Dress
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Jennie Sawtelle
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Date1868
MediumHand-stitched and machine-stitched silk and cotton, with wool moreen, wool hem tape, unidentified boning, and ferrous metal buttons covered in silk satin
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (center back length x width across shoulders): 77 1/2 x 18 1/4in. (196.9 x 46.4cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Editha Laura Jacobs
Object number1962.40.5a,b
DescriptionWoman's turquoise blue silk day dress (.a), styled with a high, round neckline, dropped shoulderline, coat sleeves, and trained skirt. The bodice is fitted with two 5 1/2-inch-long darts on either side of the center front opening; the outer darts are boned. Ten buttons covered in vibrant blue satin close the bodice (one button is missing). The armscye seams are decorated with the bright blue satin stitched in a double bias strip over pleated semicircles of the same fabric. The same scalloped decoration trims the wrist openings of the sleeves, above a one-inch strip of bobbin-type lace. The neck edge, armscye seams, and waistline edge are finished with piping. The bodice is lined with tan twill-woven cotton.
The skirt is flat in front, and cartridge-pleated across the back. There is an in-seam pocket on the right side. The skirt is lined with glazed brown cotton. The hem is faced with 5 1/2 inches of ecru wool moreen, and the bottom edge of the skirt is bound with turquoise blue wool tape.
The sash, also of turquoise silk, is decorated with a double bow, edged with bright blue satin. The tails of the bow are edged across the bottom with the scalloped satin decoration. The waistband of the sash is also edged with the doubled row of satin. It is lined with ecru glazed cotton, and it closes with two brass hooks and eyes.
NotesHistorical Note: This was part of Jennie Sawtelle Jacob's wedding trousseau, according to a note written by the donor, her daughter. The skirt is flat in front, and cartridge-pleated across the back. There is an in-seam pocket on the right side. The skirt is lined with glazed brown cotton. The hem is faced with 5 1/2 inches of ecru wool moreen, and the bottom edge of the skirt is bound with turquoise blue wool tape.
The sash, also of turquoise silk, is decorated with a double bow, edged with bright blue satin. The tails of the bow are edged across the bottom with the scalloped satin decoration. The waistband of the sash is also edged with the doubled row of satin. It is lined with ecru glazed cotton, and it closes with two brass hooks and eyes.
Status
Not on view
