.

[Illustration: REAL "POINT DE GAZE" (NEEDLE-MADE GROUND).

(_Author's Collection._)]

XIV

SALE PRICES

XIV

SALE PRICES

Lace is such an article of luxury, and, as a rule, only belonging to the
wealthiest class, that it seldom or ever comes into the open market. In
1907 two collections were dispersed at Christie's--those of Mrs.
Massey-Mainwaring and Mrs. Lewis Hill.

The most costly laces are the Venetian Points, some of the fine Rose
Points being priceless. It is so fragile that little of it remains, and
the smallest piece is eagerly snapped up by collectors.

In 1904 at Christie's lace sold for the following prices--

L
A 58-inch length of 24-ins. deep Point de Venise 600

A 4-yards length of Rose Point, 11 inches deep 420

The same year--

L
4 yards of Point d'Argentan, 25 inches deep 460

44 inches Point d'Alencon, 17 inches deep 43

2-1/2 yards Point d'Alencon, 14 inches deep 46

In 1907, March 11, _Massey-Mainwaring Sale_ at Christie's--

sold for
L s. d.
1-1/2 yards Venetian Gros Point, 8 inches deep 16 16 0

5 yards length of Reticella, 7-1/2 inches
deep 33 12 0

4 short lengths 42 0 0

7 pieces of Point d'Alencon 21 0 0

4 yards narrow Point d'Argentan 15 15 0

3 pairs Point d'Argentan lappets 15 15 0

30 yards narrow Mechlin in odd lengths 21 0 0

April 15th, the _Lewis-Hill Sale_ at Christie's:--

sold for
L s. d.
4 yards Venetian Point, 15-1/2 inches deep 68 5 0

4 " " " 8-1/2 " " 52 10 0

3 yards Spanish Point, 6-1/2 inches deep 73 10 0

An Old Brussels scarf in two pieces 10 10 0

6 yards Brussels applique 23 10 0

A Point Gaze parasol-cover 6 16 0

A Brussels flounce 12 1 6

3 yards Honiton flounce, 17 inches deep 69