Sunday, November 29, 2015

Post American Civil War Era Ball Gown







From the seller:

An enchanting 1860’s beige and mauve plaid silk ball gown dress that has been de-accessioned from the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection. The bodice has short puffed sleeves that are trimmed with black lace and mauve velvet buttons. The neckline and armscyes are piped. The bodice is lined with cotton and has a back hook and eye closure. The skirt is fully lined with cotton. The dress is in good condition. There are some small pencil tip to slightly larger scattered holes, mostly to the sleeves. There is a 4 inch repair by the back skirt opening area and a small L shaped split on one shoulder. There are areas of light underarm discoloration. A very fetching display dress. Bust 32 Waist 24 Skirt length 41 width at hemline 144.

From Me:

First, the original photo from the Met website:


And the info the museum had: Dress Date: ca. 1860 Culture: American Medium: silk, cotton Dimensions: [no dimensions available] Credit Line: Gift of Miss Emma Hunt, 1937 Accession Number: C.I.37.28.4

Now the fashion plates:

1866 Fashion Plate1866 Fashion Plate

Gathered bodice fronts on ballgowns were a thing in 1866. Also, given the way the skirt pleating is done and the shortness of the waistline, I'm pretty sure this is from after the Civil War.

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