Turn of the Century Tea Gown

From the seller:

very HARD TO FIND VINTAGE QUALITY black embroidered Victorian dress..over 100 years old...26 inch waist. measures 34 inches around the chest..which is adjustable with the gathered fabric...has some small freys on the mantel and collar.I think is is cotton with a silk lining and metal boning ...with one of the bones missing..but the bone lining is there.HAPPY BIDDING

From Me:

First, you can read more about tea gowns here, a very good post by the Dreamstress.

Second, this one, given the ruffles over the shoulders and the lack of ridiculous sleeves, is probably about 1899.