antique linen chemise, hand-monogrammed with mother-of-pearl buttons

an antique summer chemise in a substantial handwoven linen, cut as a simple loose shift with short set-in sleeves and a scoop neckline trimmed in fine crochet lace. the front placket is finished with hand-stitched pintucks, closes with two mother-of-pearl buttons, and carries a hand-embroidered pink script monogram. pieces like this were everyday and warm-weather sleepwear before 1920, made and marked at home as part of a woman's own linens, and the handwork throughout, the pintucks, the crochet edging, the monogram, speaks to that tradition of personal, hand-finished undergarments.

please note: the monogram initials are difficult to read precisely from the embroidery; please look closely at the photos if the exact letters matter to you.

details

• era: antique | pre-1920s
• designer: unbranded
• origin: unknown
• design: loose shift chemise in a substantial handwoven linen, short set-in sleeves, scoop neckline edged in crochet lace. front placket with hand pintucks, two mother-of-pearl buttons, hand-embroidered pink script monogram at the chest. materials and percentages - content tag not visible (predates mandatory fiber labeling); fiber content believed linen or heavy cotton based on weave and hand.
• condition: very good: clean overall with no holes visible in photos; worth a close in-hand check for any age-toning along the fold lines.
• size & fit: no size marking present, as expected for a handmade antique piece. loose shift cut, best modern fit estimate roughly us small to large given the unfitted silhouette.
• flat measurements: photo estimate only, to be confirmed in hand: bust approximately 22in flat, length approximately 34in