Rare, unusual and interesting antique costumes and textiles; for museums and collectors looking for that extra special piece, for new and established collectors and for those with a modest budget who want to adorn their person or home.

SOLD

Women's Powdering Shirt
Second half 18th c

This pleasing shirt was worn by a lady, when powdering her wig. I have often wondered why these shirts are so closely imitating men's. For such an activity I would have thought loose sleeves (ie no cuffs) would have been easier and why a dropped shoulder seam. Does anyone know? The finely ribbed cotton is of a fine quality.

 


Cataloguing

Julia Ripley 4 hand written in faded ink to the inside collar, the deep wide collar above tape ties, running round the neck of the shirt, open front, dropped seamed sleeves gathered into cuffs, the back neck gathered into the body, all in finely ribbed cotton.



Nape of neck to hem 32 in; 80 cm



Very large and loose fit.


Condition

Clean and fresh. Above the signature is a dot of the original ink. A small tear to the left hand front of the shirt, now repaired 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 in; 3 x 3 cm. One tiny tiny hole to the back collar which we have repaired.