Woman's Nightgown
Clothing MakerMade by
Frances M. Smith
Original OwnerPossibly originally owned by
Martha Smith
born 1841
Original OwnerPossibly originally owned by
Frances M. Smith
Dateabout 1867
MediumHand-stitched cotton, with mother of pearl buttons
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (length x width across shoulders): 53 x 21 1/2in. (134.6 x 54.6cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mary A. Clark
DescriptionWoman's nightgown of white cotton, with a turn-down collar decorated with hand-embroidered eyelet in a simple, floral-like design within the scallops. The front of the nightgown is constructed with a yoke that is V-shaped in the center, with the edges curving outwards to the armscye. The yoke is edged with the eyelet like the collar, as is the center front opening, which extends from the base of the collar to the hem. The opening fastens with twelve small mother of pearl buttons. The buttons fasten through the folded-back scalloped edges on both sides, so that three buttonholes are worked for each button. In back, the yoke is straight bewteen the armscyes, with the body of the nightgown is closely gathered into it. The yoke across the back is lined with self-fabric; the rest of the nightgown is unlined. The shoulderline is dropped and the armscyes are piped. The long sleeves are gathered into the armscye and into a 1 1/4-inch-deep cuff which fastens with two small buttons. The cuff is decorated with the scalloped eyelet embroidery, turned back so that it is covered. The hem is 3 1/4 inches deep.
Object number1994.79.2
MarkingsStamped in black ink (faded) inside the back of the neck: "Frances M. Downes." within a decorative cartouche.NotesHistorical Note: According to the donor, Frances M. Smith Downs made this for her sister, Martha Smith (b. 1841), for her wedding night. Martha Smith married William S. Cooper on 10 November 1867.Subject Terms
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