Contentment Farm

Exquisite Victorian Irish Crochet & Lace Child's Bonnet

This Edwardian period straw hat dates between 1908 and 1912. With an enormous straw crown and brim made to perch atop an upswept hair style, the hat is simply decorated with fuchsia silk ribbon wrapping the crown and forming a large bow at the back. The brim is covered with metallic embroidered tulle lace that is further embellished with pink crepe paper rose buds applied in rows across the brim.

Delightful 1870's Victorian Dolly Varden Style Polonaise Dress of Harriet Augusta Richardson

This bright and beautiful cotton polonaise dress is made in the Dolly Varden style, of leaf printed cotton and would have been worn by a young Harriet Augusta Richardson of Billerica, MA. The Dolly Varden style came into fashion in 1872. Named for a Charles Dickens character from Barnaby Rudge, a historical novel set in 1780.

Victorian 1882 Silk Wedding Gown of Harriet Augusta Richardson

Harriet Augusta Richardson was born in Billerica, MA in 1862 and was married in 1882, at the age of 20, to Lester Harris. According to the accompanying note, this rich maroon silk dress was her wedding dress. The antique Victorian dress features a fitted cuirass bodice with a shirred front panel and upper sleeves.

Antique Victorian 1876 Silk Graduation Gown of Harriet Augusta Richardson

This magnificent antique Victorian silk bustle gown was made for Harriet Augusta Richardson on the occasion of her graduation from Howe High School in Billerica, MA in 1876. Found in the pocket of the skirt was a scrap of ruffled hombre silk with a note pinned to it that reads, "Some of the trimmings of my mothers wedding dress which was made over for me when I graduated from Howe High School.

Stylish Victorian Silk & Velvet Day Dress with Matching Mantle

Dating to the mid 1890s this silk and voided velvet day dress features leg-o-mutton sleeves and double breasted front styling. The bodice is has an inset plastron, collar and cuffs of brown velvet sprays on a golden silk background which is set off nicely by the warm, nut brown silk of the bodice and skirt.

Dapper Victorian Boy's Suit with Soutache Trim by L.P. Hollander Boston

Made and sold by L. P. Hollander & Co., Boston, this Zouave style suit would have been worn by a very dapper young Victorian boy.  Both the jacket and pants are trimmed with black braid in a military style.

Civil War Era 1860's Plaid Silk Maternity Wrapper

The back of this wrapper is fitted however there is quite a bit of room in the front around the waistline leading one to the conclusion that this wrapper would have been worn as a maternity garment. In excellent condition, this civil war era wrapper is made of brilliant blue plaid silk combined with brown, black and red.

1860s Trained Day Dress

A spectacular dress with wonderful detail speaking to the skills of the dressmaker.  Elaborate trims on the longer basque bodice and skirt with train would indicate the status of the original wearer.

 

Ornate Beaded Macrame Evening Garniture with Lace Insets Circa 1880s

Quite elaborate!  This unusual mantle is made up of beaded macrame. Floral lace  is used to add dimension and interest, outlining the edges of the sleeves and back as well as being used for insets from the shoulders to the front and back hemlines.

Charming 1850s Hand Sewn Print Cotton Dress

A charming dress dating to the 1850s made of light printed cotton that also features a woven windowpane pattern in the background. Set in waistband with cartridge pleating in the back, piping at armscyes and gathered center front of bodice.