Antique Victorian Nightgown Mid 19th Century Civil War Era Broderie Anglaise
This is an original, authentic antique Victorian nightgown, or nightdress, decorated with Broderie Anglaise that dates to the mid-19th century - possibly as early as the Civil War era (1860s).
Made of white, heavyweight cotton muslin with french seaming. The bodice front is decorated with 2 columns of 3 tiny tucks on each side of 2 vertical bands of ruching, for a total of 4 columns of tucks. The collar and center front of the bodice are decorated with wonderful whitework eyelet embroidery, or broderie Anglaise. The embroidery pattern is of leaves, pierced "wheels", dots, and it has a scalloped edge. The style of embroidery is quite comparable of that seen in the late 1850s through 1860s in ladies' magazines.
The night gown also features a faux back yoke, dropped shoulders, and small coat sleeves that are trimmed with embroidery that matches the collar and center front. The closure is at center front with seven 4-hole white glass buttons. The buttons and handworked buttonholes are set at uneven intervals of approximately 8", but the measurement between the collar button and the next is 10". This might have been done for ease of nursing.
In excellent, clean, sturdy condition. I found one small spot at the collar (see photos) and a bit of a faint rust colored mark on one of the sleeves. The ruching on the left front has a very small hole near the bottom, but is unseen due to the folds.
Measurements:
- Bust -- 45"
- Waist -- 56"
- Hips -- Open
- Back Shoulders -- 17"
- Sleeve -- 22"
- Cuff -- 8 1/2"
- Length -- 50"
Due to the fragile nature of antique clothing, we cannot accept returns on this item.