1840's Ballgown Bodice

From the seller:

THIS PIECE DATES TO THE CIVIL WAR ERA AND IS FASHIONED OF SILK TAFFETA OVER A POLISHED COTTON BASE.




THE SLEEVES ARE CAPPED WITH A RUFFLED FULLNESS AT THE EDGE, TRIMMED IN SILK FLOSS COVERED BUTTON ON EACH SIDE, TWO ARE ABSENT.




WHALE BONING IS IN A FAN IN THE SHARPLY POINTED FRONT, AS WELL AS THE LACING REAR, WITH TASSELS TRIMMING EACH OF THE REAR POINTS




THE PIECE IS STRUCTURALLY SOUND, BUT HEAVY SUN STAINING SEEN, COLOR IS COMPLETELY UNEVEN AND FADED THROUGHOUT THE PIECE




MEASUREMENTS IN INCHES:

BUST: 32

WAIST: 24

LENGTH: REAR BUSK 24 INCHES NOT INCLUDING THE TASSELS.

From Me:

This piece is from a good 15~20 years before the American Civil War. You can see another 1840's bodice that has both a front and back point at the Met. This one has the a front and back point but also has a similar neckline to the bodice above.