1840's Rose Print Dress

From the seller:

Here we are offering an eye catching silk dress dating from the Civil War Era, c. 1860’s. This garment appears to be all hand sewn and is made from a light weight silk with a beautiful red rose design. The bodice is lined with a coarse linen in the body and tan muslin in the sleeves. There is piping at the amsyces, collar, cuffs and waist. The sleeves are a nice full bishop style with a cuff at the wrist. Closes down the center front with original brass hooks and eyes. The full skirt is faced at the hem with cotton muslin and is cartridge pleated to a muslin waistband. Though now a separate bodice and skirt, they were originally sewn together as is evidenced by the loose piping at the bottom of the bodice waistband. There is an area on the back of the shoulders where there are a number of holes which seemed to be caused by insect damage (see photo). There are also a few tiny scattered holes on the rest of the dress and some light wear to edge of the hem. The silk is overall in very good condition for its age, still soft and pliable. Because of the lining and the busy pattern, the damage to the shoulders is not a distraction when displayed. The colors are still vibrant and the pattern lovely. PLEASE NOTE: We do not endorse any attempt to wear antique clothing and therefore provide the measurements for reference purposes only, not for fit. Measurements: Bodice: Bust 32, Waist 27, Length at Center Front 13. Skirt: Waist 24, Length 39, Hem Circumference 125.



From Me:

The sleeves are what gives this one away. Although it may have been remade during the Civil War (the waistline), the dress is very much a product of the late 1840's. The "bound" upper arm and the sloped shoulders with the wide sleeves bound into a cuff are all examples of a typical 1840's dress.