VICTORIAN PLUM AND TAN SILK TAFFETA RECEPTION GOWN, 1870s

Mid-19th C., museum provenance, 1870 to 1875 plum and tan taffeta, 3 piece in construction, bodice, skirt and overskirt.
Details include: bodice with pointed waistline, long curbed full sleeves with inner lace cuff, center front button closure, tan ruffle on sleeves as well as a lace cuff, with valenciennes lace trim on collar, fabric covered bone inside stay, fabric covered buttons and with brown cotton lining.

Skirt with three tiered tan ruffles around entire hem and two extra layers of ruffles in center front with bows at either end, black grosgrain waistband, hook and eye center back, cartridge pleats, pocket on right side, bown polished cotton lining; calf-length overskirt wraps around to front, no visible means of fastening, cartridge pleats and large bow in back.

Overskirt has cartridge pleating, large bow with long streamer at back and brown cotton lining.

APPROXIMATE MEAUREMENTS
BODICE:
Bust 30",
Waist 25"
Sleeve length 19",
Shoulder to waist front point 21",
Across shoulder back 13",
Shoulder to front hem 58"

SKIRT:
Front skirt length from waist 42"
Back length from shoulder 48",
Waist 28".

CONDITION:
BODICE is in very good condition. Cuff has partially detached from sleeve at seam. Lace around neckline detached in places. Light underarm discoloration. No repairs or stains. Missing top button.

SKIRT is in very good condition, with some water stains, and small dots of discoloration on tan taffeta. Some small light staining at hem line. Good with wear consistent with age and use, nothing major. Few small stains scattered about.

Overskirt has no problems.

PROVENANCE
Deaccessioned to benefit the Slater Memorial Museum's acquisition fund. Outfit still retains its museum tag sewn into inner waist that reads The Slater Memorial Museum, Norwich, Connecticut, as well as a string tag and sewn in tag with the museums catalog identification number.

Our antique textiles are collectible and are not new and not reproductions, and have lived a long and eventful life and sometimes developing flaws. We do not launder or dry clean unless stated in listing, and most times have been in storage for many decades picking up old age storage oxidation spots.

Our descriptions are true and accurate to the best of our ability. We try to observe and report every defect that we are aware of to give the buyer an accurate description but to mention every single minor blemish is laborious and unnecessary. As condition and description is largely based on personal opinion, we ask that you look at the numerous photos carefully and decide the rating and pattern if applicable of this item for yourself.

Everything is sold As Is. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional condition photos, please email oldthreads@aol.com with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.