Antique Victorian Calico Wrapper Dress | S-S/M

late 1800s- very early 1900s

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approx. size S-S/M

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shoulders: 14 1/2"

arm holes (armscye): 17"

bust: 44"

waist: free- cinch with waist ties

hips: free

length: 53"

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black calico cotton with cream 'wire' print. Yoked upper bodice with pleat details and sweeping tent cut that can be cinched at waist. Wide ruffle hem. Sleeves and upper bodice lined in cotton.

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closure: buttons to hip.

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label: none

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condition: fair/good. very wearable with some flaws and a caveat. sleeves were shortened at some point. there are several old mends in the skirt, some stitched, some patched, all using self-fabric (maybe from the sleeves?!), all appear sturdy and are not very noticeable in the drape. I haven't addressed or messed with any of them. recently lightly mended L tear on left sleeve. missing hooks at collar. three top buttons are near- matches but smaller than the three bottom buttons (which also match each other) was this done on purpose? I don't know. repair behind one button. bottom-most button is my replacement. waist ties were reworked and moved lower at some point. I have not washed, but other than a faint kind of pleasant antique-y smell it has no odors or notable stains, although is certainly yellowed and faded throughout. I think the lower part of the lining was removed at some point. This is an antique everyday piece, and presents beautifully as such.  My caveat is that while this is wearable with proper care, I think some areas of the fabric are starting to lose integrity. I noted a little weakness at the sleeve tops and several seam allowances. I have handled it extensively, taken it on and off my dress form, steamed it, modeled it myself, and haven't had any issues, still, I felt it was an important detail to disclose to the future owner.