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ANTIQUE "UP-TO-DATE SYSTEM C" DRESS PATTERN SYSTEMPatented 1904 • Prof. J.B. Plant • offerdeford, Maine1904 St. Louis World's Fair Exhibitor
A rare and historically significant antique adjustable dress draftingsystem from 1904, exhibited at the St. Louis World's Fair (LouisianaPurchase Exposition) - one of the most celebrated events in Name: "The Up-to-Date System C"- Subtitle: "The Wonderful Invention of the 20th Century"- Maker: Prof. J.B. Plant, Proprietor- Location: offerdeford, Maine, USA- Patent: 1904, United States and Canada- Original Price: $15.00 (equivalent to ~$500 today)- Exhibition: S.L. Exposition (1904 St. Louis World's Fair)- Language: Bilingual - English and French- Size: Approximately 22" SIGNIFICANCE:
This remarkable piece represents the cutting edge of 1904 dressmakingtechnology. At a time when all clothing was custom-made andprofessionally fitted, this adjustable system allowed dressmakers tocreate perfectly fitted patterns for individual clients.
The original retail price of $15 in 1904 - equivalent to approximately$500 in today's money - confirms this was a premium professional tool,not a consumer product.
WORLD'S FAIR CONNECTION:The "S.L. Exposition" marking indicates this system was exhibited atthe 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition (St. Louis World's Fair), oneof the most significant events in American history. World's Fair itemsfrom 1904 are actively collected by both sewing history enthusiastsand World's Fair memorabilia collectors.
BILINGUAL DESIGN:Instructions in both English and French confirm this was marketedacross both the United States and Canada, reflecting the significantFrench-Canadian dressmaking tradition of the IT WORKED:
This ingenious system used multiple adjustable sliding panels (markedA through F) that could be set to individual measurements including:- Bust (Buste/Mesure du buste)- Waist- Height of darts (Hauteur des pinces)- Width in front (Largeur du devant)- Length of front (Devant/Front)- Shoulder length
By adjusting each section to the client's measurements, a dressmakercould create a perfectly fitted bodice pattern without the need formultiple examine all photos carefully - they are part of the conditiondescription.
OVERALL: Good antique condition for a 120+ year old working tool.
PIECES: All labeled sections (A, B, C, D, E, F) appear present andintact. Multiple sliding panels with metal fasteners/rivets.
TEXT: Clearly readable throughout including patent information,maker details, measurement scales, and bilingual instructions.
MECHANISMS: Sliding adjustments intact and appear functional.
PATINA: General age darkening of pasteboard/cardboard materialconsistent with 120 years of age. Some edge wear visible.
This is sold as a collectible antique display/collection FOR COLLECTORS OF:
- 1904 St. Louis World's Fair / Louisiana Purchase Exposition- Antique sewing and dressmaking tools- Edwardian era (1900-1910) collectibles- American patent history- Textile and fashion history- Maine historical items- Women's work history & HANDLING:
Calculated shipping (buyer pays). This antique system will becarefully wrapped and packed to prevent damage in transit.
Ships USPS Priority Mail with tracking.Ships within 2 business days.
LOCAL PICKUP: San Antonio area buyers accepted within 30 days if not as described.Buyer pays return rare piece of American fashion, textile and World's Fair history.These early adjustable pattern systems are increasingly difficultto find intact after 120 years.
Questions? Please message before purchasing!
