Edwardian Tea Dress
This dress is probably from the Edwardian era. It is made of mercerized cotton -- a strong material with a beautiful sheen, according to the cleaner. The color is ecru. The front panel has a snap closure and the lower part buttons to close. The elastic at the waist has stretched out, but the cleaner says it's an easy fix, so I'm waiting on that until I know the size of the wearer. I have a gorgeous hand-sewn peach silk satin slip made for the dress, and a matching tie belt, although these did not come with the dress. I don't know who made it. It is in decent condition -- no holes or tears, but has a few light stains in areas which are not very noticeable. The neckline in the back is slightly yellowed, but I don't think it's a deal breaker. Perfect for docents at William Randolph Hearst's castle in California! Pictures without me wearing the dress are current. The wedding pictures (from a little while ago) are included so you can see what it looks like on a person. '
It's roughly a size 8-10, American size dress.
Secondhand Store
Yes
Hi Cathy,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Tea gowns, particularly those worn during the Edwardian era (1890-1910s) were worn by women of means when they were at home and receiving callers and/or for tea. They typically had a loose silhouette than those more structed and more corseted day dresses worn outside the home. I can imagine this also being worn in the summer during an outdoor social event when a more casual style was appropriate.
The market for tea dresses of any vintage, including Victorian ones, gives greater prominence and attention to ones by known makers, or ones where the provenance is known. I don't recognize the style as being particular to a specific couturier. Related examples sold at auctions - including Augusta Auctions - in recent years typically sell below $200 except those by known designers.
If you're interested in selling this, you might additionally reach out to some of the costume houses in Los Angeles that are always looking for period clothing to dress casts of period films and TV shows.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An antique Edwardian cream-colored mercerized cotton tea gown or summer day dress
unattributed maker, early 20th Century
Loosely woven (read, slightly sheer) one-piece full-length dress with pointed shawl collar with lacy pinwheel detail and triangular inset fichu. No tags.
approximately a size 8-10
CONDITION: This dress appears to be in generally good condition with some minor discoloration commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Acquired at a second hand store
$150-250*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
