Sunday, November 29, 2015

1850's Gown Remade in the 1860's


From the seller:

This auction is for an original Young Lady's ball gown from the Pre Civil War period. It could possibly be as early as 1840s, but it's 2 piece with a straight waist, making me think it's more early 1850s up to as late as 1856, before hoops became general. It is made of gray silk with a woven stripe of bright purple. The bodice has a center back closure of hooks and eyes and narrow sleeves trimmed out in gray fringe. It's lining is heavy brown cotton twill. The bodice and skirt both appear to be all hand-sewn. The skirt has gorgeous cartridge pleating all around and narrow wool hem tape. There's a pocket in the side seam. It's fully lined in brown polished cotton. The dress has incredibly narrow shoulders.

Condition: Scattered small holes and some overall light discoloration, most significantly at the under arms. However, my photos make it appear more pronounced that it looks in person. There is wear to the hem and waistband with modern hooks/eyes on the waistband. Please look closely at the photos.

Measurements are: The bust measures 31 inches, The waist measures 24 inches. The length of the skirt is 40 inches.


From Me:

1850's fashion

Although the overall shape stayed early 1850's (off shoulder straps, short little sleeves with ridiculous fringe, the pleated all the way around evenly skirt), the bodice point got chopped off probably during the Civil War.

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