1860's Moire Dress

From the seller:

DESCRIPTION

Amazing dress dates to the 1860's (I believe due to the drop shoulder) during the Victorian Era. It is made of brown silk moire with a tan cotton sateen lining. Bodice has center front hook and eye closures with four pieces of short boning in the front waist, and bell sleeves that are lined in a deep brown silk. Full skirt has snaps at waist and a narrow band of dark brown velvet at the hem. Fully lined.

CONDITION: I would consider this garment to be in very good condition, even though some repairs need to be made. These repairs include seam separation at the center back skirt entire seam, the left shoulder seam, and approximately 10" in right side skirt. Additionally there are extremely faint underarm stains along with a small area of wear to the velvet trim at the hem where the cording is exposed. At this area at the hem, there is also a 1/2" tear perpendicular to the hem.
FABRIC CONTENT: Silk Moire with Cotton Lining
COLOR: Brown
MEASUREMENTS: Please compare the measurements listed below to a garment that fits you well. These measurements were taken with the garment lying flat, and when appropriate, doubled to calculate the circumference.
Bust: 38"
Waist: 30"
Hips: Open
Across Shoulders: 19.5"
Sleeve Length: 19.5"
Center Back Length: 55"


From Me:

It's really hard to tell with the way this dress is displayed, but I think this is from about 1866 - putting it after the American Civil War. The waist looks high and the pleating of the skirt to the back makes it later rather than earlier in the 1860's. I believe this was one of those lavender dyes that has now faded to brown (very common over time) which would make this a good candidate for a half mourning dress.