#SOLD1015 --- Bustledress.com

item number #SOLD1015

FABULOUS 1872-1874 Raspberry TAFFETA and Red silk Dinner Gown with LACE
This rare 1870's two piece dinner dress made for an older or married woman is just divine! The colors- the fabric- the allover condition- WOW! I've included a scan of an 1874 Petersons, so you can see that not all 1870's Bustle dresses had three pieces (see the gray dress second dress from the right). The back of the skirt is fully taffeta fabric all the way to the waistband (not sectioned off in a square of cotton, like dresses that have an overlay.) Anyway, the bodice has an amazing, low-cut, plunging "V" (another hint toward dinner.) edged in black, hand-tatted mechilin, torchon or cluny lace. The body of the bodice has a very fitted, deep burgundy silk-satin body, as does some of the chevrons lining the front. It has wider lace around the neck, and a self-fabric bow above the original black hand-tatted buttons (that are all present) and hand made buttonholes. The bodice has dropped shoulders with fine piping, and an alternate fabric of raspberry taffeta, burgundy silk-satin ruching down the full, curved arms with more of the 3" lace that's unbelievably sturdy. The wrists end in more double lace, burgundy silk ruched wristbands and a self fabric bow on each side. The waist is high, and looks cuirass in style, ending in more piping and the heavy lace.

The skirt has alternating chevrons of wide burgundy silk-satin bands, and lace. There's a large side pocket. On the opposite side in the front is two sets of black hook and eye closures. It's full toward the bottom, and has a large almost pleating in the back area for the bustle, sweeping into a long train in the rear.

The innards are great. The bodice is unboned (never had any) and has whip stitch edged seams, made of tan twilled silk and cotton. Hand and machine stitched. The skirt has the matching tan waistband. The top section of the skirt has no lining, the middle has lightweight buckram or gauze, and the bottom has a wool burgundy broadcloth, with a fine rim of burgundy wool hem protector.

Condition:

This outfit is wearable as it is, if you're a size 3-5. The mannequin is nearly 6' so someone 5'5" to 5'9" tall would be best if this is to be worn. There's a few very minor things to mention. Silk and taffeta appear strong, vibrant and healthy. Bodice may have buttoned to the top at one time- top appears to be basted down, possibly as an alternate way to wear? Buttons have been removed. Underarms have banded silk darkening on both sides on the outside that aren't too bad (please see photos.) the taffeta sleeves do not appear to be affected. The innards have a faint lightening there and a bit of a watery stain. The lace allover is in magnificent condition, perhaps there may be a break or two in it over the whole dress (but after looking, I haven't seen any). The gauzy lining on the inside middle looks fairly age spotted, although it does not appear to be weakened. The Burgundy broadcloth has approximately 7-10 small (eraser head sized and smaller) wool chews. Hem protector looks great. I consider this dress in VERY EXCELLENT condition.

This item is sold and no longer available.

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Estimated Current size Approx.:

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Size	Shoulders	Bust	Waist	Estimated Length from top of shoulder tip to bottom of hem	Estimated Wear-ability	Estimated Underarm condition	Maker's Tags/ Marks	Estimated condition rating	Estimated overall condition scale of 1-10
Small (3-5)	16"	34"	24" Max.	57"	Terrific.	Slight darkening on burgundy silk.	None.	VERY EXCELLENT.	9 3/4

This item is sold and no longer available.

Our Explanation of item's grading terms:

MINT;	NEAR MINT;	EXCELLENT;	VERY GOOD;	GOOD;	FAIR;	POOR;
Like brand new.	No noticeable stains or tears (or VERY tiny or FAINT), a gentle touch of wear.	Light wear, minimal faint stain or two, less than 1." Nothing distracting.	Used gently, minor spots or wear. Sound structure. Nothing visually detracting.	Used, but still has life, spotting, wear or fraying. Visual problems but structure sound.	Used, so-so condition but usable, heavy spotting, fraying, still useful for the creative.	Heavily used, stained, worn or split, a pattern, project, or a cutter.

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