c. 1901 Black Lace Shirt-Waist or Bodice

This lovely bodice or shirt-waist dates from circa 1901, and I have been able to find examples quite similar in shape and style, even down to the sleeves, by searching through issues of The Delineator from that year. (I've included an image from the July 1901 issue in the photos for this listing.)

It has an inner bodice with hook and eye closures down the center front and a lace overlay that attaches on the left side with hooks and eyes. 

A kind of built in bolero gives a layered effect. 

There is a small pocket on the front, hidden beneath the left panel.

The sleeves are narrow and fitted most of the way down but with a little lace puff a few inches before the cuff. This seems to have been called a "Garibaldi" style sleeve, according to references of it with corresponding images in The Delineator. 

It has a dip in the front of the bodice with a little bit of a Gibson or pigeon front "pooch," which in the following years became much more pronounced. 

The inner bodice is polished cotton and there is a lovely lace overlay with a floral and abstract pattern. A wide silk faille waistband fastens with a large snap on the front. 

A fabulous piece!