Description: Offering more of my personal antique costume collection, this cream, buttery silk ball gown bodice dates to the 1860’s Civil War period. It is in nearly pristine condition, with no tears, splits, underarm staining or weakness. I have had it displayed with the royal blue silk skirt with cream embroidered squares that is currently for sale in another listing. The measurements were all taken with the bodice lying flat. I have photographed the underarms so you can see that there are no stains or weaknesses in any of the silk. The color of the silk is uniform, with no fading. There is a small smudge on the lower right front that I’ve photographed for accuracy but it is barely noticeable. The buttons are pretty and ornate but not only decorative as the bodice buttons up the front. All buttons are present. Measurements taken with bodice lying flat are: Chest: approx. 30” Waist: 21-22” Drop shoulders: 16” across Length: 15” long neckline to the waist and 19” long neckline to pointed V front edge The sleeves are elaborate and feature the wide coat-sleeve that was so fashionable in the mid-1860’s in women’s, men’s, children’s, as well as military coats and jackets. The sleeves have open work with undulating curves that are lavished with same silk folded & ruched edging. The open parts of the sleeves consist of netting so that the skin of the wearer could be glimpsed. The only fragility of this piece is the netting which has some small tears but these are hard to see and the bodice sleeves have been stuffed with acid-free tissue to protect and keep their shape. The netting has darkened a little from age. This is just a beautifully made and well-preserved garment and truly a museum piece. I added a few photos of this bodice among some other of my antique costume pieces as I’ve been unpacking them. If you have any questions at all, please message me. I’m always happy to help! Please consider the photos as part of the description and I can furnish additional photos if desired. Thank you for taking the time to visit my listings and I hope you will consider adding me to your favorite sellers list. I have been an antique collector and antique doll collector and dealer since 1990 so I will continue to list lovely and desirable historic items. Blessings, Michelle I
Price: 410 USD
Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
End Time: 2024-10-01T03:11:39.000Z
Shipping Cost: 38.5 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Occasion: Evening, Formal
Chest Size: 30”
Waist Size: 21-22”
Decade: Pre 1890
Color: Cream
Material: 100% Silk
Size (Women's): Small
Brand: Antique
Size Type: Regular
Original/Reproduction: Original
Style: Evening Ballgown Bodice 1860’s
Hip Size: N/A
Waist to Hem: N/A
Look: Victorian Civil War Period
Shoulder to Shoulder: 16 1/2” Drop Shoulder
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Shoulder to Hem: 15” Long To Waist; 19” To Point