#6611 $850
Lace tea dress, c.1890-1900
This lovely lace tea dress came from the estate Bertha Valentine. See the velvet day dress that also belonged to Mrs. Valentine. With their fine embellishment, early tea dresses are treasured by today's collector. Our dress retains its winsome beauty from 110 years ago when first worn by Bertha Valentine.
The calf length skirt would have been worn by a young lady. Fortunately for modern use, the measurements are larger than those of a typical Victorian teenager. The dress is ideal when you do not need the formality of a full length skirt.
The dress is beautifully fashioned with layers of ecru cotton tulle. The top layer of floral sprig tulle has panels of lace inserts and embroidered flowers. The flounced hem border and bodice capelet consist of rows of decorative lace. The bodice-center front panel has rows of satin ribbon buds.
The dress closes in back with hooks and small mother-of-pearl buttons. The bodice and skirt are lined with ivory voile. The skirt, bodice, and sleeves all have an under layer of plain cotton tulle.
I can imagine (that is all this is) this youthful dress as having a special place in Bertha's heart. Is it because she wore it to the garden party where she became reacquainted with the man who was to become her future husband. "It is impossible that Mr. Valentine can remember me!" were the first words she said to him. He looked round and was greeted by a pair of sparkling eyes and the gayest smile in the world.
The condition is excellent. It is clean and ready to wear.
It measures: 36" bust, 26" waist, 15" from shoulder seam to shoulder seam, 12 1/2" sleeve length, 14 1/2" neckline circumference, and 29" skirt length.
