Late 1860's Early Bustle Era Dress

From the seller:

This auction is for an original lady's bustle dress from around 1875. Possibly a wedding or traveling dress, it's made of a stone-gray silk discreetly trimmed with coordinating satin. It is expertly tailored with its only trim being pleated cuffs. The shoulders are not dropped, but are piped. The sleeves are two-piece coat style. This, along with the C-shaped side-back seams suggests a date in the first half of the 1870s. Hidden in the bustle is a handy pocket. Please note the brooch and under-sleeves shown are not included.

Condition: possibly a little age-related discoloration and a pinhole or two. There is evidence of some period alteration including some light stitch lines. It appears the skirt was lengthened and re-pleated about the 1890s judging from the arrangement. It doesn't affect the display as can be seen, but a purist can easily read the previous fold lines and return it to that arrangement.

Measurements : bust- 33 inches, waist- 25 inches, front length- 42 inches

From Me:

Look at that waistline! So this is a mid 1860's dress with a peplum added on later to follow the late 1860's fashions. I'd say about 1868.