1880's Blue Bustle Dress

From the seller:

BE SURE TO SCROLL TO THE RIGHT / LEFT AND ALL THE WAY DOWN AS THERE ARE MANY MANY PHOTOS FOR THIS SUPERB GOWN!! This auction is for a very lovely original Victorian early 1870's era bustle Trained gown that is created in a glorious shade of royal blue silk taffeta. An all in one gown, typical of the Polanaise era, the style that has the derrier oversized and long slender bodice flowing over the skirt! The faux cuirass style bodice in lined in brown cotton buckram, there is not any metal stays, a high mandarin collar, a front closure that I cannot close because my mannequin is too large (size 4). There are 3 of the most beautiful buttons still present; gold tone with painted filligree work in very lovely iris flowers. The attached skirt is lined differently in the front than in the back. The back is constructed in two layers, a heavy underskirt which is lined with the same coarse material as in the front. The outertrain is lined in thinning dark musline like fabric while having a wide heavier lining on the hemline of both layers. On each side of the skirt is 4" x 1.5" area of lovely thick ruching that matches the front just below the buttons with a long satin bow only being present on one side. The back of the bodice to skirt is decorated with a gathered fan that creates pleats and draping flowing down over the derrier. The hemline in front of the dress to sides is quite attractive, be sure to see the photos, it is tight knife pleats with larger tabs that are alternated to be upward and downward. Approx measurements are 30" to 32" bust (the form it is modeled on is a size 4 and as you can see it does not close), 27" waist and 52" mid shoulder to hem. In overall very good very clean condition, there is some minimal underarm organic marks, a small split on the left near the right sleeve seam, and a split on one button area. A stunning display gown, my photos cannot do this gorgeous gown justice. Happy Bidding or why wait, BUY NOW!


From Me:

The high neck, the 3/4 sleeves, and the overall styling suggest an 1880's date.