Fabulous sage green and burgundy wrapper dress or tea gown circa 1890s. The green fabric feels like a fine wool or wool blend and the burgundy is silk. It is lined with polished cotton and wool at the hem.
This is a really interesting piece, because it appears to have been altered perhaps during a pregnancy. The inner bodice buttons down the center front but the buttons around the waist have been removed and an extra piece of fabric was added with hook and eye closures to make the waist larger.
Outer dress has hook and thread closures that attach the silk front piece to the green body of the dress along the side part way down past the waist.
Large, dramatic puffed sleeves (I have found a reference in an 1892 Delineator calling this particular style of sleeve the "Amy Robsart Sleeve) and a slight bustle and train give this dress a hint of elegance. It is quite heavy with the amount of fabric used in the skirt and around the lining of the hem.
Bodice is boned with steel boning. One has fallen out, but I will include it.
This would be a really interesting study piece or for pattern making. It is a museum deaccession with a handwritten number tag sewn into the collar.
+++ Measurements +++
Approximate measurements:
34" bust
28" waist (but let out to be bigger at some point)
56"-57.5" length
+++ Condition +++
Condition overall is good to fair. There are several moth holes in the wool and a few scattered stains. Inner bodice has been very roughly modified, as mentioned in the above description, and it is missing several of the buttons as a result of the modification.
Wear to both underarms, staining/holes. One of the steel boning pieces has fallen out, but I will include it.
It has a slight odor from storage. In my opinion this piece is best for study, display, or pattern making, though it is not particularly fragile.
+++ Please read +++
This item is not new, and as such, it has wear commensurate with age. As with all older vintage and antique items, please handle with care.
All items are sold as-is, and I do my best to point out all condition issues and provide a detailed description and photographs.
Unless specified, items have not been cleaned.
I do not accept returns or offer refunds. Please see all photos, read the entire description, and ask any questions before purchasing.