Vintage French linen shift dress trousseau nightgown

$43.61

Shipping to United States: $16.77

Vintage or antique beautiful hand sewn soft linen night gown or shift with front patch.
The neck edge is finished with a narrow rouleau tie to gather it, all hand stitched.
Trousseau items including bedlinen, table linens, night wear and undergarments were usually sewn during long winter evenings when the girl was approaching womanhood and contemplating a marriage, she would prepare a trunk of linens to take with her to her new marital home.
This item features exquisite hand stitching at every seam and even the repairs and darns are made in tiny hand stitches.

This item probably dates from the first part of the Twentieth Century, because it is not full length, although it could be earlier.
I think it is roughly a size 14-16, it is certainly generous, and laid flat across the front it measures approx 62cm, across the underarm gussets it measures 74cm, and shoulder to hem is approx 117cm.
Across the shoulders is 61cm, although it may be meant to have a drop shoulder.
The armhole from shoulder to gusset base is 27cm measured vertically (circumference is double this) and the armhole depth after the gusset is 18cm (again circumference double this)
The sleeve length from shoulder to rolled hem cuff is 38cm.

Condition is worn, it is beautifully soft but the linen has tiny holes and patches which are beginning to be threadbare in places. The patch to the midriff might indicate that this shift was worn in the dairy or laundry and the area in front received extra wear and tear.
Similarly the back is very worn but has not been patched. There are a couple of small storage marks on thecitem from being folded in an armoire.
I've priced to take account of the condition.

We are able to post out parcels from Metropolitan France and shipping fees are shown. Please allow plenty of transit time, as European post is notoriously slow!
*The customer is responsible for any import duties incurred for an item. We will require a telephone number to add to the customs forms, to help prevent any delays or transit problems. If you refuse delivery of an item due to customs costs, please be aware that your parcel's postage costs will be forfeit, although we are happy to refund the item purchase price upon return.
**Please also note that most deliveries within France and some other European Union countries are usually made to a Pont Relais collection point, there are usually a number of these located in shops and supermarkets in each town, and you will be given the opportunity to specify which one you prefer if this service is available for your location. Otherwise I will select the shop with the longest opening hours within your area. Deliveries to most other European destinations are generally to your doorstep unless it is much cheaper to use Pont Relais.
***Currently deliveries to the UK may be impacted by Brexit paperwork and procedural delays, This situation is becoming easier as time goes by. The sales tax is being included in any sales so there should be nothing extra due to pay when your parcel arrives, subject to customs clearance.

Our items are carefully selected antique and vintage pieces from France and they show the character and charm of years of use. We do not sell new or reproduction items so you can expect to find signs of the age and life that the piece has led. We believe this history adds to the story of an item. Obvious damage and faults will always be mentioned in our descriptions but minor age-related condition issues are not considered a detriment.

Shipping & Policies

Shipping from France

Processing time

3-5 business days

Customs and import taxes

Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.

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Returns & Exchanges

I gladly accept returns

Just contact me within: 14 days of delivery

Ship items back to me within: 30 days of delivery

I don't accept exchanges or cancellations

But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.

The following items can't be returned or exchanged

Because of the nature of these items, unless they arrive damaged or defective, I can't accept returns for:

  • Custom or personalized orders
  • Perishable products (like food or flowers)
  • Digital downloads
  • Intimate items (for health/hygiene reasons)

Conditions of return

Buyers are responsible for return shipping costs. If the item is not returned in its original condition, the buyer is responsible for any loss in value.

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