This is a gorgeous white cotton muslin voile blouse dating to the post World War 1 era. We estimate around 1917 to early 1920s.
Totally handmade, it has a small whitework embroidered curved shawl collar which extends to an angular 'sailor type' collar at the back of the neck.
The upper front of the blouse has fine pintucks with further whitework embroidery. The seams of the armholes, upper shoulders and collar panels are all joined with very fine openwork tape.
This level of detailed work is rarely seen these days and would be expensive to reproduce now.
It buttons with 4 floral shaped delicate mother of pearl shell buttons at the top of the front placket and falls open below that from around the bust level.
The cuffs are pointed turn backs which fasten with two matching mother of pearl floral buttons on each cuff.
The bottom of the blouse has a panel running horizontally which would have allowed it to be tucked into a skirt.
It is in excellent condition for it's age but does have some minor flaws;
- It has a small faint patch of yellowing at each armpit
- The are two tiny faint age spots. One towards the bottom of the front placket and one on the lower back of the blouse
- There are 3 tiny pin holes; 1 to the lower left, 1 to the upper left of the blouse at the front and 1 to the top of the left sleeve below the shoulder seam
Please see the images at the end which are all marked to show these minor issues.
* Please note that the images of the item on models are AI generated and are given to show how it might look when worn. The fine detail may not always be identical to the item being offered. So please refer to the other images as well to obtain the actual definitive view.
We estimate based on the design and measurement across the back (armpit to armpit) this would best fit a current UK Size 8/10 but please see exact measurements below.
A really rare and beautiful piece which is so unique and wearable!
Measurements
Note the bust measures 40ins round but is fuller at the front than the back. There is a small panel under the arm each side. We have measured to the panel seam at the back which lines up with the armpit seam (see below)
Width across back (armpit seam to armpit seam) 17.5ins
Width across front (armpit seam to armpit seam) 22.5ins
Width of panel at waist seam 18.5ins (37ins total)
Length (nape of neck to hem) 23ins
