Late 1870's Bustle Era Dress

From the seller:

Dark cocoa colored silk three piece reception gown dating to the late 1860's early 1870's. Bodice fully lined with crochet button closure, silk bow and ruched trim thruout, overskirt with ruched trimmings and all the interior tapes from bringing skirts up polonaise, cute little front pocket, underskirt with cartridge pleating inverted pleat at back of skirt, with slightly longer at the back. The silk is fragile with scattered splits, a bit of the edging coming loose at hem, weakness to the button holes on bodice, three missing buttons, back closure on under skirt needs reattaching. Displays nicely, uncleaned as found. Chest 34" waist 24", waist on skirts 24", length of under skirt in front 45" at the back 52".


From Me:

The details on the dress make it look more like the late 1870's/early 1880's to me. I think it's the overall shape of the skirt that makes the seller believe it's earlier.