Antique Flanders Berain (Berainesque) bobbin lace... so very rare that it seldom shows up in any form! This was handmade with tiny linen threads in an intricate nouveau pattern. A whopping 8 wide, it was actually cut down (can you believe it??) to fit a collar shape! Oh, how I would have loved to have seen it worn. There is a thin bias tape sewn to the top (a later addition) enabling the collar to be added and removed from the garment without damage. On either hem the edges are rolled to prevent raveling and maintain a straight edge. As expected, there are a few breaks which I've tried to show in the pictures. Theyd be ridiculously simple to fix but when you actually see it in person, I doubt youll bother.
note: I am merely a "student of lace" and by no means an expert. I had originally classified this as Milanese bobbin lace but with so few pictures or descriptions of anything like it, I was still unsure. Thus I sent pictures of this off to a real expert for classification and an in depth report. If you'd like to see it, simply drop me an email and I will emil you a copy. Larger pictures for closer inspection can be sent as well.
It measures over 7.333 ft (88) x 8" and restored to a perfect white with no stains.
Carefully hand cleaned, air dried and pressed ~ c. late 1600's excellent condition
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