Incredibly cool and rare early 1940s chestnut brown wool dress with the most fantastic fully functional novelty pencil buttons. The dress itself is adorable with a fun chevron detail at the waistline, puffed bell sleeves, and beautiful pleated gored throughout the bodice and the skirt. The main event is the buttons, which are brass curved loops with telescoping brass pencils hanging on a chain. The "buttons" fasten but putting the pencil on its chain through the loop. At the ends of the chain are functional clasps, so that one can remove or change the pencils. There is a hidden snap at the neckline, and a metal zipper at the side of the dress. An exceptionally special novelty piece!

Overall excellent condition with minor cosmetic notes. At some point in this dresses history it was lovingly repaired by extremely skilled hands. The areas with wear were rewoven with matching wool threads and are nearly invisible, to the point that it is almost impossible to tell at all where the mends are. Otherwise there is some very light wear to the underarm and patina to the buttons. Presents beautiful, in gorgeous wearable condition.

Measurements:

Bust 36-38 in

Waist 28-29 in

Hips 44 in

Shoulder 14 in (fits another inch or so in puffed sleeves)

Shoulder to waist about 15 in

Armscye 9 in

Length 40 in