May 2008 Vintage Fashion & Antique Textile Sale

  • May 9th & 10th, 2008
  • New Hope, PA

On May 9th & 10th, 2008 we held our 14th specialty vintage clothing and antique textile auction.

More that 20,000 objects were sorted for a jam-packed 2-day sale. Over 1,200 catalogued lots were offered over two sessions on May 9th & 10th.  Many more were offered uncatalogued to bidders the spring “DISCOVERY SALE”. 

Many auction objects were consigned from museums, universities and historical society collections with proceeds used to care for their permanent collections. Institutions benefiting from this sale included Wellesley Historical Society (MA), The Bennington Art Museum (VT), Shippensburg University (PA), Kent State University (OH), a major Rhode Island university and ESMOD, a new international fashion museum.

We also had additions from several collections and estates. These include the first offerings of fabric and textiles from the estate of Joan Murphy, owner of Roxie Taylor Vintage Clothing; laces and textiles from the estate of Julius Beck, ribbon, lace & notions buyer for Strawbridge & Clothier from 1890 to 1930; and 19th & 2oth C. clothing and accessories from the estate of Millie Curtis, founder of the Museum of Costume in St. Michaels, Maryland.

 

SESSION 1

featured items included: fabulous collection of embroidered export shawls, rare commemorative printed cotton (9+ yards) depicting the 1846 Mexican War; Chinese embroideries, Dragon Robes, Kimonos, Japanese pictorial embroidered panels and brocades, 18th C. embroidered chasubles, brocades, metallic embroideries and fabric samples; large quantities chintz, bark cloth, quilt, ticking and other fabrics; heirloom bed and table linens, lace curtain panels, cutwork, needle and filet lace tablecloths, large selection of 19th C. hand towels, handmade 16th to early 20th C laces, fine handmade lace wedding veils, flounces and yardage; over 200 fans including carved, painted, advertising and novelty; coverlets, hooked and oriental rugs, Aubusson fragments; many exceptional quilts; designer pillows; Indian appliquéd market umbrella cover;  woven and printed paisleys, cigar band table cover, trade lots of lace and beaded trims, buttons, Andor Mills fabric sample books, much more…

 

DISCOVERY SALE –

Over 100 boxes filled with fabric, textiles, clothing and accessories from the 18th C. to the late 20th C. All items in the DISCOVERY SALE are uncatalogued.

SESSION 2

sale highlights include: Madeline Vionnet 1939 jeweled and embroidered chiffon evening gown, rare 1850’s trunk filled with clothing and personal artifacts of Sarah Crafts, Holyoke, MA who died in 1852 at age 9; large collection of 20’s & 30’s printed chiffons; Christian Lacroix party dresses, Dior dresses, many Ceil Chapman dresses, Balenciaga coat; handmade Parisian shoes by Massaro, Michel and others; lace dresses and tea gowns, Irish Lace garments, early 20th C lingerie; large selection ladies whites; 1920 - 1970 lame, beaded, sequined, printed and velvet dresses; 19th C bustle gowns & accessories; clothing and militaria from the Civil War; other military; bicorn hats; important collection of handbags including Hermes Kelly bags, other Hermes styles, Gucci, Leiber, etc.; fashion Illustrations by Carl Erickson and Harriett  Meserole, fashion sketch book with 80 +/- original sketches by various designers;  fashion, textile books and ephemera, much more…

Featured designers: Vionnet, Worth, Ceil Chapman, Dior, Galanos, Jacques Heim, Pucci, Christian LaCroix, Chanel, Moschino, Hermes, Bob Mackie, Erte, Jacques Fath, Givenchy, Gucci, Bill Blass, Balenciaga, Beene, Courreges, Trigere, etc.