Tuesday, November 24, 2015

American Civil War Era Blue Plaid Dress









From the seller:

A beautiful 1860’s royal blue and silver plaid silk dress that has been de-accessioned from the Rochester Historical Society Museum collection. The bodice has double tiered pagoda styled sleeves that are trimmed with royal blue silk fringe. The front opening is decorated with royal blue silk ball trim. The neck, armscyes and waist are piped. The bodice is lined with cotton and has a front hook and eye closure. The skirt is attached to the bodice with cartridge pleating. The skirt is fully lined with cotton. The dress is in very good condition. There is mild underarm discoloration, small splits near the armscyes and the front opening has a ½ inch split and two ½ inch period mends. There is no discoloration just shadows created by the camera flash. A charming display dress. Bust 32 Waist 22 Skirt length 41 Width at hemline 139.

From Me:

1864 Fashion Plate
1864 Fashion Plate

By 1864 the Pagoda sleeves that had dominated since the 1850s were finally fading out of existence, but there were a few last gasps. What I love about this gown is the lady who made it carefully placed the trim to hide how she pieced the sleeves together. The straight - no point in front- waist indicates the later date.

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