House of Worth Black Bodice

From the seller:

This beautiful ca. 1880's bodice is made by CF Worth, Paris. Made from black silk it's lined with silk. It buttons with flat, covered buttons that are on the edge of the lining and the bodice has tabs on both sides that alternate over and buttons to black crochet buttons that have tiny black seed beads worked in the crochet. The center front has long panels with boning to hold them stiff coming down and back has pleated tails that have a silk bow on each side. There's a silk bow at the neck and a narrow stand up collar. The sleeves have wide cuffs with buttons and the alternating tabs over teh buttons and a ruffle of chantilly lace coming up from the cuffs. The shoulders are a little dropped and have narrow piping in the seam. the condition is excellent, there are a couple of missing beads on the buttons and the waist tape has some splits, but otherwise nearly mint. It measures 38 inches around the bust, across the back shoulder is 14 inches, waist is 25 and approx. 22 inches from shoulder to the bottom of the stiffened points. Excellent condition.

From Me:

If you know anything at all about fashion history, you know what a Worth label means. The styling of this bodice - first off WOW! on that front closure- indicates this is most likely late 1860's/early 1870's. The waistline is still high (popular in the lat 1860's) and the tails on the back would indicate a bustle.