1850s. Point de Gaze Lace from Brussels

[talesofthesevenseas]

I just picked up this lace panel on Craigslist and the seller is shipping it to me. He says it is Brussels point de graze lace that dates to the 1850s and was dyed at the time it was made with tea to give it the beige color. I paid $5.00 + $12 to ship it so I can't go too wrong on this one. There are two places where the background netting has separated, which I think I will be able to pull together with a support stich that won't alter it. I love the amazing detail. I think lace is such an under appreciated art form, especially when it comes to something like this that a talented lady would have spent weeks creating.

[bigwull]

$5 to buy ..$12 to post.....who saw who coming..... ...

[talesofthesevenseas]

  Aw c'mon BW! Surely that long ago lady's work is worth $17 USD! And what matters most is that I like it and totally appreciate the skill it took to make it!

[bigwull]

i,m not saying...its not good value..considering the amount of work thats gone into it....but...its the Scotsman in me thats, questioning..the high postage costs....unless of course its coming from Brussels.....

[KC]

You tell 'em Talesof!!!!

Beautiful piece.  If I ever get around to pulling out old family items...We had some pretty old pieces that were tea stained as well.  I believe you can carefully correct that "age related flaw".

[talesofthesevenseas]

I know what you mean Bigwull. It is framed, so I think that is the reason for the higher than expected shipping. I could have insisted that the guy use flat rate boxes or ship it parcel post, but I felt OK with the total price

[talesofthesevenseas]

KC I would love to see your old family pieces!

[fancypants]

Very nice little hunk of antique needlework there , talesof !
Someone had to do this little thing by daylight or non-elecrtic lamp & I'm glad she'll get loved over @ your place .

Sure looks like a keeper ....
are you gonna refinish that frame & reuse it for your panel ?

Looks to be worth around @ least $150 in the right upscale shop , even as a 'notion' , after 'neatening it up' , as you intend .

Great bargain when Craigslist surfin' !

[bigwull]

You tell 'em Talesof!!!!

Beautiful piece.  If I ever get around to pulling out old family items...We had some pretty old pieces that were tea stained as well.  I believe you can carefully correct that "age related flaw".

who rattled your cage....

[talesofthesevenseas]

I had a hunch it might have some value, just because it is unusual and being figural always helps. I know most lace has almost no monitary value. We just happen to have a lace museum here in the SF Bay Area that I have been meaning to visit. Maybe they can tell me a little more about it. The seller said that these panels were given as wedding gifts and would be hung in a window.

I will see if the frame is old to decide if I will keep it. Aparently there is no glass in it, so we'll see when it gets here.

[KC]

[/quote]who rattled your cage....
[/quote]

LOL!  Rattle Rattle!!!  Getting back into the swing of things after a great visit with my brother and his family! 

[Rauville]

Very nice!

I used to run across somewhat similar smaller pieces used as inserts in cut work dresser scarves and runners. Are they a form of needle lace?

I've always appreciated the effort and time that was invested in a nice piece of handmade lace, hardanger, or even a simple crocheted doily.

[talesofthesevenseas]

Point de gaze apparently is a needle lace, but I don't know enough to tell if the seller was correct in identifying this as point de gaze. I'm going to take it to the lace place to see what they can tell me about it.