown with formal train. This stunning gown is a slimmer line than the previous years. The elegant high neck and sleeve cuff ends have white silk sheer edges. The yoke is sheer, so you see through the embroidered neck to skin. Shoulders and double sleeve ending edges (and hem) have circular 2" large silk, Chenille-edged silk satin stitched appliqueed' flowers that are impressive. The gorgeous bust bodice area molds to the body instead of heavily blousen, with only a hint of a natural waist. The decollete' has a 5" large, embroidered Art Nouveau flower or thistle, in a large, repeating pattern. There are two below, one on each breast! (VERY suggestive for that period!) These enormous embroidered areas have silk velvet chenille pistol centers, silk-satin petals, silk Organza outer leaves lined in more silk Chenille, then shiny, twisted Soutache silk cord/ satin stitched, glossy thick silk floss for "spray" edges and silk cord stems, and satin stitched, round "buds." If you notice the mannequin pose changes in the first two top photos, the movement of the mannequin body appears to shift the bust motif in an unusual and quietly exciting way, so the bust is center stage. Fully boned inside, princess seams skirt the waist and hips.
The smooth waist is plainer with smaller, plainer areas of embroidery with more silk net showing. The lower skirt is an "A" line shape, straighter in front. The black silk embroidery on the embroidered overlay is attached to the skirt, so the overlay is slightly bustled. The back has much fullness and has a long, round formal length train decorated with scalloped embroidery and smaller embroidered Flowers (or thistles). The under gown is medium-weight glossy fluid silk satin. Bodice/ under skirt is interlined in China silk with a black twilled petersham stamped in green with the "Armour," "Boston" stamp. Back hook and eye closures. (Didn't I tell you this exceptional gown had all the delicious goodies? LOL) Make sure to look at the condition observations under the photo and see the additional links as well- you don't want to miss this!
Props, including bustle, hat, gloves, mannequin wigs are not included, and are not for sale.
Condition:
Lovely, lovely! Presentable and surprisingly in VERY EXCELLENT condition, with little to mention. (I'll explain below.) The fine, black silk net embroidery overlay is very black and rich, virtually with extremely few faults I can find. (Since it is silk net with much embroidery, I would consider it more a delicate fabric than say, silk.) The neck has 3 areas of 1" round net worn away (I think by fingers pulling at neck closures or hooks.) I noticed a few other very small breaks or tears, again on the bodice (And some embroidery pull threads- possibly due to hooks.) Skirt had a few small torn or worn areas as well, but this is all incidental- I mean like a few stitches. This stunner is just amazingly intact with just a large, thin, 5-6" period mend to the front waist area (see last photo of close-ups.) that is hard to see unless searching for it. (The mender used thread as fine as a hair.) A beautiful belt with a bow would look amazing and completely mask this for perfection. The insides are really in fabulous condition- strong enough to wear with (no-duh) caution recommended toward the heavily embroidered areas getting caught on hooks, stepped on, ect. Was well stored- can smell the reminiscent scent of cedar. Tiny size but sizzling style!
This item is sold and no longer available.
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Estimated Current size Approx.:
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| Size | Maker's Tags/ Marks | Estimated condition rating | Estimated overall condition scale of 1-10 | | Small (0-3) | "Armour" "Boston" | NEAR MINT. | 9.999 |
This item is sold and no longer available.
| Our Explanation of item's grading terms: | | MINT; | NEAR MINT; | EXCELLENT; | VERY GOOD; | GOOD; | FAIR; | POOR; | | Like brand new. | No noticeable stains or tears (or VERY tiny or FAINT), a gentle touch of wear. | Light wear, minimal faint stain or two, less than 1." Nothing distracting.
| Used gently, minor spots or wear. Sound structure. Nothing visually detracting. | Used, but still has life, spotting, wear or fraying. Visual problems but structure sound. | Used, so-so condition but usable, heavy spotting, fraying, still useful for the creative. | Heavily used, stained, worn or split, a pattern, project, or a cutter. |
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