CIVIL WAR PERIOD GOLD BODICE & OVERSKIRT
This is a stunning matching bodice and overskirt from the Civil War period. My guess is this set is probably from the late 1860’s.
This all original set is machine and hand sewn and has no labels or markings. The main fabric of this overskirt is a brilliant gold silk.
The bodice is fitted with short puffed cap sleeves. The bodice fastens down the front with buttons covered with the same fabric as the bodice. The bodice is entirely lined with polished cotton and has four bones in the front, all present. The sleeve seams are piped. The bodice is trimmed around the collar, sleeve seams, and sleeve edge with unfinished, pinked matching fabric. The collar is also adorned with a gold tied fringe.
The overskirt is made with gored panels which fasten to the waistband with cartridge pleating in the back. The skirt fastens in the center back with a hook and eye. The skirt is unlined with polished cotton cartridge pleated inserts at the top center back underneath for support of a bustle. There is a large pocket inside one of the side seams with an additional small hidden pocket at the inside of the front waistband. The entire skirt hem is trimmed with unfinished, pinked matching fabric as well as gold tied fringe.
Condition:
I would consider the condition of this set to be good, great for display, and could be worn (if you were small enough). The set is in good sound condition with no pinholes. There are no tears anywhere. The bodice lining has slight discoloration at the center back and armpits, which is not visible from the outside. There is no armpit damage. There should be five buttons, but there are only four. The one missing is not seen as it should be under the fringe and could be replaced with one made with extra material inside the skirt. The skirt has the original hook and eye in place. There is moisture discoloration down the front of the skirt (please see pictures) that I don’t know whether is removable or stained. All of the trim on both the bodice and skirt is in excellent condition.
Measurements:
Bodice: Back (shoulder to shoulder seam): 17”
Back (neckline to waist): 9”
Bust (bottom armhole to armhole, doubled): 34”
Sleeves (shoulder seam to bottom): 3”
Waist (outside of garment, when closed): 23”
Skirt: Waist (outside of garment, when closed): 23”
Front length with fringe (waist to hem bottom): 23”
Back length with fringe (waist to hem bottom): 35”
Circumference at skirt hem: 120”
Notes:
The underskirt used in the photos is for display only and not included in this auction.