French Antique 1900s Wedding Headdress with Wax Flowers & Tulle Detailing in Original Box / Lovely Wedding Accessory with a Poignant authentic Story

Beautiful French Antique 1900s Wedding Headdress with Wax Flowers & Tulle Detailing in Original Box /Wedding Accessory with a Poignant Story

Part of the contents of an old lacemaker's shop and manufacture in the French northern coastal town of Calais dating from the early 20th. This lovely old never used wedding headdress, (old "new" stock) still in its lovely art nouveau designed box, with the princely some of 49 French francs hand written inside, has been silently waiting in a dusty box since the second world war, kept religiously throughout generations until now.

The story behind this auction is poignant, and when I opened the boxes and revealed the treasures within, they just brought the whole story to life.

The lace and embroidered pieces (also listed) were created by Eugène Dutartre, born in Calais in 1900, he became a lieutenant in the air force at the age of 25. As a civilian he turned to manufacturing lace of all styles, creating an avant garde range of lingerie in the Art Deco style. He had shops from which he sold his wares, and a team of reps who sold throughout France, notably on the Côte d'Azur, and exported to the UK, Holland, Monaco etc.

This could have been lost forever in the fallout of war, and I was incredibly lucky to be able to acquire some of this wonderful collection, and this one and only wedding headdress that remained.

I say fallout of war, as Eugène was summoned back as a pilot at the start of WWII, and the minute he was mobilised in 1939, the shutters came down on the business until his return. Unfortunately, on 6 June 1940, he flew on a photographic recon mission over the Somme, only to be attacked by a Messerschmitt. After a fierce dogfight, Eugène's plane was brought down over St Valery en Caux - the crew perished. The little Calais manufacture never reopened. The remaining stock was kept by Mme Dutartre and stored and eventually, the grandchildren, realising that the contents of the dusty boxes were precious in that these were not just about heritage, these long forgotten creations could be brought back to life once again by the skilled hands of new, modern creators.
I scour brocantes, vide greniers, auctions, and all sorts of nooks and crannies to find wonderful old French treasures and it is a passion that grows greater by the day. Where I can I give the story behind each item as they too have had a life and are now looking for their own new story ... I love to share my passion and am happy that these long lost items are going to new homes.

This headdress, although never worn, has suffered the ravages of time as the lovely little tulle filled wire circles above the wax orange blossom flowers have gone rusty, and the tulle has been discoloured by that effect. However, it is still a beautiful piece, and some clever hands could maybe revive this, so that it can one day take on the role it was made for.

The inside of the box has some foxing, and there is also a little buttonhole matching the headdress. Made by "Modes Therouaine", on the box is "Les Parures de Mariées GOL - Nouveautés de Paris".

Measurements of box

30cm x 23cm x 6cm / 11.8" x 9" x 2.3"

I scour brocantes, vide greniers, auctions, and all sorts of nooks and crannies to find wonderful old French treasures and it is a passion that grows greater by the day. Where I can I give the story behind each item as they too have had a life and are now looking for their own new story ... I love to share my passion and am happy that these long lo st items are going to new homes.

THE BORING BUT IMPORTANT BIT!!

Please do check the photos as these form part of the description, and don't hesitate to ask for more information, pictures etc before proceeding with purchase, I am always happy to oblige.

I describe my items to the best of my ability but please remember these are antique or vintage items and not every single flaw may be listed, It is part of the charm of bygone times and have had a previous life and could tell many stories.

Everything is well packaged and I will send anywhere in the world as long as the item is within shipping weight limits and size.

The "Everywhere Else" box has the highest postage rate so do no hesitate to contact me so I can add your country and change the postage accordingly. Please note my shipping costs are just that - I use recycled boxes where possible but bubble wrap, fuel and time are not included in the shipping to keep costs down for you, the customer. If you wish to purchase more than one item please ask me for the shipping cost. I am happy to reserve items authentic until I've worked out the final cost. in any event, I do refund shipping differences.

I use La Poste for small packets up to 2kg, and economy (but reliable) courier Mondial Relay or Happy Post for bulkier/heavier items. Everything is tracked for peace of mind.
Mondial Relay is used for domestic shipping for most items.

Layaway available on any item - life is too short to not have beautiful things!

Last but not least, I hope you have enjoyed having a browse through my shop!