Dress
Original OwnerOriginally owned by a member of the
Tilton family
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1850-1855
MediumHand-stitched wool and cotton, with silk ribbon, brass hooks and eyes, and unidentified boning (probably baleen)
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (center back length x width across shoulders): 59 x 17in. (149.9 x 43.2cm)
Hem (circumference): 141in. (358.1cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Arthur V. R. Tilton
Object number1959.4.6
DescriptionWoman's morning dress of wool challis printed with a checkerboard striped design in brown and blue, alternating with brown and white. The color change between the checkerboard stripes is blended with a coral-like pattern. The neckline is high and round, and the shoulderline is dropped. The fabric of the dress front falls straight from the shoulderline to the hem; the bodice is fitted at the sides and around the back. The dress opens at center front; the dress fabric has no closing mechanism. The brown twill-woven cotton bodice lining is separate in front and is fitted with boned darts; the lining closes with brass hooks and eyes. The bishop sleeves are gathered into turn-back cuffs, which are edged with a gathering of tan and blue silk ribbon. The sleeve caps are also trimmed with the silk ribbon, slightly gathered. The neckline, armscye seams, and waistline are piped. The skirt is cartridge-pleated into the waistline across the back and around the sides. The ends of a short belt is attached at each front side seam just above the waistline; the left belt end is torn. There is an in-seam pocket on the right side. The bottom edge of the skirt is lined with a six-inch-width of beige cotton, and finished with blue wool twill-woven tape.
Status
Not on view
