A Pierre Balmain couture ball gown, circa 1953-6, t

A Pierre Balmain couture ball gown, circa 1953-6, the inner corselette petticoat labelled `A.M.Suzanne 77068', the gown of silver-grey silk faille with strapless bodice and full skirt with lavish Lesage silver and blue embroidery with raisedwork C scrolls studded with pastes, satin rosettes, metallic blue embroidery, simple bow to the front, bust approx 85cm, 34in waist 56cm, 22in, (2) Provenance: Reputed to have been worn by the British Actor Leo Genn's wife to a premier. His films included Quo Vadis 1951 and Moby Dick 1956

silk has frayed at underarms. Bodice has been taken in slightly over the two front darts, waistline has been re-stitched hem has been raised, small brown stain and two pinhead sized holes to front of skirt near hem, faint watermarks to front hem, tiny split in silk at rear waist; the petticoat has damp speckles