Description: A brocaded green silk taffeta ball gown, mid 19th century, comprising: back-laced bodice with sharply pointed waist, piped in pink and brown satin, short floral brocaded sleeves, with two skirt panels forming tiers, the hems woven with roses and blossom in shades of blue, pink, lilac and brown; and half of a detached pleated bodice band (4) Provenance: Given to the vendor by a descendant of Ione Carew-Pole, Antony House, Cornwall, who emigrated to Australia in the late 19th century. The skirt panels were unpicked to make them easier to fold into a trunk.

Condition Report: Fair-good condition. Faint brown discolorations down front of bodice and rear closure, neck edge and on flounced neck panel (this was an alternative to the pleated neck band, of which half remains, and there are stains on this also). Baleen bone is exposed on cotton lining. The 2 skirt panels – shorted, upper panels has rust spots in places along fold lines and a couple of brown spot stains. The larger panel is generally good, a few rust spots along fold lines, ivory silk pocket pouch needs re-stitching.