Textiles and Stuff 

This is a wonderful example of an early 19th Century collar in hand embroidered whitework in two tiers. It is very large and extends over the shoulders The design consists of a continuous row of flowers and leaves decorated on both sides with ferns. It has a large scalloped edge which is also finely scalloped and includes a long frond of fern in each curve. The front edge of the collar is finely pointed. The collar measures 15 inches (38 cms.) round the neck edge, 12 1/2 inches (31.7 cms.) down the centre back 17 inches (43 cms.) at the shoulder and the front points measure 13 inches ( 33 cms.) It is in excellent condition and the only fault I can find are two very small holes which can be seen in the fifth photo. This is a beautiful piece, in wonderful condition, and one of the largest I have seen. It would greatly enhance a period outfit, or be suitable for a collection.

This is a lovely example of a silver thimble by Charles Horner, hallmarked for Chester 1916, and a size 10. Charles Horner was very well known at the time as a designer and maker of small silver objects, particularly thimbles and hatpins and his products were mostly hallmarked for Chester or Birmingham. This thimble is in the traditional design with small indentations all over and the rim is faceted. It is in excellent condition, a good weight and very comfortable to wear. It is an attractive thimble and a very useful gift. POSTAGE I send all goods by Royal Mail first class signed for delivery and insurance is included in the postal charge. The postage by first class signed for service would be £2.50 in the U.K., £8.50 to the U.S. and £7.75 Europe. I will always combine items for posting if you are making more than one purchase.

This is a most attractive blouse for a young girl in striped cotton. The main part of the blouse is in a very narrow lilac and white stripe. The front panel has been appliqued with a fabric with more pronounced stripes of a darker shade and these alternate with rows of pin tucks. The bodice is asymmetrical and fastens down the left hand side with a placket which conceals three small buttons. There is a small stand up collar which is, unusually, tapered at the front for ease of fitting. The sleeves are gathered fully at the top almost leg-of-mutton in shape, and narrow to buttoned cuffs at the wrist. There is a tape at the back of the bodice on the inside to tie at the front waist to draw the garment in at the back. There is very little damage although the garment is well used, and the only sign of wear is at the edge of the collar, where there is some fraying. The measurements are Bust 36 inches measured flat, front length from shoulder to hem 22 inches. outside length of sleeves, 25 inches. neck 13 3/4 inches The blouse is probably a size UK 10, US 8, Europe 38. This is an unusual design and is very suitable for wearing with a period outfit.

This is a good example of a simple Victorian camisole or underbodice. It is made of cotton with a crocheted yoke, has a silk ribbon threaded round the neck edge and fastens at the front with mother of pearl buttons. It is gathered at the lower hem with a tape which draws up and ties at the front. The sleeves are short and decorated with a crocheted border. The bust size is 36 inches (actual measurement 38 inches) and the length from top of shoulder to hem is 15 inches. The camisole is in good condition and there is plenty of wear in it.

This is a beautiful example of an antique collar in Brussels mixed bobbin and needlepoint lace. It is of complex design, incorporating large daisies, ferns and other leaves, scrolls, fan shapes and roses with raised petals and a tiny piece of needlepoint in the centre,in a very dense area. It measures 4 1/2 inches deep, the neck edge measures 14 inches and the outer edge measures 33 inches. It is dark cream in colour and has not been washed. It is in excellent condition and I can find no holes or gaps in the lace. It is a truly beautiful collector's piece and could also be worn as part of a period costume.

This is a good example of a antique crinoline silk day dress of the mid-1860s. It is lilac in colour and is trimmed on the yoke and cuffs with bobbin lace of a Bedfordshire type. The bodice is fitted, with a narrow stand up collar and is lined in white cotton sateen. The yoke is trimmed with narrow dark lilac velvet ribbon in a folded line next to the lace. A row of decorative fabric buttons have been attached to the centre front. The bodice is not boned. The sleeves are cut in a curved and tapered shape and also lined in cotton. The skirt seems to have been separate and attached in pleats to a waistband which is now missing, but the skirt has been lightly sewn to a modern band for photographic purposes. It is shown worn over a crinoline which is not included in the sale. The skirt is very full and is lined throughout in a stiff cotton fabric and the bottom hem is strengthened with a band of cotton sateen. There is a pocket in the side seam and the position seems to indicate that the skirt fastened at the front but not centrally. The dress is hand sewn. There is very little damage. The stand up collar is a little frayed at the edge and there is an area of weakness in one place in the skirt where there are some small holes. This can be seen in the fourth photograph. There is some staining under the arms and some areas of fading down some panels of the skirt and on the right hand side of the bodice and right sleeve. Some small brown spots can also be seen in the photo of the bodice. However, the general appearance of the dress is good and fine for display, but I would not consider it robust enough for wear. Dresses of this type are difficult to find as many of them were adapted to a a later fashion and re-styled.

This is a pair of corsets in a grey cotton fabric which date from the early 20th Century. They fasten with laces at the back and metal studs and eyelets at the front. There are steel busks at the centre front and the top edge is trimmed with machine made embroidered black and white trimming. They are labelled “Double Value” BIENNA on the inside. The front length is 13 1/2 inches (33 cms.) and the back length 14 1/2 inches (36.7 cms,). They have been worn but are in very good condition.

This is a beautiful vintage jacket of Chinese silk which is fully reversible. One one side the silk is black with red chrysanthemums and Chinese symbols and on the other it is red with the same design of fabric. It has a mandarin collar and this and the facings on the front, the pockets and the hem bear a band of quilting in a meandering pattern. It fastens edge to edge in traditional Chinese fashion with black toggles designed as lotuses. It is fully reversible (including the pockets) and I think has never been worn. The standard of workmanship is high and it is beautifully made. Measurements Bust (measured flat) 38 inches (96 cms.) Outside sleeve shoulder to cuff 21 inches (53 cms.) Length from top of shoulder to hem 26 inches (66 cms.) Please check these measurements carefully with a garment of your own, and feel free to ask questions before purchasing. However this jacket is in excellent condition and being reversible is very versatile and would compliment many different outfits.

This is a lovely example of a Victorian bodice for a young girl dating from the 1860s. It is made of fine cream silk and is fitted to the waist, with a low neckline. It is shaped with darts and the upper part is gently padded. It is fully lined in cotton and boned at the front and centre back, which was fastened with lacing with small eyelet holes. The lacing cord is not present. The sleeves are lined and the outer layer is ruched silk to give volume. They are gathered on to a band of darker silk with a frill of silk underneath. The armholes are defined with piping. The bodice is trimmed both at the neck edge and round the sleeves with bobbin lace of a Bedfordshire type. The condition is really excellent - there are no faults in the fabric and no signs of wear, which is most unusual in a garment of such an age.

This is a nicely decorated haircomb probably made of celluloid or tortoise shell. It is curved and decorated with three rows of diamante stones fixed by tiny pins. It has eight prongs. It has an indented mark "non-inflammable". It measures 4 1/2 inches (11 cms.) wide and 3 1/4 inches (8 cms.) deep. It dates from the early 20th century, when women's hair was still worn in a loose coil or a bun. The condition is excellent and this would make a wonderful Christmas present!

This is a lovely little baby’s bonnet dating from the early 19th Century, entirely handmade in cotton net, needle run in silk. The design features diamonds and triangles and rather geometric designs. It dates from the early 19th Century and has the traditional five channels holding cords to adjust the size and a drawstring at the back of the neck. It also has cotton ties to fasten under the chin, which are I think are a later addition. The bonnet is gathered on to the crown which is oval and also has embroidered diamonds and a scalloped frill round it. It measures just over 12 inches round the brim and the neck edge measures 10 inches. It is a dainty bonnet and in fairly good condition, considering its dainty construction, although there are several small holes in the net near the brim,and towards the crown. It is an interesting and unusual example of its type.

A rare example of a late 18th Century Calash - a type of bonnet usually made of cotton or silk over a framework of cane or willow to protect the enormous coiffures of the second half of the eighteenth century. These were made to fold flat for convenience. This example is made of light brown glazed cotton on a framework of what appears to be split cane. The crown of the bonnet is gathered on to a circular disc and there is a wide frill at the neck. It is lined with a plain cotton fabric and has narrow tapes to tie under the chin and tapes in channels to draw up the back of the crown at the inside of the neck. This elegant calash is in very good condition considering its age, but there are a few small holes and splits in one area of the frill, which can be seen in the photograph, there is a small hole in the brim and the outer piece of cane is broken at the top of the brim. This is a rare example of a calash and a wonderful addition to a costume collection.