Late 1860's Blue Dress

From the seller:

1860's MOIRE SILK BUSTLE 2-PIECE BALL GOWN MUSEUM DE-ACCESSIONED FOR DISPLAY OR STUDY



This is an attractive ball gown of the 1860's period, that a mid to upper class woman would wear. A regal 1860's - 1868 blue silk moire 2 PIECE bustled ball gown de-accessioned from the Rochester historical museum in New York state. The gown still retains it's original Museum ID catalog tag, inside as well as string tags.

The bodice is lined with brown cotton and still retains all its original front metal hook and loop closures, and has 6 whale bone baleen stays. The front silk underarms have started to shred and are heavy discoloration and needs to be replaced with gussets. The sleeves have flared pagoda sleeves. The bodice has been altered at some point in its life letting out seams at sides.

I find only a few minor problems with the skirt. The skirt closes by hooks and eyes at the side and gathers with pleats in the back for a nice fall. The rear puff enhances the outfit nicely. The skirt is lined with brown polish cotton. The skirt has an area of staining in front as seen in photos. Very few pin holes. Waist band needs to be attached as well as some pleating that has separated at waist, an easy fix. Wear holes at back hem line.

BODICE: Bust 33", Waist 30", Sleeve Length 21".
Shoulder to waist 15",
Across shoulder 13"

SKIRT: Front skirt length 43" Back length 63", waist 31" Circumference 179" .


Condition: The SKIRT is in fair condition, the BODICE is in poor condition.

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


From Me:

It's not a ball gown - this would have been more like those nice jeans and that wonderful sweater that you only wear when you are going to a friends' party? Like that.