1890's Silk Dress

From the seller:

An elegant two piece 1890-1900 shimmering gray silk evening dress that has recently been de-accessioned from a museum collection. The cataloging tag is stitched inside the skirt. The label reads R. A. Higgens, 515 Penn Ave. Pittsburg. The fabric has a changeable quality depending on the light reflection. There is no discoloration. The bodice is beautifully adorned. It has a high neck collar that is covered with gray silk chiffon, lace and black velvet ribbon. The fabric is laid over pink silk lining. The front of the bodice has gray chiffon laid over pink silk and a wide lace jabot. The shoulders are trimmed with chiffon, black velvet and tiny silver bugle beads. The sleeves have a double puffed top and are trimmed with black velvet and beads. The bodice is lined with gray silk and has a hidden front hook and eye closure. The skirt hemline is trimmed gray silk chiffon flounce that are trimmed with black velvet and beading. The skirt is fully lined with gray silk. The dress is in very good condition. There are no splits or holes and no underarm discoloration. There is some minor splitting in the pink silk lining on the collar and one of the flounces on the skirt is missing its beading. A magnificent display dress. Bust 32 Waist 23 Skirt length 42 ½ inches.

From Me:

I honestly think it's a silk moire rather than a changeable silk. It's from the late 1890's, probably about 1898.