Civil War Era Lingerie

Gorgeous. Authentic. Circa 1862. Seductively feminine. 

Not bloomers, really. These are properly called "drawers" and this particular undergarment is absolutely breathtaking. From the Civil War era, these drawers appear to have never been worn. 

The drawers date to the early 1860s and similar in pattern to those found in the Victoria and Albert Museum. They are made of the most exquisite and finest batiste linen, and are expertly hand sewn. The undergarment perfectly drapes over the figure beautifully and is fastened by two tiny mother-of-pearl buttons at the back. 

The drawers truly appear exactly as they did when they were first created over 150 years ago. With a wide leg opening and split-gusset styling, they are also stitched together at the back, which helps to date this undergarment to the early 1860s. For added elegance, the drawers are graced with perfect handmade lace with white work embroidered inserts on both legs. 

Entirely hand sewn...the thousands of tiny stitches are expertly executed. This undergarment took many days to create. 

The garment measures in a size larger than most with a 32 inch or 81 cm waist. They are absolutely exquisite, strong and wearable for special occasions. Civil war reenactors will especially love the garment and appreciate every inch (or centimeter). 

Please refer to the photographs which show just how beautiful these look when worn. Seductive. Authentic. Wonderful in every conceivable way. 

The leg length measures approximately 22- 5/8 inches or 57.8 cm. The crotch length is approximately 37 inches or 94 cm. The bottom of the leg circumference is 29-1/4 inches or 74.2 cm. 

Civil War Era Miser's Purse Dates to Circa 1862

From a Maine estate, this is a black silk miser's purse. It appears as though it was never used...or if so, then the original owner was very gentle indeed.  This Civil War era purse is unique and almost magical to examine, because there appear to be no openings. Yet, the strings do pull apart in such a way as to open the double pouches so that coins, paper notes or any type of small object may be inserted safely inside. The purse closes when the strings are

pulled back into place, and the openings become almost invisible.

Of course, the purse appears as though the coins are permanently inside since there's no obvious way to extract them. This is how the miser's purse got its name. 

The purse is crocheted with black, plied silk, hand spun yarn.

The silver washed metallic beaded fringe is interwoven, creating a braided effect that echoes the textures of the crochet work.  The metal ring allows the purse to be attached to the dress or worn over a finger. This miser's purse measures 17.5 inches or 44 cm in total length.