A frilly "underblouse" (sometimes called a "stomacher") meant to be worn over a camisole cover and under a shirtwaist or jacket. Made from a soft, drapy net, the collar and shirt front are embellished with mixed laces - the filet rose pattern from Italy, the Schiffli lace from Germany or Switzerland and Irish hand crochet. The lace panel is bordered by perfect nuns pleats which are repeated again in the back and around the waist. The Irish crochet has just enough creme in it to hint this garment may have once been ecru. It closes in front with a snap at the neck. The finish work around the arms is crudely done as it was never meant to be seen. Although as a whole this piece has a small amount of damage, it is fairly minimal for an article of this era. The lace around the edge of the collar has a few stray ends (typical) and there are few areas which the net is damaged (also typical). By far the worst is in the back and pictured. Layered over white with a garment over it this would appear perfect. The measuremet are (approximate but pretty darned close!) as follows:
Neck: 20"
Circumference under the arms: 39"
Length: 23"
Not the least bit fragile but oh, so delicate. Wonderful for display and a good piece for the collector.
Hand laundered, air dried and pressed c. 1900-20 excellent condition with consideration for its age
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