Pair of Bracelets, about 1885

These inexpensive bracelets were popular in the late 19th century. Sold in pairs, they were likely worn one on each wrist.The large decorative plaque is vaguely Etruscan revival. There are some other historical revival aspects to these bracelets as well, notably the knife edge work which was used in some Greek and Roman revival jewelry.The pearls appear to be genuine although the rest is plated.

Cuff Link, about 1900

Watch Fob, about 1890

Fobs are charms that dangle from the end of a gentleman's watch chain and are generally visible outside his waistcoat.Many are just decorative while others, such as this, are useful as seals, mechanical pencils, lockets, etc. The latin on this fob roughtly translates into fine follower or helpful worker, but its exact translation is unknown.It seems plausible that this was a gift to a worker or colleague for work well done.

Embroidered Pink Silk Taffeta Girl's Dress, about 1905

Pink silk taffeta dress with flowers embroidered in silk on yoke, sleeve cuffs and skirt. High neck, with ruffled lace forming stand collar. Long set-in sleeves with turnover cuffs. Yoke and drop waist with rather crude hand smocking. Short pleated skirt. Center-back opening with four mother-of-pearl buttons. Machine-sewn, but gathering on bodice is done by large hand-stitching. Some top-stitching executed in machine stitches of chain-stitch with silk thread; interior seams of cotton thread in l…

Boy's Velveteen Norfolk Knicker Suit, 1890-1910

Brown velveteen Norfolk knicker suit. Collar-less, round-necked, double-breasted jacket faced with cotton and silk satin. Opens on right side; two rows of mother-of-pearl buttons, one functional. Two pleats on front, one pleat on back, with self-fabric belt passing through openings in pleats. Two patch pockets. Set-in sleeves, no cuffs. Straight-legged knickers with one snap at each hip. Inner waist band of white muslin with buttonholes. Two darts in back. Small open fly at inseam has been hand-…

Child's Jester Costume, 1880-1910

Multi-piece jester costume of pink and light blue satin, trimmed with lace, bells, sequin, metallic beads. Includes jacket, knickers, cap, sash, and playing card plaques with spade and diamond appliques. Cap secures to head with elastic. Collar, sleeves, waist and jacket and knicker hems finished in triangular points with bell hanging from each point. Lace trim at neck, shoulders, sleeve ends, and knicker hems. Jacket has two patch pockets, hammered wire hook-and-eye closures, white glazed cotto…

Dress, 1905-1910

Straw Hat, 1910-1914

Women's brocaded, green satin pumps from the early twentieth century

A pair of woman's silver brocaded, green satin pumps with a rhinestone buckle at the vamp. The shoes have pointed toes, and curved cloth-covered heels. Label: Made For The Walk-Over Shop, 330 5th Ave., N.Y.

Red gown with lace yoke from the early twentieth century

Womn's ruby red silk velvet gown with lace yoke. The dress is high waisted with elbow length sleeves, and has a "D'Haene, Detroit" label. For a tall, slim woman, dress has a 19" waist. Probably worn by donor's mother, Margaret McMillan ( daughter of Robert, of G&R McMillan). Mrs. Arthur David Holmes. He was a doctor, specializing in children. Married in Detroit, 1898. Margaret b. c. 1864. Daughters Margaret M. born c. 1899, Agnes May born c. 1900.

Women's cream-color satin pumps from the early twentieth century

A pair of woman's cream-color satin pumps with a one inch high heel. The shoes are lined with white kid, and have "bumpy" rounded toes. They are decorated with cream-color, crepe-covered oval decorations with clear glass beads. Labels: R.H. Fyfe and Detroit.

Women's black felt slippers with suede soles from the early twentieth century

A pair of woman's black felt slippers with suede soles. The slippers are trimmed with black fur, and have a faded blue satin, quilted lining. They tie with black ribbons. One slipper has a woven label: Daniel Green, Felt Shoe Co., Manufacturers, No Others Genuine. Name written inside is K.D. Hoyt. Katherine B. Durfee married Hobart B. Hoyt, June 17, 1902.

Women's canvas bathing shoes of bright pink cotton from the early twentieth century

Woman's canvas bathing shoes of bright pink (possibly faded red) cotton, with white soles, and long white ankle laces. The shoes are flat soled, and each is labelled: Beach Kicks, WGS.

Dress with bodice comprised of three layers of white tulle from the early twentieth century

Woman's dress having the bodice comprised of three layers of white tulle. The top layer is embroidered in white, and trimmed with blue sequins. The dress has a V-neck, elbow length sleeves with a ruffle and a blue satin bow. Two triangular panels of the skirt material rise from the waist like an apron top. The skirt has three layers of black and blue tulle over satin, and its hem is a band of gold thread embroidery. The dress has a blue satin sash with stays, and a back closure. Label: Laffre…

Women's blue/black satin shoes from the early twentieth century

Woman's blue/black satin shoes with silver steel bead trim in three rows on the toes. Two oval buttons on instep straps. The shoes have pointed toes, and concave curved heels. Label: McBryde Boot Shop, Ye Booterye Detroit. Worn with gown #73.97.1.

Women's red velvet evening coat lined with white satin from the early twentieth century

Woman's red velvet evening coat lined with white satin. It is a wrap-around "kimono" style with long dolman sleeves. The lapel and cuffs are trimmed with pink embroidery having metallic threads. Label: J. Hock, Detroit.

Full length blue and white polka dot dress from the early twentieth century

This is a full length woman's dress of blue with white polka dot satin. It is decorated with narrow blue braid around its neck, sleeves, back and sides, which is sewn on by hand. The dress has a front closure, and a white lace inlay around its neck. The narrow long sleeves have a crochet band of fabric in their middle with a button at the wrist. The skirt pleated front and back. Label: B.A. Krenz.

Black wool, single breasted Women's jacket from the early twentieth century

This black wool, single breasted woman's jacket is mid-thigh length with a concealed front button closing and a center back pleat. There is a small velvet collar and wool lapels. There are vertical strips of wool over the seams which shape the coat to the figure. There are three strips on the sleeves: two cover the seams and one is false. The long, curved set-in sleeves have notched cuffs. The jacket is lined in black taffeta. Label: "Newcomb Endicott Co."

Women's black quilted satin boots from the early twentieth century

A pair of woman's black quilted satin boots, lined with pink. The boots have a knotted wool trim with silk cord laces, 2" high heels, and pointed toes. The soles are rubber covered leather. A Daniel Green number is tooled into the soles, and the number 345 is printed inside.

Umbrella with Horn Handle, 1910

Horn handle umbrella, which was owned by Matilda Dodge Wilson (October 19, 1883 – September 19, 1967),who was the wife of John Francis Dodge (October 25, 1864 – January 14, 1920), co-founder of the Dodge Motor Car Company in Detroit, Michigan.