Four "Swiss Waist" Bodices and Corselets, 1860s

This lot includes four bodices/corselets.

THE FIRST
Black silk taffeta sleeveless bodice embellished with clear glass beads, paneled peplum, and center back black glass button closures.
Unlabeled
Mary D. Doering Archive No.: BOW.068.1860

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 17"
Chest: 30.5"
Waist: 23"
Length (underarm to hem): 12"

THE SECOND
Black silk taffeta sleeveless bodice with pleated taffeta detail along the neckline and armholes, and center front black button closures.
Unlabeled
Mary D. Doering Archive No.: BOW.067.1860

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 17.5"
Chest: 31"
Waist: 23"
Length (underarm to hem): 6"

THE THIRD
Black silk taffeta corselet with ties down front and back, and trimmed with pleated black cotton and blue topstitched trim.
Unlabeled
Mary D. Doering Archive No.: BOW.066.1860

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 17"
Chest: 32.5"
Waist: 21"
Length (underarm to hem): 7"

THE FOURTH
Light blue silk taffeta corselet with front and back lace up closures.
Unlabeled
Mary D. Doering Archive No.: BOW.069.1860

Approximate Measurements:
Chest: 29"
Waist: 23.5"
Length (underarm to hem): 5.75"

Property of Mary D. Doering, Falls Church, Virginia

Condition: THE FIRST The overall condition is good with the following: Split/Separated Seams: There is a 3" opening on the left side waist seam. Losses: There is some minimal beading loss on the front left peplum panel and at the center back, and there is a small hole on back left peplum panel. Soiling/Spots: There are some light spots throughout the shell mostly along the closures and center front and which correspond to lightened areas in the lining. THE SECOND The overall condition is fair with the following: Structural Issues: There are several weak spots along the center front button holes, along the bottom waist edge, and the shoulder straps where stitching has come undone. There are some small holes at the center front next to the button closures, perhaps due to a pin or pendant being worn there. Split/Separated Seams: The bottom of the front boning casing has worn through, exposing the boning. Fading/Color Change: The interior lining has darkened due to age. Soiling/Spots: There is some soiling under each arm, mostly noticeable under each arm and along the back neckline. Repairs/Alterations: A few of the buttons have been replaced with non-matching ones. THE THIRD The overall condition is good with the following: Structural Issues: There is an open boning casing at the base of center front casing. The back lacer is unraveled in places revealing its core fibers. Split/Separated Seams: The shoulder strap trim has some loose stitches on the front right and at the back right near the center back. Losses: There are a couple of small holes on the back left upper bodice and two worn through spots in the lining near the front lace ups. Soiling/Spots: There is some negligible soiling in lining. THE FOURTH The overall condition is good with the following: Structural Issues: Each of the bottom points is  threadbare due to wear. Fading/Color Change: The exterior has some light fading overall. Soiling/Spots: There is some light soiling throughout the interior lining and exterior shell with white marks and spots evident on the exterior sides. The back lace up area has some darkening due to wear on the exterior shell. Repairs/Alterations: Stitch marks indicate the side seams have been let out at some point. Everything is sold 'As Is'. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email couturecr@hindmanauctions.com with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.