Elegant Historic Black Wool and Gold Embossed Embroidery Dress 1930’s-1940’s EUC

This elegant black and gold dress is a one of a kind couture dress, made for Eleanor Davis Erhardt circa 1930’s~1940’s. Eleanor was the lovely wife of the U.S. Ambassador to Austria, John G. Erhardt who served in Occupied Vienna when the Embassy reopened after WWII ~ 1946-1950. He was also a political advisor to Gen.Mark Clark, Commander of U.S. occupation forces in Austria. Erhardt had a lengthy history as a career diplomat, and as his wife, Eleanor had occasion to wear fine fashion. This design is tailored using a luxurious quality of wool that’s soft to the hand, yet drapes exquisitely and falls with weight into the folds of the 63 inch skirt. The skirt of this elegant dress has a lengthy slit up the front that discreetly reveals a glimpse of leg when walking. When dancing, a twirling round extends the 63 inch sweep of the skirt and a stunning, yet tasteful view of one or both legs. The slit begins just below the hidden front zipper of the dress and is faced in solid black wool. From the hemline, on both sides of the slit, the dress cascades downward and ripples outward at an angle with graceful fluidity. Two pockets have rolled edge-work and are lined in black wool~they are concealed amid the embossed embroidery of the dress, which is entirely done by hand. This historic dress is in excellent condition.