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This is my best description based on my research:
MUSEUM QUALITY! Up for sale is a stunning, museum-quality piece of late-Victorian fashion history: an authentic late-1880s to 1890s Victorian Mourning Petticoat / Under-slip Skirt. True black undergarments from this era are incredibly scarce, as most surviving pieces are white or cream. This garment was meticulously crafted for strict Victorian formal mourning periods.
Historical Construction Details:
• Meticulous Hand-Worked Embroidery: The gorgeous scalloped hem features intricate fleur-de-lis, geometric motifs, and open eyelets. The underside clearly showcases beautifully imperfect hand-guided thread paths, hand-clipped cutwork, and hand-bound satin stitches—this is absolutely not modern machine embroidery.
• Period Machinery: The long parallel decorative pintucks on the lower tiers are constructed using a mechanical domestic chain-stitch (characteristic of early treadle machines like Willcox & Gibbs).
• Authentic Finishing: Features flat-felled, cleanly enclosed historical dressmaker seams. There is absolutely NO modern overlock or serged stitching.
• Traditional Drawstring Waist & Placket: The skirt features an open side slit (placket) designed to let the wearer step in over a bustle or corset layers. The waist closes strictly via a soft drawstring channel—there are no modern zippers, hooks, or buttons.
Condition Notes:
Excellent, structurally sound antique condition considering its 130+ year age. The cotton cambric/lawn fabric is remarkably strong with no dry rot. The original drawstring cord is present. No major stains or foul odors. The last photo shows the only flaw I saw in the embroidery. A magnificent piece for historical garment collectors, gothic/bohemian style wearers, or theatrical archival use.
Approximate Flat Measurements:
(Note: Please measure your own garments to ensure fit. Due to the drawstring closure, the waist is highly adjustable).
• Waist: Adjustable
• Hips: Free / Generous
• Total Length: 36 inches
