Pretty Blue Bustle Dress

From the seller:

A glorious 1870-1880 three piece navy blue cashmere bustle dress that has recently been de-accessioned from the Rochester Historical Society Museum collection. The ensemble consists of a bodice, bustled over skirt and under skirt. All of the garments are decorated with wide bands of navy blue satin ruching and pleating. The bodice has a long center back peplum that is trimmed with navy blue satin and black silk ribbon bows and streamers. The front waist is decorated with black silk bows. The bodice is lined with cotton and has a front button closure. There are 2 missing buttons. The overskirt has a full bustled back with ties on the inside for adjusting the bustle effect. It is unlined. The underskirt is fully lined with cotton. The dress is in excellent and sturdy condition. There is a thin line of underarm discoloration on the inside lining only and a few pencil tip size moth nips and one small pea size in the over skirt. The bodice has a couple of pencil tip size moth nips on the back. Bust 32 Waist 24 Under skirt front length 41 Back length 47.

From Me:



About 1874. The elongated front is what gives it away.