Gorgeous 1870's Early Natural Form Dress with Paisley Print

From the seller:

1870's PROMENADE BUSTLED 1-PIECE GOWN WITH TRAIN MUSEUM DEACCESSIONED


This is an attractive summer promenade gown or tea dress of the 1870's period, that a mid to upper class woman would wear. A regal off white light weight sheer organdies 1 PIECE bustled gown with small paisley boteh motif prints.

Recently de-accessioned from the Rochester historical museum in New York state. The gown still retains it's original Museum ID string catalog tags, sewn on tags, as well as written into fabric ID catalog number.

I was certain that this gown would be worthy of a designer label, but it does not have a label.



The front of this gown is decorated with fancy pleated net lace trimmed stand up collar and accented with a satin bows down the front opening. The bodice has fabric covered button front closure. One top button has fabric loss. The cuffs are also are decorated with fancy net lace and satin ribbon bows. Both sides of the front opening has vertical pleating adorned with wide fancy machine lace. Pipping is found around top of shoulder arms, and down both sides of front closure.



The whole gown is lined with a off white organdy. No stays. The sleeves have a slight curve and tapering at the elbow.

The inner skirt lining closes by a hook and loop and has many ties to adjust the bustle effect.

The back gathers with fullness of material for a bustled effect and continues downward for a nice fall. The rear puff enhances the outfit nicely. The skirt is in very good condition.

Condition: The gown is in very good condition. Inside lining of bodice is very good, no underarm staining or discoloration. Any blue discoloration on dress and folds are camera flash distortions of color. Skirt has no pin holes or damage anywhere. Some lace detachment on stand up collar. A brown stain on bodice, chest area. Seams have been taken out under arms, down sides to waist area, and back area. Slight musty odor. A truly grand display gown for study.

MEASUREMENTS:

Bust 34",

Waist 25' - 26",

Sleeve Length 20" + lace.

Front Shoulder to hem 52-1/2",

Back neck line to hem 68",

Across shoulder 13"




Condition: The gown is in very good condition.

A truly grand display dress/gown for study or for display.

Antique clothing should not be worn.



From Me:

1876 Fashion Plate

1876 Fashion Plate

1876 Fashion Plate

So...the reasons I think it's from about 1876 - the collar style is from about then.  You can see a similar one in the last fashion plate.  The ribbons down the front were a huge fashion thing in the 1870s - you can see a similar style in the first fashion plate.  The way the skirt fits over the hips is more natural form and the fullness at the bottom of the skirt matches with the early natural form styles.