Early 1860's American Civil War Era Paisley Dress

From the seller:

A magical 1860’s Civil War era brown and white print dress. The fabric has a small white and black pattern with exquisite boarders of white paisley pattern that are used on the edge of the pagoda sleeve and hemline. The armscyes and waist are piped. The bodice is lined with cotton and has a front hook and eye closure. The skirt is attached to the waist with cartridge pleating. The front of the skirt has two faux pockets that are decorated with two copper silk buttons. The skirt is unlined. The dress is in very good and sturdy condition. There is some mild underarm discoloration on the inside lining that is barely visible on the outside fabric. Bust 32 Waist 22 Skirt length 40 Width at hemline 148. A beautiful display dress.

From Me:

I think this is another "redone" dress from the 1850's - although the late 1850's. The puffs at the top of the sleeves were popular from the late 1850's throughout the American Civil War. However, the cuff of the sleeves with the puff at the top went from very wide in the late 1850's to very tight by 1865. It would make perfect sense just to hack off the point of the dress - maybe even take an old wrapper and make it into a nice dress- but leave the sleeves since, well, any seamstress will tell you not to mess with the sleeves unless absolutely necessary. Cutting the waistline is easy!