LaceNews

http://tinyurl.com/caz4lno FRENCH ALENCON NEEDLE LACE LAPPETS ca 1760
Size: 4″ x 59″
Starting Price: $10.00 with reserve
Auction ends: Dec 03, 2011 15:00:00 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller eastayton, London, England, United Kingdom
Comments: A pair of Alencon lappets, joined together at the top ends. They have the sparser look of later 18th century work, detailed around the edges with scattered small motifs in the center. Ordinary reseau ground, and nice fillings worked in the spaces along the edges. Interesting picot work, or rather the lack of picot work. Picots are only used along the outer edge and around a few of the edge motifs. The photos aren’t close enough, but I’m having a hard time seeing if the horsehair used to make the picots is still there. Overall it’s a good example of this type of lappet. The net ground has some pulls, but it is rare for this ground to survive intact.  The area of the top join is also not shown, so it’s difficult to say whether they have been shortened. The overall length probably indicates that things are intact.

   $112.50, 4 bidders, reserve not met.

http://tinyurl.com/7q8hags FRENCH VALENCIENNES HAND MADE BOBBIN LACE LAPPETS ca, 1760
Size: 3.5″ x 41″
Starting Price: $10.00 with reserve
Auction ends: Dec 03, 2011 15:00:09 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller eastayton, London, England, United Kingdom
Comments: A pair of joined ’round hole’ Valenciennes lappets. This is one of my favorite laces. The design depends only on the excellence of the clothwork, with rows of holes giving a ‘line drawing” appearance. This has the sparse design of the later 18th century. I’d go around 1780 on the basis of the design.  The condition of the lace appears very good, no obvious holes or damage. But there are some condition issues. The lappets have been shortened, and you can see the discontinuity of the design at the top join. I’m also fairly sure that the picot edge is a later addition, this was often done to ‘sharpen up’ early laces. It would be a machine made row of picots sewn onto the edge.

   $26.99, 2 bidders, reserve not met.

http://tinyurl.com/ckczuwk TENERIFE HANDMADE SOL LACE FAN 19th CENTURY with BOX
Size: 14″ long
Starting Price: $10.00 with reserve
Auction ends: Dec 03, 2011 15:00:17 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller eastayton, London, England, United Kingdom
Comments: I’ve never seen a Nanduti fan before, this is a very good piece. The work is quite fine, concentrating on medallions with little of the grid-like large area fillings that are so characteristic of this lace. The lace is so fine that I find the carved sticks a bit of a distraction – the lace might be better served if it were removed from the sticks. One broken stick, but I don’t see any problems with the lace. Comes with a box, presumed original.

   Sold for $530.09, 9 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/73hxwj2 MALTESE HANDMADE SILK BOBBIN LACE 19th C 350×90 cms
Size: 36″ x 140″
Starting Price: $10.00 with reserve
Auction ends: Dec 03, 2011 15:00:22 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller eastayton, London, England, United Kingdom
Comments: A very long, very wide Maltese border. A lace like this is made in strips to accommodate the long, narrow Maltese pillow. These are sewn together for after careful matching for the final piece. This one has an excellent design, with well-worked guipure motifs against a plaited leaf background grid. Whether a lace like this was made in Malta or Gozo is open to question, but the better quality guipure work could be a sign of Gozo work. It’s also a little hard to think of a use for such a piece outside the church. I don’t see any condition problems from the photos. Very nice piece.

   Sold for $590.00, 10 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/879rhtf SHETLAND SCOTLAND HAND KNITTED WOOLLEN SHAWL Ca 1850 VERY FINE
Size: 63″ square
Starting Price: $10.00 with reserve
Auction ends: Dec 03, 2011 15:00:32 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller eastayton, London, England, United Kingdom
Comments: A fine Shetland knitted shawl, total weight 2.8 ounces. The design is beautifully executed, quite varied and complex. I don’t see any condition problems which is even more remarkable.

   Sold for $483.99, 5 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/bomauql TENERIFE SOL SILK LACE FICHU of SUPERB QUALITY 19th CENTURY
Size: 23″ x 60″
Starting Price: $10.00 with reserve
Auction ends: Dec 03, 2011 15:00:35 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller eastayton, London, England, United Kingdom
Comments: A fine Teneriffe or Nanduti head covering. Even though it lacks the palm leaf edge, I’m inclined toward Nanduti on this because of the very fine work and extensive use if filling stitches between the sol motifs. Note the half-roundels on the edge, which is very unusual. I am a bit bothered by the series of crosses down the center of the piece, and the mismatch in the edges just at that point. It almost looks like this has been joined from two separate pieces.  Maybe not, but it does look just a little odd. The condition appears very good, I can’t see any problems.

   Sold for $543.77, 7 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/87d2a8x BRUSSELS POINT DE GAZE HANDMADE NEEDLE LACE HANDKERCHIEF 19th C MOUCHOIR
Size: 13″ square
Starting Price: $10.00 with reserve
Auction ends: Dec 03, 2011 15:00:39 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller eastayton, London, England, United Kingdom
Comments: A flat point de gaze handkerchief – no raised petal roses. Very few fillings, and the design is a little plain, with large areas of undecorated clothwork. Some attempt at naturalism. But overall it has a nice presence. The condition looks very good, I don’t see any obvious problems.

   $202.50, 11 bidders, reserve not met.

http://tinyurl.com/826jzp2 ANTIQUE LACE SUPERB PIECE OF HONITON LACE 2 YARDS
Size: 3″ x 73″
Starting Price: $49.99
Auction ends: Dec 03, 2011 18:48:03 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller greatlace, Paris – Palm Beach, United States
Comments: A Honiton guipure border with a narrow repeat. The work is closely done with good raised veining and fillings. It’s a nice, gold design, well beyond the snails/slugs venue.  I don’t see any damage from the photos.

   Sold for $49.99, 1 bidder.

http://tinyurl.com/82tmcv8 ANTIQUE LACE-CIRCA 18THC. FLEMISH/ MILAN LACE
Size: 4.75″ x 32″
Starting Price: $85.00
Auction ends: Dec 04, 2011 07:48:40 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller mithya, London-New York, United States
Comments: I think I’ll go with Milanese on this one. The work on the brides, and fairly simple tape with a heavier thread, and the more elaborate edge just seem Italian. I like the bold design, wish there were more of it. Condition looks good from the photos.

   No bids.

http://tinyurl.com/7ualmk2 ANTIQUE LACE-FINE BRUSSELS POINT DE GAZE LAPPET
Size: 3.5″ x 44″
Starting Price: $125.00
Auction ends: Dec 04, 2011 08:20:22 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller mithya, London-New York, United States
Comments: A good narrow lappet-ended scarf of Point de Gaze. No raised work, and few fillings, but I like the contrast of the denser edge motifs and the lighter flowers on the needlelace ground up the center. It has a funny edge treatment with a thread running between widely spaced picots. And note the double looped edge to the filling rings which is probably a characteristic of this manufacturer. It actually is a fairly simple piece, but looks quite nice. Very good condition.

   Sold for $125.00, 1 bidder.

http://tinyurl.com/6pbo9w5 ANTIQUE LACE-18THC FLEMISH LAPPETS
Size: 3.25″ X 22″ each?
Starting Price: $45.00
Auction ends: Dec 04, 2011 08:22:00 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller mithya, London-New York, United States
Comments: Maybe dates around 1770.  The technique is quite interesting, the droschel ground is sometimes worked into the needlelace motifs, but it also seems like some of the motifs were appliqued onto the ground. If you look very closely you can see a few motifs lifting up from the ground. Wish there was a photo of the back of one of these, I’d like to see how the droschel threads carry over. I’ve seen this kind of thing before and have wondered if the needlelace was actually made somewhere like Alençon and sent to Belgium for grounding.  Things like this are mentioned in the literature, but without good examples. Very similar motifs were used in Alençon work itself.  It would be an interesting project for a student to investigate this. Condition is problematic, there’s a lot of damage to the ground.

   Sold for $60.00, 2 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/75tomru ANTIQUE LACE-EXQUISITE 19THC.BURANO LACE
Size: 3.5″ x 46″
Starting Price: $150.00
Auction ends: Dec 04, 2011 08:33:26 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller mithya, London-New York, United States
Comments: Wish there were more of this. It’s a later Italian attempt at Herren Alençon, but the design hints more at late 18thc – early 19thc Mechlin. Note the buds in the upper ground look a little like the Mechlin quatrefoils. A very simple, effective repeat.  I am wondering about the foot edge, it doesn’t look to sharp, and the buds along the edge almost go too high up. I’d like more space between them and the actual edge. Probably nothing wrong, and the rest looks in good condition.

   No bids.

http://tinyurl.com/6qpzjwz Maltese Silk Lace Square
Size: 35″ square
Starting Price: $49.00
Auction ends: Dec 04, 2011 17:00:49 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller rockofagus, East Aurora, NY, United States
Comments: This seller is showing several good Maltese pieces t his week, and I especially like this square cloth. The leaf tallies are nicely organized into circular medallions with the Maltese cross elements confined to the edges and very center. The condition looks very good, maybe a few separations between the narrow bands, but nothing major.

   Sold for $102.50, 2 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/6slcb9p Antique Brussels Lace Floral Wedding Handkerchief/Hankie
Size: 12″ square
Starting Price: $99.00
Auction ends: Dec 04, 2011 17:54:19 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller babysthree, Littleton, Colorado, United States
Comments: A Brussels Duchesse handkerchief, no needlelace which puts it more on the Bruges side. Good work on the flowers. I don’t see any major damage, but the whole thing has a bit of a wrinkled look. Maybe recently washed?

   Sold for $99.00, 1 bidder.

http://tinyurl.com/7aprbwx ANTIQUE LACE FABULOUS FRENCH WEDDING HANKIE DUCHESSE APPLIQUEE MONOGRAM BB
Size: 17″ square
Starting Price: $49.99 with reserve
Auction ends: Dec 04, 2011 18:16:20 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller greatlace, Paris – Palm Beach, United States
Comments: This is really fun.It’s a Brussels application on machine net but with a fairly wild design. Nice needlelace fillings, mainly different varieties of rings. The work on the bobbinlace is great, note the large areas of cloth stitch. It looks like the wavy pattern you see in the lower leaves of the corner motifs is deliberate. The whole thing is also quite large for a handkerchief. Very minor defects. My only complaint is that the BB monogram, although nice, just isn’t up to the standard of the rest of the piece. Even a single letter monogram could have made better use of that complex space.

   Sold for $175.00, 3 bidders.

 http://tinyurl.com/7yopndj Antique Milanese handmade bobbin lace large Bertha lovely collar
Size: 43″ inside edge, 7.5″ wide
Starting Price: 59.99 GBP
Auction ends: Nov 28, 201107:57:24 PST
Offered by: Ebay discover4, London, United Kingdom
Comments: A bertha of Belgian bobbinlace that normally goes under the name of Point de Milan. It’s basically a tape lace that occasionally widens out into floral heads. The tape often crosses over itself. Good picoted double brides and simple plaited fillings. Seller cites a few minor pulls and some age staining, but overall good condition.

   No bids.

http://tinyurl.com/7mamwjx Antique lovely Honiton gipure bobbin lace handkerchief border
Size: 16″ square
Starting price: 29.99 GBP
Auction ends: Nov 28, 2011 09:22:32 PST
Offered by: Ebay discover4, London, United Kingdom
Comments: The original center has been removed from this handkerchief edge, and there is obvious damage at the bottom. I don’t think anything is missing and this could be repaired. The Honiton lace is nicely done – beyond the snails/slugs phase. Damage to the rest of the piece is minor, just a few broken brides.

   Sold for 29.99 GBP, 1 bidder.

http://tinyurl.com/6vmgez5 Antique Honiton gipure lace lovely large wide collar flowers Thistels Acorns
Size: 7″ neckline, 44″ outer edge. Not sure I understand those measurements.
Starting price: 69.99 GBP
Auction ends: Nov 28, 2011 10:02:08 PST
Offered by: Ebay discover4, London, United Kingdom
Comments: An interesting Honiton Guipure collar.  Note the large feathery leaves on the outside edge, and the tight clothwork. Some nice raised work along the leaves, and good tally fillings. There are quite a variety of flowers, acorns, and some unidentifiable things. The design holds together nicely on the outer edge (maybe a little motif missing at the left collar point), and has smaller motifs massed together on the neck edge. That part is a  little confused, and it might be an alternation. Overall good condition, but there are a few breaks around the neckline.

   Sold for 69.99 GBP, 1 bidder.

http://tinyurl.com/6qxhb7d Antique Honiton bobbin lace lovely shape nice size collar
Size: 37″ inside edge, 7.75″ center back, 6.75″ down front points
Starting price: 49.99 GBP
Auction ends: Nov 28, 2011 10:24:32 PST
Offered by: Ebay discover4, London, United Kingdom
Comments: I’m guessing this is Honiton point lace, with a needlelace ground. Basically snails/slugs style with good symmetry using roses, thistles, trefoils, and simplier flowers. Good tally fillings in the centers of the motifs. Condition is very good, seller cites a few minor pulls.

   Sold for 49.99 GBP, 1 bidder

http://tinyurl.com/7al6xkg Voile dentelle Applicatino Bruxelles Etole, Brussel Lace Veil 19thc
Size: 319″ x 90″
Starting price: 95.00 EUR
Auction ends: Nov 28, 2011 11:02:32 PST
Offered by: Ebay sirjle, Paris, France
Comments: A rectangular veil or scarf of Brussel application on machine net. there appear to be a few needlelace fillings in some flower centers. A narrow border goes aound the entire edge, with a larger pattern at each end. There are a few pinholes in the net, and two small tears in the middle left of the piece. Probably consistent with damage caused by some kind of fastener. Otherwise the condition is good, and the design quite nice.

   Sold for 108.00 EUR, 2 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/6u4m34b Antique Brussels Mixed Lace w/ Point de Gaze *Collar Lappet Combination* 1800’s
Size: 23″ half-length. Back width 4″
Starting price: $199.99
Auction ends: Nov 28, 2011 14:47:24 PST
Offered by: Ebay sugarbaby2011, The North Pole, Canada
Comments: A Brussels Duchesse collar with long, pointed ends. Note the extensive needlelace fillings.  No raised wokr in the Point de Gaze, but plenty in the bobbinlace. Seller cites a few broken brides – apparently the needlelace is good. I just wonder if this isn’t a little too white, indicating washing/bleaching. the lace just doesn’t look as relaxed as it could. But it is an interesting piece

   No bids.

http://tinyurl.com/7ld2sgp **FINE ANTIQUE FOLDING PARASOL, PINK & BLACK BECFORDSHIRE/MALTESE LACE c1870
Size: 324″ diameter
Starting price: 56.00 GBP
Auction ends: Nov 28, 2011 15:01:57 PST
Offered by: Ebay vintagemodes, East Anglia, United Kingdom
Comments: A complete parasol with the original box. The lace looks like black silk (not sure), with would argue more for Le Puy or Malta. I don’t see any sign of the Maltese cross. It has those long narrow leaves and a rather open thin design that makes this kind of lace very hard to identify. Spain and Russia are also alternatives. I don’t see any problems in the lace from the photos.

   Sold for 266.00 GBP, 9 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/7eb6cge 19thc Brussels Lace Hanky Mouchoir Dentelle applicaitn Bruxelles
Size: 16.5″ x 17.5″
Starting price: $85.00
Auction ends: Nov 28, 2011 19:14:33 PST
Offered by: Ebay sirjle, Paris, France
Comments: A Brussels bobbinlace applique on machine net handkerchief. It has a few needlelace fillings. The design fairly dense and tending toward naturalistic. A good standard example, and note the extra work on sculpting the center cloth edges. I count two small holes in the net, there may be a few others.

   Sold for $91.00, 2 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/88tagpg 19thc Brussels Lace Flounce 179″ x 3.4″ Dentelle Bruxelles 4,55m x 85cm
Size: 3.4″ X 179″
Starting price: $145.00
Auction ends: Nov 28, 2011 19:20:57 PST
Offered by: Ebay sirjle, Paris, France
Comments: I especially like the end of this narrow flounce that has the machine net with no applique – showing how this piece ended in the workroom. The bobbinlace motifs are quite well done and delicate, and there are a few needlelace fillings in the edge roses. The dots in the ground are a further sign of quality. The condition looks very good, I can’t see any problems from the photos. Maybe a few loose threads that wern’t properly cut off in the manufacture. A very nice piece.

   Sold for $255.00, 4 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/7c4wqbk Beautiful vintage lace handmade from doilie” moter as lace maker”
Size: 17.5 cm diameter
Starting price: $19.99
Auction ends: Nov 28, 2011 22:01:39 PST
Offered by: Ebay mylittleboyke, Borgloon, Belgium
Comments: A Point de Paris lacemaker, I’ve seen one of these before. Very nice figural work – not the halfstitch on the large apron. I’m not sure if the little hole in the head area is supposed to be a feature or is a defect. I don’t know if when this was made, could have been anytime in the 20th century.  I also don’t know how to translate the inscription, so will trust the seller’s title. Condition looks very good.

  Sold for $21.50, 2 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/6phv67k EXQUISITE 19THC.BRUSSELS LACE FLOUNCE
Size: 26″ x 177″
Starting price: $45.00 with reserve
Auction ends: Nov 29, 2011 05:41:29 PST
Offered by: Maria Niforos, Ebay mithya, London-New York, United States
Comments: I’m learning to call these wide Brussels applique borders Crinoline Flounces. Assuming they are used to decorate the mid-3rd quarter 19th century round and later oval hoop skirt dresses. This one is a good quality bobbinlace applique on machine net, the photos aren’t close enough to tell if all the fillings are needlelace. The design is quite nice, with large sprays of flowers and a dense border. Not quite as over-the-top as they can get, but a good example. The ‘esprits’ (dots) in the ground are the sign of a better quality product. Condition looks very good, although I wonder if that’s a seam or a repair in the upper left of the last photograph.

   $355.00, 7 bidders, reserve not met.

http://tinyurl.com/86cl6de ANTIQUE LACE-EARLY POINT PLAT NEEDLELACE FLOUNCE
Size: 15″ x 4 yards
Starting price: $45.00 with reserve
Auction ends: Nov 29, 2011 05:51:30 PST
Offered by: Maria Niforos, Ebay mithya, London-New York, United States
Comments: Quite an amazing piece, but after you get over the shock, it’s time to ask some questions.  When was it made? Is it Italian or French? I wouldn’t go so far as to call it a Point d’Neige or Punto Nuevo, but it certainly is on the way. The edges of the motifs are flat, without ornament, and rather meandering, which would argue Italy. The brides are hexagonal, which points more to France. the raised pieces are nicely done, but far apart, which is more on the developing corraline side. The engrelure is quite elaborate, assuming it was put on originally, it’s more on the Italian side. The lower edge is nicely done and seems contemporary with the work, but note the absence of the picots in much of the latticework. It doesn’t seem entirely consistent with the rest of the peice, and may be an addition.  Overall, I get an Italian feel from this. I wouldn’t expect a lot of symmetry or figural work in a piece like this.  Later 17th century, but maybe a little earlier than the more symmetric Point de France. I’d agree with the probably assessment of an Alb flounce. Many of the fine Italian laces survived to the end of the 17th century in the Church when fashion had largely moved on.  This is quite a piece, and the condition looks excellent.

   $456.99, 5 bidders, reserve not met.

http://tinyurl.com/bsscfoq SUPERB quality FINE 19c POINT D’ALENCON lace flounce approx 5 yards
Size: 13″ x 5.08  yards
Starting price: 29.99 GBP with reserve
Auction ends: Nov 30, 2011 06:16:09 PST
Offered by: Ebay marycooperantiquecostumeandtextiles, York, United Kingdom
Comments: A late addition to the Alerts, but an important one. A narrow very long length of Alencon needlelace. There are a number of holes in the reseau, the seller cites about 1 meter length is damaged. It isn’t clear if that 1 meter is continuous or scattered along the length. There aren’t any closeups where you can see the stitch structure, but it does have the more open feeling in the toile of the later 19th century.  There are some interesting fillings used as small medallions. It’s a good design of a fairly short repeat, nicely worked.

   320.00 GBP, 4 bidders, reserve not met.

http://tinyurl.com/cyuohaz Exquisite fine Mixed Brussels 19c POINT d’ANGLETERRE unusual design
Size: collar – 2.25″ wide. 2 lengths each 3.25″ x 31″
Starting price: 29.99 GBP with reserve
Auction ends: Nov 30, 2011 08:00:19 PST
Offered by: Ebay marycooperantiquecostumeandtextiles, York, United Kingdom
Comments: A second late addition. An intact collar and two sections of a border of 19th century Point d’Angleterre. This usually means very fine bobin motifs with a point de gaze reseau.  Here the reseau is present, but the overall design is about half bobbin, half needlelace. Quite unusual, and the collar and length do match.  The needlelace is quite flat, and relies on signle rings as ornament. Seller cites a few small breaks that I can’t find from the photos. Unfortunate about the cut border, but otherwise the condition is very good.

   101.00 GBP, 3 bidders, reserve not met.

http://tinyurl.com/72t62sm ANTIQUE HAND MADE BEDFORD SHIRE BOBBIN LACE HANDKERCHIEF HANKIE PENZANCE ENGLAND
Size: not given
Starting price: $49.99
Auction ends: Nov 20, 2011 18:34:21 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller  mulgaking, Victoria, BC, Canada
Comments: A Beds handkerchief with an attached tag which seems to give the maker as H. Wilkinson, 4 Albert Street, Penzance. I think that’s in Cornwall, and is the same as in “Pirates of Penzance”. It’s definitely an interesting provenance, and perhaps the 7/6 mark is a price? I don’t know how to interpret that. I also don’t think this area of England was a lacemaking center, perhaps someone can set me straight on that. The design is quite simple, and the work seems a bit loose.  The condition appears unused.

No bids.
Item relisted as #220898532689, Buy-it-Now, $75.00. Auction ends Dec 20, 2011 18:35:28 PST
LaceNews reader Pamela has contributed an interesting comment on this piece.

http://tinyurl.com/7lm6hqt Antique Victorian 1900 Handmade Honiton Bobbin Lace Collar with Mesh Ground
Size: 27″ inside edge, 52″ outside edge. Width 5.5″.
Starting price: $75.00
Auction ends: Nov 20, 2011 19:05:52 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller  maklinens, Whittier, California, United States
Comments: I don’t know what this is. Maybe French? It has an Art Nouveau feel. It seems to be a pieced lace with some unusual fillings, and a plaited ground. I can’t make out the exact details of the stitch. The work isn’t too sophisticated, but it does make a very nice finished piece.  Some minor defects, nothing serious.

   No bids.

http://tinyurl.com/7khrewb GORGEOUS ANTIQUE MOTHER OF PEARL/CARVED FRETWORK & HAND MADE LACE FAN C1860
Size: 26.3 cm long, 46.5 cm wide when open
Starting price: 19.99 GBP
Auction ends: Nov 21, 2011 12:02:19 PST
Offered by:Ebay seller  linda_trufflehoundz, leavenheath, Suffolk, United Kingdom
Comments: A Duchesse de Bruges fan with mother of pearl sticks.  The pierced part of the sticks where the lace is attached I think are bone, but not sure. The lace is basically bobbinlace, with a very few needlelace fililngs. The design is quite asymmetric, a bit thrown-together, but it has a kind of charm. The lace appears to be in good condition, but there are some problems with the sticks.

   Sold for 87.99 GBP, 7 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/856j4uo ANTIQUE LACE-C. 1750’s,FINE ALENCON LACE LAPPET
Size: 3.5″ x 45″
Starting price: $45.00 with reserve
Auction ends: Nov 21, 2011 18:36:30 PST
Offered by: Maria Niforos, Ebay seller mithya, London-New York, United States
Comments: A pair of mid 18th century Alençon lappets with a regular reseau ground. The design at this time was fairly simple with an increasing emphasis on needlelace fillings which tend to be massed at the ends. Look for good and varied fillings in a piece like this, and also look at the condition of the reseau. This one is fairly simple, with the designs more convenient than naturalistic. There isn’t much variety in the fillings. But the work is quite fine, very tightly done and the cordonnet work is crisp. The reseau shows signs of repairs. Some pretty well done repairs, too, so I’d call the condition quite good (that’s the big problem with a lace like this, the reseau virtually never survives in good condition). It’s a nice example from the period.  The lappets are joined at the top – no photos of that area so it’s hard to tell if they were ever shortened.

   $57.75, 2 bidders, reserve not met.
Relisted as #160715496980

http://tinyurl.com/7e7ja7w ANTIQUE BRUSSELS/PT DE GAZE LACE BERTHA COLLAR LARGE
Size: 6.6″ X 80″
Starting price: $24.99 with reserve
Auction ends: Nov 22, 2011 11:35:35 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller heartnsoul1, Hollis, New Hampshire, United States
Comments: A standard Duchesse de Bruxelles bertha. There’s been some modification center front, it might be just a gather that could be reversed. Someone has also added some rhinestones for some reason. The lace itself looks in pretty good condition, and the Point de Gaze inserts seem OK. No raised work in the needlelace.

   $52.99, 4 bidders, reserve not met.

http://tinyurl.com/6pvc63d ANTIQUE CARRICKMACROSS LARGE LACE COLLAR FLORAL DESIGNS
Size: 8″ deep at back, length 20″
Starting price: $24.99 with reserve
Auction ends: Nov 22, 2011 11:35:36 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller heartnsoul1, Hollis, New Hampshire, United States
Comments: A carrickmacross collar. Minor breaks, the main problem is staining. It’s an interesting design, part guipure, part applique on machine net. Typical outer looped picot border, large areas of embroidered net fillings inside various motifs. Not the usual shamrock and other Irish motifs.

   No bids.

http://tinyurl.com/85h7ny3 ANTIQUE PRETTY BRUSSELS LACE BERTHA COLLAR DRESS PIECE
Size: 5″-7″ wide, ~16″ long
Starting price: $24.99 with reserve
Auction ends:Nov 22, 2011 11:35:43 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller heartnsoul1, Hollis, New Hampshire, United States
Comments: A very good quality Duchesse collar with needllace ornaments, particularly note the rings in the centers of the flowers. There doesn’t seem to be much raised work in the bobbinlace – almost Bruges techniques. Everything is quite crisp.  Some staining, especially at the back neck edge. I think that net piece could be remove. The rhinestones can definitely go.

   $24.99, 1 bidder, reserve not met.

http://tinyurl.com/7ygjvac EXCELLENT HAND PT DE VENISE LARGE BERTHA COLLAR
Size: 7″ x 44″
Starting price: $24.99 with reserve
Auction ends: Nov 22, 2011 11:35:50 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller heartnsoul1, Hollis, New Hampshire, United States
Comments: A wide round collar of Venise-type needlelace. The loosely buttonholed cordonnet and the ring fillings probably put this in Belgium, maybe Zele. The clothwork as veins and diamond windows, and some varied extensive fillings. The technique is quite good, and well intact. My main complaint is staining, which can probably come out with proper washing.  All of the pieces from this seller this week seem to have been recovered from various garments.

   $24.99, 1 bidder, reserve not met.

http://tinyurl.com/7u5zy4v EXQUISITE YOUGHAL LACE COLLAR,GOLD MEDAL EXPO 1934
Size: 7″ wide, I don’t understand the other dimension.
Starting price: $45.00
Auction ends: Nov 22, 2011 16:24:04 PST
Offered by: Maria Niforos, Ebay seller mithya, London-New York, United States
Comments: This would have been exhibited at the Chicago World’s Fair (1933-1934), which celebrated the city’s centennial. It is a lovely piece, I especially like the pansy designs. 1934 is a rather late for a lace like this (about 35 years late), and it also says it was from the Convent of the Sisters of Mercy at Killarney. This is noted in the literature as a minor center for needlelace in Ireland. Most Youghal lace was made at the Presentation Convent in Youghal. It is a mystery. The piece is in excellent condition.

   Sold for $1,375.00, 2 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/7rzz7jx RARE FRENCH ANTIQUE GUIPURE LACE 100″ by 9 1/2″
Size: 9.5″ x 100″
Starting price: $49.00
Auction ends: Nov 23, 2011 12:49:56 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller ryphat, Paris, France
Comments: This is a very typical Le Puy silk guipure design. Note the picoted six pointed star ground, and the flowers embedded in a point ground in the oval cartouches. I like the way the leaves and flowers are arranged pointing downward in the scalloped border. I don’t see any major condition problems.

   No bids.
Relisted as Ebay #130607619949, sold under $49.00 Buy-it-Now option.

http://tinyurl.com/7a27na5 ANTIQUE 19TH CENTURY TOTALLY HANDMADE BUCKS POINT LACE LARGE FICHU
Size: 14″ width at the back. Widest back point 30″.
Starting price: $99.00
Auction ends: Nov 23, 2011 18:01:33 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller simonteddy, THE HANDMAIDEN OF WESTMINSTER, VERMONT, United States
Comments: The photos of this piece are very fuzzy, so I picked one that at least shows the general shape. It’s also hard to tell if the general shape outline is original. I’m not convinced that this is Bucks – Swiss Neuchatel is a reasonable alternative. The Swiss did more with larger pieces and a rather solid clothwork and very symmetric designs. the seller cites a few holes, nothing major.

   Sold for $122.50, 2 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/7ayb2cl ANTIQUE LACE LOVELY HANDMADE BRUSSELS LACE SCARF TIE LAPPETS C1890
Size: 6″ wide at ends, tapers to 5″ middle. 60″ long.
Starting price: $99.00
Auction ends: Nov 24, 2011 19:21:26 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller greatlace, Paris – Beach, United States
Comments: I’d maybe put this in the Belgian Point d’Angleterre category. Fine bobbinlace with a needlelace mesh. The flowers are more naturalistic than one finds in normal Duchesse. I don’t see any major structural problems. The seller says it could use a cleaning, but that’s not obvious from the photos.  A nice piece.

   Sold for $154.50, 3 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/7lfvt9g RARE HANDMADE ANTIQUE MIXED LACE DRAWN WORK TENERIFFE NANDUTI TABLECLOTH RUNNER
Size: 49″ square
Starting price: $145.00
Auction ends: Nov 25, 2011 11:06:27 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller CHAIR29, Fairhaven, MA, United States
Comments: So once again I’m trying to interest lace collectors in Mexican drawnwork. Everyone should have a good piece of this. I think the work is badly under-appreciated given the long history of this technique in Spain and the Americas. This one is well made with varying motifs in the bands and around center. Condition looks excellent.

   No bids.

http://tinyurl.com/86k237z EVENTAIL ANCIEN FAUCON DENTELLE DIAMANT LACE FAN BOX FAECHER VENTAGLIO ABANICO
Size: 32 cm long when closed
Starting price: 569.00 EUR
Auction ends: Nov 26, 2011 12:03:35 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller zarafabrocante, Nantes, France
Comments: Never mind that the initials on the guard stick are silver and diamonds – what really counts is that the lace is excellent. A flat Point de Gaze, well worked with an attempt at some naturalism in the flowers. Yet the design is open, simple, and airy.  No raised petal roses to spoil the effect, and the fillings are minimal but good. I can see a few small holes in the net. I hope that when the seller says that the lace needs to be ‘scotched’ to the ribs in a few places that they don’t mean ‘scotch taped’…

   No bids.

http://tinyurl.com/7qonoea Antique 1885 Aged Brussels Lace Floral Wedding Handkerchief/Hankie
Size: 13.75″ square
Starting price: $35.00
Auction ends: Nov 26, 2011 19:25:32 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller aunteri, California, United States
Comments: A well done Brussels Duchesse handkerchief. Note the needlelace flowers in the corners, and the well shaded bobbinlace motifs.  It is a wonderful design, crowded and exuberant. The seller says it was purchased in Brussels in 1885. The color is not coming through on the photos, and I’m a bit put off by the remark about ‘patina’ without explanation of exactly what that means. I don’t see any structural problems.

   Sold for $266.50, 14 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/7yd6evo 17C TOKEN THEIR HALFE PENY TOWNE OF SAINT EEDS HUNTINGDONSHIRE VERY RARE !!!!!
Size: not given
Starting price: 0.99 GBP
Auction ends: Nov 27, 2011 11:39:16 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller tokengesture1811, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Comments: In 10 years I’ve only seen one of these for sale, and it wasn’t in nearly as good condition – and it was the St. Neots version. This one is labeled St. Eeds. It is a very thin sheet of copper, but we don’t know the date of issuance. Sometime in the mid to late 17th century.   See my LaceNews piece on early English tokens at http://tinyurl.com/7hen2gh. The fact that it has a hole in it is minor – it might even have been part of a lace bobbin spangle at one time.

   Sold for162.75 GBP, 8 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/75vj9oy ** Très beau et grand fichu de deuil en dentelle de chantilly noire **275x 140
Size: 140 cm x 275 cm
Starting price: 35.00 EUR
Auction ends: Nov 18, 2011 06:07:16 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller  isabond007, villemomble, Île-de-France, France
Comments: You can’t tell much from the single photo of this shawl, so I asked the seller to send me some closeups. It is a handmade Chantilly piece.  The design is fairly large, and I can’t make out any of the racroc joins. But it does look in quite good shape.  Keep an eye on this seller who has been putting up some nice pieces lately.

   Sold for 124.60 EUR, 5 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/6osjhu4 fantastic vintage honiton lace collar
Size: none given
Starting price: 79.99 GBP
Auction ends: Nov 18, 2011 09:15:39 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller  munchydj, Newark, United Kingdom
Comments: A wonderful Honiton collar. Naturalistic flowers, birds, insects, even raised wings on the butterflies. The whole design has the  scattered charm of an informal English garden – with no sign of any snails or slugs. The condition looks very good, I can’t see any obvious problems.

   Sold for 300.00 GBP, 4 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/77ashrx Vintage Bridal LACE Hanky Handkerchief Bobbin Lace, Arto 11 with original tags!!
Size: none given
Starting price: $15.00
Auction ends: Nov 18, 2011 14:17:59 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller  sss1647, Richmond, Texas, United States
Comments: Take a close look at this piece, it’s more interesting than it might first appear. The ‘torchon’ style is combined with some plaited work around the edge. It has a Madrid label, although exactly what that means is hard to tell. Condition looks very good, but there’s only one closeup. I wonder how it came to be in Texas. There’s a story behind Spanish lace imported into the Americas that someone needs to investigate.

   No bids

http://tinyurl.com/89qx3rn Piece of Argentan lace with Tortilee ground c 1780
Size: 9 cm x 60 cm
Starting price: 32.00 GBP
Auction ends: Nov 19, 2011 01:25:26 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller  lunnantiques, London, London, United Kingdom
Comments: A ‘Herren Alençon’ type border, meant to be ruffled. The edge has a plain reseau ground, the dotted larger border is the ‘twisted bride’ work. Basically a hexagonal base is set up across the width of the piece and a second thread twists around the legs of each mesh. This type of lace was made from the late 18th well into the 19th centuries, in both Alençon and Argentan. This one has some pulls and repairs in the ground, but looks in pretty good shape. Note some photos are taken from the wrong side.

   No bids

http://tinyurl.com/8ycgo2y EXQUSITE ANTIQUE HAND MADE POINT de GAZE LACE 2.5mtrs
Size: ~6 cm x 249 cm
Starting price: 9.99 GBP
Auction ends: Nov 19, 2011 03:58:37 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller  dianavee52, Cornwall, United Kingdom
Comments: This Point de Gaze border is in the kind of crisp, sharp condition that indicates no one has ever tried to improve it by washing.  A few spots, but I think that’s minor. The design is flat, detailed, and well worked.  No picots along the border – that’s unusual. No elaborate fillings, instead the variation is concentrated in the clothwork. A nice piece.

   Sold for 150.01 GBP, 11 bidders

http://tinyurl.com/7rhzxrx ANTIQUE Handmade 1880’s Brussels ROCOCO Wide Lace Trim – GORGEOUS
Size: 7″ wide, 42″ long
Starting price: $39.95
Auction ends: Nov 20, 2011 16:12:38 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller  berkshire_gal, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, United States
Comments: The seller says this is ‘in the shape of a round’, so it could be a bertha. It has characteristics of Italian Cantu – the straight edge on the tapes, threads gathered on the inside of curves, and the hooks and flowers stemming directly from the main tape – not sewn in separately. Condition looks very good, but it would have been nice to see the whole thing.

   No bids

http://tinyurl.com/7n3r36r ANTIQUE LACE- C.1750’s, POINT D’ANGLETERRE LAPPET
Size: 4.5″ x 45″
Starting price: $495.00
Auction ends: Nov 20, 2011 16:43:28 PST
Offered by: Maria Niforos, Ebay seller mithya, Pittsfield, London-New York, United States
Comments: A beautiful set of Brussels bobbinlace with droschel ground. The work is very fine, with good, varied fillings. Mid 18th century. I love the way they change to the denser pattern at the ends, almost recalling the slightly earlier bride bobbinlaces. One obvious spot on the left side of one lappet, otherwise the condition looks very good. Especially the droschel ground, which rarely survives so well. The two lappets are mirror images, and are joined at the top, which is how so many of these pairs have survived together to the present day. The actual join is not shown in the photos, and from the measurements, they might be a little short (I assume 22.5″ each) Which could indicate some cutting short at the tops. But it’s really hard to tell, without a photo.  Unless there’s a lot of cutting, I would consider that minor.

   Sold for $787.00, 2 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/8yjyw3x ANTIQUE LACE-RARE 18THC.LAPPET W/PHOENIX
Size: 3.5″ x 23″
Starting price: $495.00
Auction ends: Nov 20, 2011 16:45:15 PST
Offered by: Maria Niforos, Ebay seller mithya, Pittsfield, London-New York, United States
Comments: A single lappet of Brussels bobbinlace with droschel ground, much like the set described above. This one has a denser design, and the phoenix and fountain designs are wonderful. Sometimes birds in pieces like this are done in needlelace, but not here. Good filling and bride work. Condition is very good, just a few minor spots. I do have an issue with the top end, it looks modified -I think some unrelated pieces have been sewn on. The termination should be a straight line. With a piece of this quality that’s unfortunate, but not major. Just wish I knew what happened to the matching lappet!

   Sold for $785.00, 3 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/7w9wkuu ANTIQUE LACE-C18THC. MILAN LACE
Size: 4.5″ X 32″
Starting price: $75.00
Auction ends: Nov 20, 2011 16:49:47 PST
Offered by: Maria Niforos, Ebay seller mithya, Pittsfield, London-New York, United States
Comments: An undulating tape lace with the tape doubled back on itself to follow the design. Probably Northern Italian. The double picoted brides are quite nice The bottom edge in the photos looks consistent with the main design. Not so sure about the upper edge although the brides do seem to be sewn into it. It’s in remarkably good condition for something this age.

   Sold for $92.99, 2 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/dyd5ybk ANTIQUE LACE-FINE NEEDLE LACE
Size: 4″ wide, can’t tell the length.
Starting price: $75.00
Auction ends:Nov 20, 2011 16:54:11 PST
Offered by: Maria Niforos, Ebay seller mithya, Pittsfield, London-New York, United States
Comments: A Belgian needlelace combination of Point de Gaze and a fine Venise – on the Zele side. Some interesting fillings.  I’m not wild about the design, but it is an interesting combination. Condition issues seem largely confined to some small holes in the Point de Gaze ground.

   No bids.

http://tinyurl.com/7wp6jrc 2 Fabulous Antique Hand Made Bobbin Lace Lappets – One Honey Silk
Size: 4″ x 46″ and 4.5″ x 46″
Starting price: $9.99
Auction ends:Nov 20, 2011 18:01:12 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller cragonlsnt, cuyahoga falls, ohio, United States
Comments: Two interesting lappet scarves. One is described as ‘honey silk’, which could be Maltese. I’m not entirely sure which one. To me they both could be  Beds, and they are both quite interesting. Just a little outside the normal. Condition on both appears very good.

     Sold for $30.00, 5 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/8y6brud SUPERB  HandMade Antique Vtg ITALIAN ROSALINE CANTU LACE HIGH NECK COLLAR
Size: neckline 13.75″, front panel 12″ x 7.5″
Starting price: $29.99
Auction ends:Nov 20, 2011 18:01:38 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller adtjmd, RED VELVET BENCH, United States
Comments: I’m glad the seller is showing this piece on the manikin, it’s quite impressive looking. Beautiful symmetry, and the condition appears excellent. It is Italian Cantu, and I wonder if it originally had matching cuffs. The collar could probably be removed so the piece could lay flat for display. There have been several good Cantu pieces for sale on Ebay recently.

   Sold for $84.00, 8 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/7ok9zhy LG HandMade Antique Vtg BRUSSELS POINT DE GAZE LACE HANDKERCHIEF HANKY HANKIE
Size: 14.25″ square
Starting price: $29.99
Auction ends:Nov 20, 2011 18:33:19 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller adtjmd, RED VELVET BENCH, United States
Comments: This is a large piece – raised petal roses in Point de Gaze don’t always lend themselves well to the proportions of a conventional handkerchief.  This one is impressive. The design and technique is very good, and note the shading and windows included in some of the clothwork. The fillings are well done and interesting in the architectural bands. Condition also appears excellent, just a little discoloration and some spotting. Anything else is minor.  I won’t say this is the best you will ever find – the flat Zele-type Belgian needlelaces are spectacular. But it is a very effective attempt.

   Sold for $330.01, 6 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/cdoe4sy ANTIQUE LACE-BOBBIN LACE BORDER
Size: 3.5″ x 113″
Starting price: $29.99
Auction ends: Nov 14, 2011 14:13:01 PST
Offered by: Maria Niforos, Ebay seller mithya, London-New York, United States
Comments: There are some 18th century Flemish pieces that look quite similar to this, although the earlier ones are on a much finer scale. It’s also a little coarse for a Yelts piece. Given the edge finishing, I think this is probably Italian, or perhaps an Eastern European variation. It looks to be a heavier linen, but I can’t say for certain.  Wish we knew more about these laces. I can see a little fraying along the edge and seller cites some damage. But I can’t spot anything major from the photos.

   Sold for $122.50, 5 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/74xl7px Ensemble de 5 volants de dentelle BRUXELLES au point de Gaze 3m15
Size: 9.5 cm x (.92m, .6m, 3 at .55m)
Starting price: 65.00 EUR
Auction ends: Nov 15, 2011 05:45:44 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller florencel4670, Palaiseau, France
Comments: Five lengths of Point de Gaze cut from the same narrow piece. No raised work, but there’s a nice star shaped filling at the center of the main motifs. A vertical design with a narrow repeat. Seems to be a number of holes in the ground, can’t tell how extensive this is from the photos.

   Sold for $134.75, 5 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/6loypwj Handmade Brussels Duchesse Lace Wedding Handkerchief 1800’s 13 1/2″ x 13 1/2″
Size: 13.5″ square
Starting price: $199.99 Buy-it-Now
Auction ends: Nov 15, 2011 09:57:00 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller sugarbaby2011, The North Pole, Canada
Comments: A Duchesse handkerchief, no needlelace that I can see. A little on the Bruges side. A conventional pattern of small flowers and leaves. Condition appears quite good – the motifs aren’t quite as crisp as they might be, perhaps a sign of washing. The B&W photo is much shaper than the color ones.

   Sold for $149.00, offer?

http://tinyurl.com/7ar8zus ANTIQUE LACE- C.19THC.RARE NEUCHATEL LACE SHAWL
Size: 28″ x 127″
Starting price: $45.00 with reserve
Auction ends: Nov 15, 2011 13:09:57 PST
Offered by: Maria Niforos, Ebay seller mithya, London-New York, United States
Comments: A rectangular shawl of Swiss Neuchâtel point ground lace. A very similar shawl sold in 2010. This lace is sometimes mistaken for Bucks or the elusive ‘white Chantilly’ (remember Chantilly has a halfstitch clothwork). It might even be mistaken for Spanish Ret-Fi if there were more information about that lace. But the Neuchâtel pattern is quite unique – the havy continuous motifs with large areas of honeycomb ground. It does have a gimp.   This lace has been written about recently by Marie-Louise Montandon. This piece looks like cotton, which would put it in the 1st half of the 19th century. Condition looks good for a large point lace piece, but it does have some poorly done repairs and a few small areas of fraying and damage.

   $350.00, 6 bidders, reserve not met.

http://tinyurl.com/74l3ky8 Brussels Lace Bridal Veil Antique Vintage Lace 111″ x 20″ GORGEOUS!!!
Size: 20″ x 111″
Starting price: $45.00 with reserve
Auction ends: Nov 16, 2011 11:23:39 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller ncm206, America the Beautiful, United States
Comments: A rectangular shawl of Brussels application on machine net. The net look in good shape, which is important in a piece like this. There seem to be bobbinlace and needlelace motifs – the roses being treated in a point de gaze style. Some needlelace fillings in large areas. Overall the design is primarily massed at the ends, and seems a bit thin. I do like the esprits in the ground – a little extra effort.

http://tinyurl.com/7eg4x8f EXQUISITE 19THC. POINT D’ALENCON LACE FLOUNCE
Size: 9″ x 82″
Starting price: $45.00
Auction ends: Nov 16, 2011 17:15:34 PST
Offered by: Maria Niforos, Ebay seller mithya, London-New York, United States
Comments: A very beautiful mid 19th century Alençon flounce, of which collectors are taking quick notice. It appears to have the reseau ground, and has a vertical, short repeat design suitable for a ruffled application. The jour fillings are good, but not particularly elaborate. Overall it’s a well worked piece in very good condtion. Seller cites some minor openings near the edge, but I can’t spot them. I don’t know the significance of the name on the tag which appears to be something like Wm Mabbey Stewart – this is not a manufacturer, so it could be a past collector.

   Sold for $2,225.00, 2 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/74altk5 ANTIQUE FINELY DETAILED HANDMADE POINT DE GAZE LONG LENGTH YARDAGE
Size: 3″ x 85″. Not sure if this includes the engrelure.
Starting price: $99.00, $399.00 Buy-it-Now
Auction ends: Nov 16, 201 17:59:24 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller simonteddy, THE HANDMAIDEN OF WESTMINSTER, VERMONT, United States
Comments: A narrow border of Point de Gaze with a short repeat of grape leaves, simple flowers and sprays that might be a wheat or grass motif. Some of the stems are made of rows of rings, otherwise there isn’t too much in the way of decorative fillings. Seller notes a few tiny holes in the net and a little age discoloration, all minor. Nice condition, a good usable length.

   Sold for $122.50, 3 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/7orww42 Fine quality Venetian Gros Point lace c1680
Size: 8 cm x 56 cm
Starting price: 68.00 GBP
Auction ends: Nov 17, 2011 01:26:50 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller lunnantiques, London, London, United Kingdom
Comments: Pieces like this have been reassembled so often over the years that the best way to evaluate them is on the quality of individual motifs. This one, as far as the large flowers is concerned, is very good.  Note the well-done sculpting of the cordonnet and the addition of fine picots.  The clothwork patterns in the large areas are quite beautiful. Some staining, minor in my opinion. It’s also my opinion that you can learn virtually everything there is to know about needlelace by studying a good piece of early Gros Point.

   No bids.

http://tinyurl.com/6mvuz6f Antique Bedfordshire handmade lace lovely handkerchief
Size: 13″ square
Starting price: 19.99 GBP
Auction ends: Nov 17, 2011 06:47:30 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller discover4, London, United Kingdom
Comments: Here’s your second chance at this very good Beds handkerchief. The leaf and sunflower  design is quite well done, with mall raised tallies throughout. It is a nice, flowing pattern, in very good condition. I don’t see any problems from the photos, although the seller cites a small flaw in the center of the linen.

   Sold for 31.00 GBP, 3 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/8xsht68 Vintage Maltese Bobbin Silk Lace Wedding Handkerchief Elaborate Stitching
Size: 13.5″ square
Starting price: $125.00 Buy-it-Now
Auction ends: Nov 17, 2011 07:32:22 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller gb-best, New Ringgold, Pennsylvania, United States
Comments: A nicely designed Maltese handkerchief.  Finely worked leaves and guipure. The leaves are arranged in several patterns.  Very minor breaks, overall very good condition.

   Sold for $125.00 Buy-it-Now.

http://tinyurl.com/6llhhsz Vtg Antique Real Handmade Alencon Lace Trim Edging Rare Needlelace
Size: 2″ x 15″
Starting price: $95.00
Auction ends: Nov 17, 2011 07:56:19 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller twist-in-time, Philadelphia / DFW, United States
Comments: This pieces seems intact and I’m thinking it’s a small collar. Later 19th Alençon often used a more open clothwork stitch, probably to help the speed of working. It has an ordinary reseau ground. This one is a bit light on the elaborate filling stitches, and also has an unfortunate tear mid center. But small, intact pieces like this are not too common.

   Sold for $95.00, 1 bidder.

http://tinyurl.com/6q5lkzx Vtg Antique Spanish Blonde Silk Bobbin Lace Wide Edging Trim Flounce 19th Cent
Size: 11″ x 102″
Starting price: $125.00
Auction ends: Nov 17, 2011 08:16:30 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller twist-in-time, Philadelphia / DFW, United States
Comments: Spanish Blonde (Catalonian Blonde, Ret-Fi), but with extensive repairs. It look like at least one large section has been replaced with a machine imitation. Hopefully that is only confined to a limited area – it’s hard to tell from the photos.  The real parts have typical Spanish fillings, especially the 6-pointed star ground. Seller cites tiny breaks throughout, expected in a fine silk lace. Seller also notes that the last 12″ on one end is not in great shape.  Blondes from France or Spain in any shape are pretty rare.

   Sold for $152.50, 2 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/7js6plm Antique Honiton bobbin lace lovely handkerchief
Size: 14″ x 13.5″
Starting price: 39.99 GBP
Auction ends: Nov 17, 2011 10:12:56 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller discover4, London, United Kingdom
Comments: A Honiton guipure handkerchief with large thistles and roses in the corners. The work is well beyond the snails/slugs stage. The motifs are tightly worked with a little raised elements in the leaves. Good tally grids in the centers of the flowers and nice tight bride work. Very minor condition issues in the cloth center.

   Sold for 72.00 GBP, 3 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/88qofd2 MARIAN POWYS DRAWING FOR FAN LEAF
Size: Not given.
Starting price: $75.00
Auction ends: Nov 17, 2011 10:56:38 PST
Offered by: Maria Niforos, Ebay seller mithya, London-New York, United States
Comments: I can’t make up my mind about Powys. She obviously had connections in her lace business in New York, thereby removing from the market hundreds of outstanding pieces. What kind of influence she had on lace design in the Art Nouveau movement has never been discussed. She’s been described as a ‘free spirit’, which could cover a very wide range of personalities. I do know two things. First, someone should write her biography.  And second, offerings like this might be of interest to the new OIDFA working group on Art Nouveau Laces and Barcelona Style Laces.
I suggest people look at all of Maria’s listings from the archive – I’m sure more will come. These include #160681195619, #160681177347, and #150697129061.

   Sold for $75.00, 1 bidder.

http://tinyurl.com/cxo8hhz Vtg Antique Duchesse Bobbin Lace Trim Edging 3D raised work 1 yd x 3-3/4
Size: 3.75″ x ~36″
Starting price: $135.00
Auction ends: Nov 17, 2011 18:18:22 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller twist-in-time, Philadelphia / DFW, United States
Comments: A narrow duchesse border, no needlelace, of fine raised bobbin motifs. The condition appears very good, perhaps a few stains, but nothing major. It is a good, well thought out and executed design.

   No bids.

http://tinyurl.com/7j56mod Point de gaze lace trim
Size: 4.1″ x 45.7″
Starting price: $180.00 Buy-it-Now
Auction ends: Nov 17, 2011 20:06:32 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller mammersb, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
Comments: A Point de Gaze border, rather light in execution. Raised petal roses, and it looks like the maker has tried for a little shading in the leaves. Seller cites a few small  holes in the net.

   Sold for $180.00 Buy-it-Now.

http://tinyurl.com/7qsmay2 Antichissimo colletto 800 sottilissimo tombolo in seta introvabile
Size: 41 x 36 cm – not sure what that means.
Starting price: 20.00 EUR
Auction ends: 18 nov 2011 21:29:57 CET
Offered by: Ebay seller millefilixunsogno, Italy
Comments: An interesting dress front of guipure bobbinlace. It could be Italian, or Spanish, or French, or maybe Eastern European. It seems to have a lot of staining, but the lace itself is intact. Some motifs have gimps, some don’t. A puzzle.

   Sold for 20.00 EUR, 1 bidder.

http://tinyurl.com/7ongu8k 4 Antique handmade Victorian Bedfordshire bobbin lace butterfly lot butterflies
Size: ~4.25″  x 3″ each
Starting price: 20.00 EUR
Auction ends: Nov 18, 2011 18:31:21 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller shotgun*wedding, MILWAUKEE, United States
Comment: These seem a little heavy for Beds.  Might be Cluny or even Maltese.  Just goes to show that cut butterflies aren’t always in Point de Gaze. Condition looks good, maybe a little stained.

   Sold for 37.01 EUR, 9 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/7afj256 Museum quality ANTIQUE lace flounce Brussels Duchesse Point de gaze lappet trim
Size: not given
Starting price: $495.00 Buy-it-Now
Auction ends: Nov 11, 2011 09:35:26 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller all things shabby, United States
Comments: A Brussels Duchesse border – unfortunately no dimensions are given. A good, dense pattern of standard bobbin motifs found in this type of lace with a few additional large interesting flowers. The Point de Gaze inserts look in good shape – no roses. The color is ecru, and there is a little staining. It looks like a lot of the photos are taken from the back side.

   Sold for $250.00 Make Offer

http://tinyurl.com/8ya2vok * 2 English HONITON Hand made BOBBIN LACE HANDKERCHIEFS *
Size: both ~15″ square
Starting price: $19.99
Auction ends: Nov 11, 2011 11:39:06 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller all things jaruk, Worcester., Worcs., United Kingdom
Comments: Two Honiton handkerchiefs, one applique on machine net, the other guipure.  Snails/slugs period on both. I like the elaborate bride ground of the guipure piece. The work on the applique is ntcely done, good tight clothwork.  Neigher one has the greatest design, but they make an interesting pair. Both have a little damage to the center cloth, and there are some breaks in the guipure work. Maybe a small repair in the machine net? but overall the applique lace looks in good condition.

      Sold for $58.00, 5 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/77ov5bb Antique Fine FRENCH DUCHESSE Point de Gaze Lace Handmade Flounce
Size: 6″ x 52″
Starting price: $255.00 Buy-it-Now
Auction ends: Nov 12, 2011 05:51:32 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller i_spy_design, Austin, Texas, United States
Comments: A Brussels Duchesse border taken from a ‘Flapper’ dress, although who knows if the lace is contemporary with that 1920’s period. Hard to say if the yellow color is true.  The bobbinlace looks a bit conventional, and there is no raised work in either the obbin or needlelace. It has a little Bruge Bloemwerk look. It does look like there is some staining, but overall the condition appears quite good.

   Sold for $255.00 Buy-it-Now

http://tinyurl.com/6q8wyh6 Stuning Circular Antqiue Maltese Silk Lace Cloth – 62 cms across.
Size: 62 cm diameter
Starting price: 10.00 GBP
Auction ends: Nov 12, 2011 06:40:16 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller supra_troopa, Redditch, Worcestershire, United Kingdom
Comments: A Maltese or Gozian circular cloth with a cloth St. John’s cross in the center. It is formed of three concentric circular pieces, note the interesting guipure work on the inner piece.  The roundels on the inner and middle piece match nicely. The outer border is a plainer alternating design of a flower and a 6-pointed star ground that is often found in Gozo lace. All very well done. Seller cites some repairs, and there’s one obvious hole in the outer ring.

   Sold for 26.00 GBP, 4 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/85lvmzn Très grand carreau de dentellière ancien,dentelle
Size: 60 x 36 x 17 cm
Starting price: 60.00 EUR
Auction ends: Nov 12, 2011 11:20:00 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller art-coll, Bouglainval, France
Comments: A French desk-type lace pillow, similar to Normandy designs. Good woodwork, with three drawers.  There appears to be a ratchet mechanism to hold the cylinder still, but I don’t see the catch. The cylinder can be covered to provide the working surface. Pillows like this usually had a secondary cover that the lacemaker would provide – here it’s a blue cloth with a nice design of flowers. There is a date, August 10, 1910 and a name inside one drawer. Overall good condition with what appears to be the original finish. There might be a little separation of the pieces along various joins, likely due to wood shrinkage. But not bad.

   No bids.

http://tinyurl.com/888l7ko BEAUTIFUL VINTAGE MALTESE LACE LARGE TABLE CLOTH
Size: 48″ diameter
Starting price: 9.99 GBP
Auction ends: Nov 13, 2011 10:38:37 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller finlandrevenue, North Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
Comments: A circular Maltese tablecloth.  Good motifs of masses of well-worked leaves and guipure. It has a ‘wire’ ground, and the piece is composed of 6 concentric circles. This is typical Maltese construction meant to fit on the narrow pillow. Condition looks very good, I don’t see any problems from the photos.

   Sold for 55.00 GBP, 4 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/7vem8fv UNBELIEVABLY BEAUTIFUL FRENCH WEDDING HANKY HANDEMBROIDERED WITH VALENCIENNES
Size: 16.5″ square in total (lace is 2.25″ wide)
Starting price: 250.00 GBP
Auction ends: Nov 13, 2011 15:35:14 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller greatlace, Paris – Palm Beach, United Stat
Comments: This is a rare case where I agree 100% with the title of this listing. The whitework embroidery is excellent, and filled with the same needlelace ornament that you find in Alençon lace (when I studied in Alençon they did both lace and whitework embroidery). The embroidery and monogram are very well done. The Val lace is densely worked with a good pattern of  pansies and other flowers. I do not see any condition problems. Haven’t seen an example this good on Ebay for years.

   Sold for $821.00, 3 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/88yztjd LG HM Antique Vtg BRUSSELS POINT DE GAZE LACE BERTHA COLLAR
Size: 38″ neckline, 72″ outside edge, 5.5″ wide
Starting price: $49.99
Auction ends: Nov 13, 2011 17:02:33 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller adtjmd, RED VELVET BENCH, United States
Comments: A Brussels Duchesse bertha in very good condition. The bobbin motifs are fairly large, no raised work that I can see, a little like Brues Bloemwerk. Raised petal roses in the Point de Gaze inserts. Seller cites age discoloration, occasional spots and a minor breaks.

   Sold for $157.50, 5 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/7lf3z3t HandMade Antique Vtg BRUSSELS POINT DE GAZE LACE COLLAR DRESS FRONT
Size: 17″ neckline, 42.5″ outside edge, 6.25″ widest point
Starting price: $29.99
Auction ends: Nov 13, 2011 17:02:43 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller adtjmd, RED VELVET BENCH, United States
Comments: A Brussels Duchesse collar. Fairly large motifs with some good shading. No raised work in the point de gaze, but some nicely done rings. A little age discoloration, very minor broken bride here and there. Overall nice condition.

   Sold for $121.28, 8 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/7qgfv7q SUPERB HandMade Antique Vtg BRUSSELS DUCHESSE LACE
Size: 4.75″ x 36″
Starting price: $0.99
Auction ends: Nov 13, 2011 18:40:22 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller adtjmd, RED VELVET BENCH, United States
Comments: A Brugges Duchesse border with a nice open design. I like the shading around the 6 petaled flowers. Wish there was more of this.  Good condition, a little discoloration, very  minor breaks.

   Sold for $54.00, 9 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/7fneg4h Antique Maltese silk handmade lace lovely nice size scarf
Size: 7″ x 63″
Starting price: 39.99 GBP
Auction ends: Nov 14, 2011 09:15:14 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller discover4, London, United Kingdom
Comments: A Maltese scarf – one central band with a fan-type edging. This may have suffered some from washing, the work isn’t too crisp. The leaves seem a little thin, too. But overall condition is good.

   No bids.

http://tinyurl.com/7cowgod 3,10 x 9,5cm dentelle Chantilly Fait Main 122″ Chantilly Bobbin Lace 19thc
Size: 3 pieces
Starting price: 25.00 EUR
Auction ends: Nov 14, 2011 10:59:08 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller sirjle, Paris, France
Comments: This post is getting a bit long, so I’m recommending that you study several offerings of this seller. This includes a number of good Chantilly and Cluny pieces. See Ebay #330635215405, 330635199325, 330635224130, 330635228822, and especially the fichu #330636948302.  The items don’t always have the very close detail needed to see the stitch structure, but don’t hesitate to ask the seller questions.  All pieces are quite good shape.

   No bids.

http://tinyurl.com/7grpwd8 Very beautiful Point de Gaz lace collar -Bertha
Size: 24″ across, 6″ wide
Starting price: $300.00
Auction ends: Nov 14, 2011 13:41:24 PST
Offered by: Ebay seller calicogre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Comments: A Point de Gaze bertha of rose and leaf design. A lot of the roses have double raised petals. The design is nice and dense,but there are rather a lot of holes in the mesh. Seller also cites some staining.

   No bids.

http://tinyurl.com/7hl9dn6 ANTIQUE LACE- BOBBIN, RETICELLA, CUTWORK ALTAR CLOTH
Size: 24″ x 64
Starting price: $45.00 with reserve
Auction ends: Nov 14, 2011 14:00:58 PST
Offered by: Maria Niforos, ebay seller mithya, London-New York, United States
Comments: These assemblages of early lace come up now and then This one seems concentrated on later 17th century pieces, but could extend into the 19th century. I see some milanese, some cutwork, some nice drawnwork, and some plaited bobbinlace. All basically Italian.  Condition looks very good, seller cites some minor openings.

   Sold for $455.00, 4 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/79r8sc5 ANTIQUE LACE-RARE C. 17THC.PUNTO IN ARIA
Size: 8″ X 17.5″
Starting price: $45.00 with reserve
Auction ends: Nov 14, 2011 14:02:08 PST
Offered by: Maria Niforos, ebay seller mithya, London-New York, United States
Comments: A short Punto in Aria border, 2nd quarter 17th Italian. It is a very recognizable style, fairly geometric, and tending toward the contemporary fat and later gros points. It has a kind of Moorish appearance that have led some authors to think it is Spanish. There’s no real evidence to back up such a claim. It is quite short, and has some breaks, but not bad condition considering the age.

   Sold for $95.00, 6 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/73eyfea ANTIQUE LACE-RARE IRISH CROCHET SHAWL
Size: 11.5″ X 78″
Starting price: $45.00 with reserve
Auction ends: Nov 14, 2011 14:04:40 PST
Offered by: Maria Niforos, ebay seller mithya, London-New York, United States
Comments:I don’t think I’ve ever seen a rectangular Irish Crochet shawl before. Which is strange, since they made just about everything else. Clones knots in the bride ground, lots of raised work, and interesting fillings inside the motifs. I just wish I could see the whole pattern altogether to try and trace the pattern. It’s  hard to see the flow. With a piece like this one might suspect some reassembly – and there is a little awkwardness at the bottom of the third photo. The condition looks very good.

   $149.49, 7 bidders, reserve not met.

http://tinyurl.com/73mvwgh ANTIQUE LACE-EIGHT FINE DOILIES, COASTERS
Size: 5.5″ diameter each
Starting price: $19.99
Auction ends: Nov 14, 2011 14:06:25 PST
Offered by: Maria Niforos, ebay seller mithya, London-New York, United States
Comments: Knitted doilies from the Azores.  The thread is made from pita fiber. The Azores became a center for very fine knitted lace around 1840. Seems they made bobbinlace too, but I don’t know of any examples.  The very heavy raised perls are a characteristic of this lace – but I don’t know any written work that describes how to do them. Seller cites some age stains, but no damage.

   Sold for $26.60, 2 bidders.

http://tinyurl.com/72roq37 Superbe et longue dentelle noire, main? 665 cm X 30.5 cm, ancienne
Size: 12″ x 21.8′
Starting price: 50.00 EUR
Auction ends: Nov 15, 2011 10:55:15 PST
Offered by: ebay seller lavandiere33, Aquitaine, France
Comments: Very long.   I think Le Puy, note the interesting ground treatments. Although I would expect a little more gimp in a Le Puy design.  It is obviously an impressive undertaking, but the repeat is short and it gets a little monotonous. It’s meant to be ruffled. It looks unused, seller cites a few minor holes, nothing serious.

   No bids.