Very rare early18thc Stomacher /silk/ metal thread embroidery/antique costume

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Very rare early18thc Stomacher /silk/ metal thread embroidery/antique costume :
$870.32

This wonderful early Stomacher is a very rare item dating from the early 1700\'s. It has very fine & exquisite floral embroidery in shaded coloured silks & metal threads in gold & silver - all done on fine linen. The beautifully balanced design has a central large flower - \' Tudor rose \' like - with deep raspberry pink petals shading to pale & with fine gold & silver wrapped threads in between - clearly seen with a loupe - & a large oversized centre with an array of gold wire & French knots alternating in pink & grey. Below is a stylised \'pink\' or gillyflower & the whole design trails into gorgeous leaves , foliage & many other florals - pansies , dog rose , pimpernel , & others that I can\'t begin to imagine what they might be - but all amazing & most with gold wire details. If you look very closely at the edges of the embroidery with the loupe you can see all the original under drawing. The edges of the stomacher are bound with rose pink silk & there are 3 inches of this pink missing on one side which is only seen from the back - see photo of whole back - laying on top of this border is a thin decorative braid with continuous silver metal strip to the centre ( now blackened ) - all original. Unusually the original lacing is still in place in a zig zag all down the front - this is purely decorative - it is made from flat strips of vellum or parchment wound with gold wire - all clearly seen in photos as it is exposed in a couple of places due to age. The lacing amazingly has the original pewter / tin Aiglets or points which criss-cross on the bottom - a real bonus ! There is no lining or stiffening & the shape is more \' U \' than \' V \'. Size : 14 inches long max from base to top edge points , 12 inches long from top middle to base , width across to top edges 9 inches , bottom narrows to approx 3 inches. Condition is excellent for age - there is no fading to the colours but obviously they are just very slightly grubby - just mentioned for absolute accuracy & the linen background is a little darker than would have originally been. All of the metal threads are slightly tarnished as would be expected but there is still much glint of luxury at some angles ! My own view on age is that the stomacher has been made in the early 1700\'s but I feel the fabric is much earlier - as would be expected fine & expensive embroidery was always re-used & I feel that this piece had an earlier life perhaps as part of a jacket or other costume item - I think this makes it evenmore exciting & would be glad to know the opinion of any of the experts out there ! There are more photos & if you haveany questions do not hesitate to email. An amazing piece for the costume or embroidery addict & a marvellous rare piece for study.From our own collection now being downsized. Thank you for looking.