A 1940s bias-cut cream silk crepe wedding dress with flower-head design and ruching to sleeves, t (2024)

ALL TELEPHONE AND COMMISSION BID REQUESTS MUST BE WITH THE AUCTIONEERS BY 10AM ON MONDAY 20th MAY, OR THESE MAY NOT BE EXECUTED. ALL TELEPHONE BID REQUESTS ARE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE AUCTIONEERS

Please note that due to unprecedented interest in the auction condition report requests will not be individually replied to but the information will be collated and uploaded to this site.

Day 1 - Lots 1 to 451
Day 2 - Lots 465 to 1052

Please note - individual image requests will not be answered as pictures will be uploaded directly to this site.

INFORMATION FOR BUYERS

Shipping:

Please note, we do not offer an in-house post/packing service but do recommend the following local professionals;

Mailboxes 01962 622133 / Alban Shipping 01582 493099

** Please read the information regarding commission bids**

INFORMATION FOR BUYERS

The following information notes are intended to assist Buyers, particularly those inexperienced or new to our salerooms. All sales are conducted on our printed Conditions of Sale which are readily available for inspection and normally accompany catalogues. Our staff will be happy to help you if there is anything you do not fully understand.

Agency

As auctioneers we usually contract as agents for the seller whose identity, for reasons of confidentiality, is not normally disclosed. Accordingly if you buy, your primary contract is with the seller.

Estimates

Estimates are designed to help buyers gauge what sort of sum might be involved for the purchase of a particular lot. The lower estimate may represent the reserve price and certainly will not be below it. Estimates do not include the Buyer’s Premium or VAT (where chargeable). Estimates are prepared some time before the sale and may be altered by announcement before the sale. They are in no sense definitive.

Buyers Premium

The Conditions of Sale oblige buyers to pay a buyer’s premium at 21% + vat on the hammer price of each lot purchased (25.2% inclusive). For buyers bidding 'live' via the-saleroom.com an additional premium of 6% + vat (7.2% inclusive) will be levied (27% + vat total 32.4% inclusive) which will be collected by the auctioneer on behalf of the-saleroom.com

VAT

(*) indicates that VAT is payable by the purchaser at the standard rate (presently 20%) on the hammer price as well as being an element in the buyer’s premium. This imposition of VAT is likely to be because the seller is registered for VAT within the European Union and is not operating the Dealers Margin Scheme or because VAT is due at 20% on importation into the UK. The double symbol (**) indicates that the lot has been imported from outside the European Union and the present position is that these lots are liable to a reduced rate of VAT (5%) on the gross lot price (ie both the hammer price and the buyer’s premium). Lots which appear without either of the above symbols indicate that no VAT is payable on the hammer price. This is because such lots are sold using the Auctioneers’ Margin Scheme and it should be noted that the VAT included within the Premium is not recoverable as input tax.

We are, primarily, agents for the seller. We are dependent on information provided by the seller and whilst we may inspect lots and act reasonably in taking a general view about them we are normally unable to carry out a detailed or any examination of lots in order to ascertain their condition in the way in which it would be wise for a buyer to do. Intending buyers have ample opportunity for inspection of goods and, therefore, accept responsibility for inspecting and investigating lots in which they may be interested. Please note carefully the exclusion of liability for the condition of lots contained in the Conditions of Sale. Neither the seller nor we, as the auctioneers, accept any responsibility for their condition. In particular, mechanical objects of any age are not guaranteed to be in working order. However, in so far as we have examined the goods and make a representation about their condition, we shall be liable for any defect which that examination ought to have revealed to the auctioneer but which would not have been revealed to the buyer had the buyer examined the goods. Additionally, in specified circ*mstances lots misdescribed because they are ‘deliberate forgeries’ may be returned and repayment made. There is a 3 week time limit. (The expression ‘deliberate forgery’ is defined in our Conditions of Sale).

Electrical goods

These are sold as ‘antiques’ only and if bought for use must be checked over for compliance with safety regulations by a qualified electrician first.

Export of goods

Please be aware that certain items will be subject to export licence conditions. Prospective purchasers must ensure they adhere to any special requirements if taking items abroad. In particular, items containing ivory may be subject to certain export restrictions. The need for export licences varies from country to country and you should acquaint yourself with all relevant local requirements and provisions. Certain lots may also be subject to CITES regulations when exporting items outside the EU.

Bidding

Bidders will be required to register before the sale commences and lots will be invoiced to the name and address on the registration form. Some form of identification may be required if you are unknown to us. Please enquire in advance about our arrangements for telephone bidding.

Commission bidding

Commission bids may be left with the auctioneers indicating the maximum amount to be bid excluding buyer’s premium. They will be executed as cheaply as possible having regard to the reserve (if any) and competing bids. If two buyers submit identical commission bids the auctioneers may prefer the first bid received, and if identical, a bid left with the auctioneers will always take priority over an online commission bid. Please enquire in advance about our arrangements for the leaving of commission bids by telephone, email or FAX.

Methods of payment

Buyers who have bid through the-saleroom.com will be emailed a payment request and can pay using their registered card or any other card of their choice by following the instructions in this email. Payment can also be made in person by debit or credit card, in cash or by cheque. Cash is acceptable up to a maximum of the sterling equivalent of 10,000 Euros. Payments by cheque may delay the delivery of your purchase until funds have cleared. For your security, payments by debit and credit card are no longer accepted over the telephone. Alternatively payment can be made by debit or credit card via our website or by bank transfer and our bank details can be found on your invoice. You will responsible for ALL charges incurred including exchange rate differences and bank charges. Goods will only be released when we have received full clear payment after charges.

Collection and storage

Please note what the Conditions of Sale state about collection an storage. It is important that goods are paid for and collected promptly. Any delay may involve the buyer in paying storage charges.

Complaints

Andrew Smith & Son operate a Complaints Handling Procedure, and full details are available on request from our office, or can be accessed via our website www.andrewsmithandson.com

A 1940s bias-cut cream silk crepe wedding dress with flower-head design and ruching to sleeves, t (2024)

FAQs

What were wedding dresses made of in the 1940s? ›

Here Comes the Bride

Wartime rations meant that wedding dresses in the early '40s were simple, practical, and often borrowed, or were handmade from cheap fabrics like rayon. In fact, many dresses made soon after the war were cut from the fabric of old parachutes!

What does crepe wedding dress mean? ›

A crepe wedding dress is a sleek, often minimalist-style gown made from a smooth and slightly stretchy draping. Crepe fabric is distinguished for its flowy yet striking appearance. Brides love it for its ideal thickness, comfortable elasticity, and versatility for embellishments.

How to make a wedding dress look vintage? ›

Vintage wedding dresses often featured intricate lacework and delicate embroidery. Look for dresses with lace sleeves, overlays, or appliqués to add a touch of vintage charm. Consider incorporating lace patterns inspired by the Victorian era, Art Nouveau, or the Edwardian period.

What is a bias cut wedding dress? ›

Bias cut is different: it's when the cut is made diagonally across the two lines, giving it a natural stretch. This means a bias cut wedding dress will shape effortlessly to your body like a 1940s film star. The overall effect is more like a natural fishtail that moves with your body instead of fighting against it.

What was the most popular color in the 1940s? ›

The most prized colour for summer was white. Even so, garments and accessories alike traded between white and bolder, vibrant colours. Staying cool was as important then as it is now, as was looking chic. The restrictions of wartime limited what materials were available, but could not limit the imagination.

What was Jackie Kennedy's wedding dress made of? ›

Jacqueline Kennedy's Wedding Gown, 1953

The gown was made with ivory-colored silk taffeta and featured an elegant portrait neckline. The bodice was embellished with interwoven bands of tucking, and her skirt was embellished with tiny wax flowers.

What is the difference between crepe and silk? ›

In contrast to the puckered surface of most crêpes, silk crepe de Chine fabric has a smooth, matte finish with very minor pebbling throughout.

Can you bustle a crepe wedding dress? ›

French bustles are more suited for sturdier fabrics like satin, crepe or lace dresses that have a heavier lining,” said Kamesha. “Brides with ball gowns, a-line or fit and flare silhouettes should consider a French bustle.”

What are the disadvantages of crepe fabric? ›

Another downside of crepe is that it's a very fragile fabric. The exact care instructions are dependent on the fiber that is used in your material, but crepe usually needs to be dry cleaned. It cannot be machine washed under any circ*mstance. Some crepe fabrics can also be washed by hand in cold water.

How old does a wedding dress have to be to be vintage? ›

What Defines a Vintage Wedding Dress? Typically, a vintage wedding dress is at least 20 years old, dating back to a specific era, such as the 1920s, 1950s, or 1970s.

How to tell if a dress is cut on the bias? ›

In short, cutting fabric on the bias means cutting the fabric on a 45 degree angle to the natural grain…still confused? Here's an example… The grain line on a pattern normally runs from head to toe but on a bias cut garment it would run diagonally across the body at a 45 degree angle as you can see below…

What is an illusion wedding dress? ›

What is an Illusion Wedding Dress? An illusion wedding dress features a sheer fabric, often tulle or lace, that covers all or part of the bride's décolletage.

When were bias cut dresses popular? ›

And, undergarments virtually disappeared from under bias cut dresses featuring low cowl necklines, body skimming lines, and plunging backs. Weather you were long and lean or curvy from head to toe, these created a sexy, yet elegant silhouette that remained popular throughout the 1930's.

What were 1940s dresses made of? ›

Fabrics Available Natural fibers (linen, cotton, wool, and silk), rayon, acetate, and nylon. Light- to medium-weight fabrics used, with light and sheer materials for nightwear. Nylon was seen as net overlays on formals and as the sole material in some sheer day dresses.

What was the first wedding dress made of? ›

The first princess documented to wear white on her wedding day was Philippa of England, daughter of King Henry IV. She married Eric of Pomerania in 1406 dressed in a white tunic with a cloak. The garment was made from silk with a border of squirrel and ermine.

What were weddings like in the 1940s? ›

1940s: Due to the economic conditions and post-war challenges, weddings in the 1940s were often smaller and more intimate affairs. Communities played a significant role, and weddings were community events. Today: Contemporary weddings often have larger guest lists, and the scale of celebrations has increased.

What were the common fabrics used in the 1940s? ›

Fabrics included cotton, rayon or light wool. Sheers, velvet, and corduroy for afternoon semi-formal attire. Chiffon or shiny rayon for the evening.

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