The pick of the litter!  The highest of high collars, narrowest of pin tucks, the finest embroidery, the best handkerchief linen with hand embroidered cutwork, and great condition make this beautiful dress the best in show, circa 1900.

The collar is high, with stays on both sides to keep it in place.  The embroidery on the bodice is profuse, overlapping the lace insertion in some places.  It is fine and delicate in scale, matching the narrow  vertical pin tucks.  The sleeves are voluminous above the embroidered and ruffled cuff.  The figure flattering waistline is composed of a series of diamond shaped panels of lace and pin tucking, creating a very feminine and alluring appearance.  The skirt is narrow over the hips with undulating embroidered flowers and vines above a panel of lace and pin tucking.  The skirt flounce is profusely embroidered to match the bodice, however the flowers are embroidered in a larger scale completely covering the panel above the final rows of lace insertion, pin tucking and the ruffled hem.

With a few very minor problems I would say that this dress is in excellent condition.  There are three exquisitely done period repairs on the high collar all less than 1/4" square.  The work is so well done that it does not detract from the dress in any way. In fact you really have to search for these three repairs.  In addition, there are a few very small breaks in the bottom section of pin tucking as seen in the photo.  These minor flaws get lost in the folds of the dress and in no way alter the appearance of this exquisite garment.

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