Sold for $12,500

Sold prices are inclusive of Buyer’s Premium

Lot Description

Charles James Satin Evening Dress, 1945

Additional versions of this dress are recorded on page 130 in The Genius of Charles James (Coleman, 1982).

For more information on this dress, please view a short video created by Hindman which provides more details on this dress, its history and what Hindman did to assist in authentication. Link to the YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9SR28O0zj4

Dark blue silk satin "Infanta" late-day dress with pointed collar, open neckline, draped and gathered bustline with pointed waist, long stylized raglan sleeves, and full gored skirt with inverted pleats at center front, and center back hand-set zipper closure. The interior bodice is structured with boning on black organza and faced with black silk taffeta. The interior skirt has pleated crinoline and satin flounces at the front hips to assist with skirt fullness.
Label: Charles James / 45
Size Label: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
Shoulders: 18.5"
Chest: 37.5"
Waist: 25"
Hips: 43"
Length (high shoulder point to hem): 54.5"
Sleeve (center back neck to hem): 34"

Property from the Collection of Barbara Sculati, Golden Valley, Minnesota

Condition Report

Condition:

The overall condition is fair with the following:

Structural Issues: There are some small tears where snap closures have pulled from their positions.
Split/Separated Seams: There are multiple split and separated seams throughout; noticeably, the back right sleeve armhole, on each of the bodice side seams at waist, the back right waist where the skirt attaches to the bodice, the center back seam has an 8" separation below the zipper, and various smaller separations in the same areas.
Losses: The interior front organza bodice has several small holes throughout with some larger holes just under the neckline facing. There are a few closures missing, hook and eye at the back collar and snaps on the sleeves.
Soiling/Spots: The collar facings and front bodice facings have some light colored soiling due to wear. There is a darkened and stiff spot on the front right skirt.
Repairs/Alterations: There are many repairs made throughout the dress; noticeably, the front and back hemline have been restitched using a light blue thread, there is a tear repaired using a zig-zag stitch on the front right side. The seams where the front neckline and sleeves connect have been restitched as has the center front seam nearest the neckline. The interior structured bodice has been re-tacked into place. The side seams have been backed by additional fabric to stabilize the seams and minimize additional separation.

Everything is sold 'As Is’. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email couturecr@hindmanauctions.com with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Hindman staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Hindman website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Hindman.

Please email conditionreports@hindmanauctions.com for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.