Detailed long-sleeved bodice, exquisitely crafted buttons; and fringed from short front all along the longer portion of the back. Appears grayish with army green trim. Fringe is light green and some thread on buttons appear aqua. Sleeves (19 1/2 " long) flare at cuffs that are decorated with 5 layers of graduated ruffles on upper portion of cuff. Top of this triangle of ruffles sports a fabric bow. All trim is of main fabric with army green trim also used for the triangle faux tab with a button at the point that extends from the ruffles to the inside of the arm/sleeve.
Ruffles run the length of the front beneath a band of fabric trim. A front right section of the army green silk from neck to waist contains 12 1-inch buttonholes. On the left, 6 buttons remain (a 7th is pinned to a card) and 1 buttoncover that shows the fine work/stitching with the mitered tip of the hand-sewn triangles pointing toward the center front. 2 bust darts on both sides are stiffened with stays. Both straight and chain-stitch (1857 patent) on seams that are hand overcast. Double construction with tan polished cotton on inside of the entire garment. Commerically-made cord fringe, 3 1/2" long, sewn onto lower edge around entire top.
Back: Army green silk piece from neck tapers to a point at center back. Along inside edge, pointing to top, are trmmed ruffles with a 1-inch wide trimmed border band of main fabric. In addition to side seams there are 2 curved seams from arm seams to the center back waist where a large bow is attached. The back ,13" long below the bow, is trimmed with sides folded to a center pleat. Outer edges of pleat are trimmed with fringe. Inside of back panel is lined with army green silk.
Front (neck to waist) is 18 inches. Back is 28 1/2 inches.
Year Range From
1868
Year Range To
1870
Storage Location
LancasterHistory, Lancaster, PA
Storage Room
DAC
Storage Wall
Island 2
Storage Cabinet
Unit 12
Storage Shelf
Shelf 3
Object Name
Bodice
Dimension Details
Front (neck to waist) is 18 inches
Back is 28 1/2 inches
Condition
Poor
Condition Date
2021-12-13
Condition Notes
Fabric worn and/or deteriorated in many sections. Some seams separated. Faded portions.
Object ID
W.1989.279.001
Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania