This bodice comes from a large private collection of museum quality antique clothing
I was so pleased to unearth this one, it is very special
It is handmade, SKILLFULLY, with a name label
It was never worn and 99% finished
I wonder what happened, did she not marry, cancel the wedding? Was it tragic? Was she scared? Or did she simply demand another bodice ??
Gertrude Hill Plaisted
29 June 1890–15 March 1985 (Age 94)
Augusta, Kennebec, Maine, United States
The Life Summary of Gertrude Hill
When Gertrude Hill Plaisted was born on 29 June 1890, in Augusta, Kennebec, Maine, United States, her father, Harris Merrill Plaisted, was 61 and her mother, Mabel True Hill, was 35. She lived in Providence, Providence, Rhode Island, United States in 1935 and Andover, Merrimack, New Hampshire, United States in 1940. She died on 15 March 1985, in Bath, Sagadahoc, Maine, United States, at the age of 94, and was buried in Bangor, Penobscot, Maine, United States.
The bodice is the palest ivory, supple silk. The silk is in excellent condition, with only some rubs and splitting to the right underarm area (just from being handled over the years) and small pensive spots that look like some sewing was picked off the front shoulder breast area. The bodice was a made with button holes all the way to the top, but during design it was decided to have an open collar with lace flounce, so there are 5 button holes unused in the design, and 10 'active" buttons. The lace ruffle flounce can be found on the collar/neckline with a double ruffle, double ruffle to the cuffs (right has a small hole) Then a single ruffle to the bottom. The arms have alternating inserts of lace and silk, I noticed a couple snags to the tambour embroidery.
The whole bodice is banned and tailored, the hems are NOT all sewn, so the center of the back needs closure in areas, these are not rips, not damage. The bustle features the most over the top gorgeous Ribbon bow, and sash with a knotted looking rouched designate gather with silk chenille tassels then ending with a ruffled lace, one side has a small rip. The sash is lined with a muslin backing.
The sash is 31"
13.25" across bust
11.5" across waist
17.5" across hips
18.25" shoulder to bottom side
24" top of collar to bottom center of bodice
