Dress
Original OwnerOriginally owned by a member of the
Tilton family
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1855-1860
MediumHand-stitched wool and cotton, with glass and brass buttons, velvet ribbon, and wool twill tape
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (center back length x width across shoulders): 57 1/2 x 19in. (146.1 x 48.3cm)
Hem (circumference): 140in. (355.6cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Arthur V. R. Tilton
Object number1959.4.2a-c
DescriptionWoman's day dress (.a) of wool, printed with brown stripes alternating with wider stripe of green and brown/white geometric coral-like pattern. The bodice has a high and round neckline and dropped shoulderline. It is fitted with three six-inch darts extending from the waistline on either side of the center front opening. The bell sleeves are edged with one wide and one narrow band of black velvet ribbon. The separate sleeve caps are decorated similarly. The bodice closes with eleven buttons of dark purple glass set in a serrated brass bezel. The neckline, armscye seams, and waistline are finished with self-covered piping. The bodice is lined with brown twill-woven cotton. The openings of the bell sleeves are lined with self-fabric.
Inside the pocket was found a dark maroon satin ribbon (.b), which was probably worn at the front of the neckline, as it was fashionable to wear a brooch or ribbon bow in such a manner. The bottom edge of the skirt is lined with 5 5/8 inches of brown cotton and finished with maroon wool twill-woven tape.
Length of extra dress fabric (.c), measuring 24 1/4 x 46 inches.
Inside the pocket was found a dark maroon satin ribbon (.b), which was probably worn at the front of the neckline, as it was fashionable to wear a brooch or ribbon bow in such a manner. The bottom edge of the skirt is lined with 5 5/8 inches of brown cotton and finished with maroon wool twill-woven tape.
Length of extra dress fabric (.c), measuring 24 1/4 x 46 inches.
Status
Not on view
