Materials: Chocolate brown silk faille, silk velvet, 15 Dorset
buttons, brass hook & eye, 5 silk covered coat buttons. Linings: in bodice,
tan cotton twill, 4 baleen stays; in over coat, dark brown cotton over full
layer of wool batting; in skirt, tan cotton, dark brown cotton, stiffened
windowpane buckram, wool hem tape.
Condition: Remarkably perfect, museum
quality. I don't think this outfit was ever worn.
Measurements: Bodice: Sh-Sh, 16"; B,
36"; W, 24.5"; Slv L, 21.5"; L, 24"; Hem C, 46". Skirt:
W, 27"; Front L, 41"; Back L, 53"; Hem C, 108". Over
coat: Sh-Sh, 14.5"; B, 35"; Slv L, 36"; Hem C, 64".
Comments: Exquisitely well made winter
toilette. Straight seams are machine stitched, all finishing is meticulously
done by hand.. The fabrics used are of the best quality and still have a
sumptuous feel to them. An example of the unusual attention to detail on this
costume can been seen in the skirt's pleated silk faille trim. It is box
pleated with the top edge tacked down which gives a uniform ruffled effect to
the elaborate trim on the train and skirt bottom. A tiny watch pocket in the
bodice and a large pocket in the skirt are well placed and thoughtful additions
for the intended original owner of this outfit. The matching, beautifully and
simply styled winter coat is a rarity to have survived with its original bustle
dress.
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