Victorian christening robe & underskirt - superb handmade broderie anglais lace insertion panel & border Start Price GBP 45.00 Current Price GBP 45.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, September 04, 2008 End Time Thursday, September 11, 2008 Location Birmingham See more about 'Victorian christening robe & underskirt - superb ' Description     UK bidders please make payment by cheque, postal order or Pay Pal. No stamps as payment   OVERSEAS sales please make payment by Pay Pal only, please request shipping BEFORE placing bids.     this is superb christening robe complete with  underskirt and probably dates around the later years of the 19thc to the early 20thc.  White cotton short sleeves with a 5.50 inches border ofhand made broderie anglais lace around the bottom to sidesand back with an inserted panel to the front of similar lace, once again all hand made.  Fastens with two ties at the back, one at the neck the other at the waist. the waist one is not  adjustable.  Waist measures, laid flat, 10.00 inches (approx 20.00 inches all around)  the neck ribbon is through the casing so adjustable.  Centre back of neck to hem, laid flat 40.00 inches.   The underskirt is much simpler in design, sleeveless, 10.00 inch waist laid flat, with two ties at neck and waist, both through the casing so adjustable, and 32.00 in length center backto hem,   several rows of pintucks at the hem for adjustment of the length.     Apparently way back in history the long robe was once the norm for babes in arms, the length and fineness of the robe was a statement of the baby's importance, however by the 20thc the long robe appears only for christenings.  Around the early 19th c the robe was approx 46.00 inches in length, shortening through the century, this robe at 40.00 inches in length equates around the 1890's..apparently by the early years of the 20thc the length had further decreased to around 36.00 inches.   Whether these two have always been together I cannot tell, they are the last remaining, other than my own, of a large collection I once put together many years ago.   They go together perfectly well and create the right full ness in the skirt of the robe, especially when starched and freshly ironed.  (modern spray starch is just as good as traditional)    My own ensemble also has a veil, but I have never come across a set as complete as that!    Overall both the robe and underskirt are in very good condition, neither having splits or rips in the material.  The front panel has a small repair where the stitching came undone and has been restitched, and there is a very tiny "iron mold" mark also to the robe, mentioned for accuracy.  The ties, at the waist, on the under-robe are short and would probably benefit from being replaced or secured so they are not "lost" in the casing, it also has a laundry name "Jenkins?" written inside the back opening.   I would remind you these items are easily around 100 years old and more than likely  more, if you want a garment to machine wash and be easy-care this is not for you.          Further details and pictures by request.   We have cats; respectfully buy elsewhere if this is a problem. We do not smoke.      We post with a proof of posting which includes limited insurance for loss in the post, please request if further insurance is required.   Combined postage always available, however you should note this is not always the cheapest option, especially with items posting overseas.   Items are refundable if not accurately described on the listing.  P & P is not included.   . Place a Bid!