Skip to main content

Dress

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
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.
Object number1959.4.2a-c
Subject Terms
    On View
    Not on view
    Dress
    Unknown
    about 1855-1860
    Dress and Petticoat
    Lovinia White
    about 1833
    Dress
    Tilton family
    about 1850-1855
    Gift of Mariette Newman Fitch, 1952.73.0  © 2013 The Connecticut Historical Society.
    Nancy Diantha Terry
    about 1860
    Dress
    Lucy Miles Durand
    about 1855-1860
    Bodice of dress, removed from skirt.
    Unknown
    about 1855-1860
    Wedding Dress
    Myrtie Evelyn Bennett
    1892
    Dress
    Charlotte Lee
    1880-1885
    Dress
    Unknown
    about 1873
    Dress and Fabric Scraps
    Unknown
    about 1855-1860
    Mourning Dress
    Jane Holcomb
    about 1863
    Gift of Mrs. Howard B. Haylett, 1956.58.8a-c, Connecticut Historical Society, Public Domain
    Dr. Julia Emily Skinner
    about 1880