Maternity Early 1860's American Civil War Era Dress

From the seller:

This Civil War era dress C.1850-60's) is made from a loose weave fabric, that's semi sheer when you hold it up. I think it's either silk and wool or silk and linen, it has a scratchy feeling to it. The bodice is lined in brown cotton, it hooks down the front and has narrow tucks at the waist fur the bust. It has dropped shoulders with self piping around the armholes and neckline. The sleeves are tucked around the armhole. It has quite a few scattered holes, frayed spots and scattered small spots, a mend below the waist, it's still in sturdy condition and makes a nice display piece. It's 35 inches around the bust, waist is 27 and is 56 1/2 inches long. It came with a shawl, but since it's not a match, I decided to separate them and it's in another auction if you're interested. As IS


From Me:

So...the Civil War, last time I checked, was not in the 1850's but the early 1860's. One or the other seller, one or the other.

This is very much a maternity dress - notice the pleats on the front of the skirt? That indicates the first half of the 1860's - ie, pre Bustle. Then there is the waistline - notice how is goes up in the front compared to the back? This isn't just an "empire" waist dress we are used to seeing in the second half of the 1860's. It's also a rather plain house dress, an everyday type dress.

I hope everyone enjoys this last dress before I head to Pennsic. I'll be back and posting on August 13th, hopefully!