Vintage/Antique Clothing Auction--Not Ebay

[FrancesGrimble]

But you can bid by proxy, if you are not local.

Vintage Clothing and Accessories Auction, circa 1850-1990
April 28th and 29th
Three Rivers Auction Company (Washington PA)
http://www.3riversauction.com/eventDetail.php?id=39

Collector Kathleen Mitchell is auctioning off her collection. Judging from the style and internal references, it looks like she wrote the item descriptions, and she must know more about the items than the auctioneer. It looks like Three Rivers is not cataloging the first day, or at least they have not yet. Which since that's half the auction, is not wonderful. I just emailed her to ask whether they will put up a Saturday catalog.

Fran

[Lady Leigh]

The gown pictured is absolutely beautiful! Thanks Francis ...

[FrancesGrimble]

They apparently took pictures of everything to be sold the second day, if you're willing to page through them. Just not the first day--or at least not yet. The pictures don't seem to be in era-chronological order. There's a lot of modern stuff in there, but then, if you keep going, some that is not.

Fran

[Sarah Bernhardt]

Hi Fran,
I haven't gone through all the pages yet but it is very interesting. Love the first dress you see when you open the site. Thanks.

[Lady Leigh]

There is a receiving gown in their to die for! As well as some gorgous 1800's gowns that are worth taking a look at.

[Kica Mandalay]

OH my -- maybe it's a good thing I'm NOT local! So many are to die for!!
But I think the only one that would actually fit me is the matron gown! :ug
Hmm, I guess back then I WOULD have been a matron -- eewwww, scary thought!

Thanks for sharing the site Francis. I am having a great time perusing the photos and drooling and dreaming and wishing and learning.....
:ty

[Black Box Belle]

There's a lot of really cool stuff in there. Did you notice the corset on page 12? Is that a zipper????

[Lady Leigh]

It sure looks like one! Don't believe I have ever seen a zipper on a corset before!

[FrancesGrimble]

There were zippers as early as the mid 1890s, though the early ones didn't work very well. They were an attempt to automate a hook-and-eye closure. The modern style was invented in the mid 1910s. There is a very informative and amusing book on the history of the zipper titled _Zipper: An Exploration in Novelty_, by Robert Friedel."

The one on this corset might be a modern addition though.

Fran

[FrancesGrimble]

I asked Kathleen if the Saturday items would be cataloged for online sale, and I also asked her permission to post this reply here. Anywhere it says "I," or "my" that's her, not me.

I'm more tempted by this one than usual because I know someone who lives very close by I might be able to talk into attending the auction for me . . . then again maybe not.

--------------
Fran, I just re-read your question and the answer is No. Alas. the first day sale will be a ton of jewelry (Not mine), the remainder of my hats (not included in the catalogue; probably about 50/75), books related to fashion/costuming (my contrib to this catagory are movie/theater and a few collection guides). Also probably about 500 pieces of vintage clothing (1940s/90s), and my purses of leather, crochet, mesh, and beading; a few compacts and pill boxes; shoes (19thC-20thC). There are also other consigners with hats, purses, and other stuff related to fashion.

The catalogue of 300 plus lots comprises about 1000 pieces. I saved a few of the dresses and gowns that fit Me, also several of my best hats which I wear on many occasions, and most of my significant lace collection.