Dress
Original OwnerProbably originally owned by
Mrs. Seth Griswold
American
Clothing MakerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1865-1870
MediumMachine- and hand-stitched cotton, with brass hooks and eyes, and baleen boning
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (bodice length x width across shoulders): 17 x 21in. (43.2 x 53.3cm)
Skirt (skirt length): 43 1/2in. (110.5cm)
Hem (hem circumference): 156in. (396.2cm)
Skirt (skirt length): 43 1/2in. (110.5cm)
Hem (hem circumference): 156in. (396.2cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Bradford Griswold
DescriptionWoman's three-piece day dress, consisting of a bodice (a), skirt (b), and overskirt (c). The fabric of all three pieces is a lightweight cotton, white, printed with small repeating pattern of a lavender globe-like design over a black bar and scroll. The bodice is styled with a high, round neckline, dropped shoulderline, and plain coat sleeves. The waist is slightly high, measuring six inches at the side, under the armscye. The dress fabric is gathered into the waistband at the center front and center back. The neckline, armscye seams, and waistline edge are piped. The bodice closes at center front with brass hooks and eyes in the lining; the printed cotton fashion fabric has no closing mechanism. The bodice lining of white twill-woven cotton is stitched separate from the fashion fabric, except at the armscye seams. It is cut with a wide neckline, which is edged with narrow machine lace. The lining is fitted with two five-inch darts on either side of the front opening, and an 8 3/4-inch-long dart at the center back. The darts are boned. A length of white cotton tape over twelve inches long (one end is torn) is tacked to the back of the bodice at the waistline; its purpose is unclear.
The skirt is cartridge-pleated into a replacement muslin waistband. The hem is 5 1/2 inches deep. Part of the bottom edge of the skirt is finished with white cotton tape.
The overskirt, consisting of four petal-shaped panels, is gathered into a waistband of self-fabric. The bottom edge is finished with a 3 1/2-inch gathered ruffle. The panels at the back of the overskirt are longer than those in front.
The skirt is cartridge-pleated into a replacement muslin waistband. The hem is 5 1/2 inches deep. Part of the bottom edge of the skirt is finished with white cotton tape.
The overskirt, consisting of four petal-shaped panels, is gathered into a waistband of self-fabric. The bottom edge is finished with a 3 1/2-inch gathered ruffle. The panels at the back of the overskirt are longer than those in front.
Object number1978.105.23a-c
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