Description
A thoughtfully curated grouping of original Edwardian sewing notions, preserved on their advertising cards—a rare and evocative glimpse into early 20th century dressmaking. Perfect for display in a sewing room or for the collector who delights in the small, ingenious tools of the past.
This charming antique lot dates to the refined years of the Edwardian era, circa 1910–1915, and offers a beautifully preserved look at the practical elegance of early dressmaking.
The set includes three original items:
— “The Genesee” Skirt and Waist Fastener, mounted on its original display card and manufactured by the Dress Safety Co. of Rochester, New York. The illustrated instructions and reassuring claims—“No Sagging,” “No Pins,” “Secure”—reflect the ingenuity behind garments of the period, when separate skirts and shirtwaists required clever fastening solutions.
— A card of silk-covered collar support wires, patented April 19, 1911. These flexible wires were designed to support the fashionable high, structured collars of the era. Six wires remain present; some have loosened from the card, while two remain secured. The original card shows age with visible folds, yet remains a wonderful example of early 20th-century haberdashery advertising.
— A length of black fabric-covered dress weight trim, measuring approximately 48 inches long by 1/2 inch wide. This would have been sewn into a hem to provide weight and graceful drape to skirts and dresses—a subtle but essential finishing touch in period garments. The piece remains in very clean condition.
Together, these pieces form a cohesive and display-worthy vignette of early sewing practice—both functional and decorative, and increasingly difficult to find preserved in this way.
Perfect for a sewing room display, a cabinet of curiosities, or a collection of textile and fashion ephemera.
Condition
Good antique condition overall with age-appropriate wear.
Genesee card: light wear, minor creasing
Collar support card: folded twice with visible creases; wires partially loose
Dress weight trim: clean and well-preserved
Measurements
Dress weight trim: approx. 48″ long x 1/2″ wide
Cards: standard small notion card size
Collector’s Note
Notions such as these were often discarded after use, making surviving examples on their original cards increasingly scarce. Groupings like this—still intact and thoughtfully preserved—offer both historical insight and visual charm.
