Original Antique Silk Civil War Era Dress For Study Display

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Original Antique Silk Civil War Era Dress For Study Display :
$161.50

Although this dress is in rough shape, it is still an excellent example of the techniques and construction methods used at the time of the Civil War. The fabric is a lovely lightweight tan-gold silk brocade with darker brownish bunches of flowers woven into the fabric. The bodice lining, skirt waist facing, and hem facing are of polished cotton. There is boning in the bodice. Hooks and eyes hold the bodice closed. The back of the bodice is in the classic 3-pc construction. The bodice hem, neck, and armscyes are edged with tiny matching piping. The skirt waist is cartridge pleated and stitched to the bottom of the bodice. The skirt waist also features the popular off-centered closure in the front. The sleeves are in the pagoda style with pointed sleeve caps and both are lined in brown silk. It seems that the majority of the dress is hand sewn although there appear to be some areas where possible machine stitching is present (or somebody had the best hand stitching skills ever!) . There is evidence of the bodice being refashioned at some point; you can see where darts have been picked out. Perhaps the fabric was from a dress worn in years prior and the owner wanted something more stylish. There are a couple spots on the dress (sleeve and lower skirt) that looks like something was spilled on it a long time ago (oil?), and thus those areas are stiff and splitting. As expected for a dress of this age, the silk has some small split/shatter/hole spots, but nothing huge or glaring. The hem tape is coming apart in places, but it has done its job and protected the actual hem. In my opinion, this dress can be gently handled or displayed flat, but I would not recommend hanging it or putting it on a mannequin to avoid stressing the bodice and waist seam. I\'ve had this dress in my collection for about 10 years, and it has been carefully packed in tissue away from sunlight and heat/cold in a smoke-free and pet-free home. As much as I hate to see it go, I need the space and money more and I\'m hoping it goes to a good home with someone who loves historical textiles as much as I do! Please don\'t hesitate to ask any questions. In order to minimize more damage from excessive folding and creasing, I will ship the dress in a large box. Shipping costs will reflect this. If there is an overage of shipping charges I will refund you the difference. Thanks for looking! Measurements:Neck to bodice point 15\"
Shoulder seam 7\"
Inner sleeve seam 12.5\"
Waist approx. 24\"
Skirt length 43\"
Skirt circumference approx 150\"

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