Details: This dress dates to the Victorian 19^th Century and is made of highly polished black charmeuse silk. The sleeves atop each shoulder are puffed full and fall in mutton shape to an accordion pleated black silk cuff. The top of each shoulder is banded three times with pleating and the cuff is swagged above the accordion pleating. Its front panel is trimmed in heavy ruching which runs vertical and is vastly thick with the ruches forming a zig zag V pattern. 

The ruching goes from throat to its heavily pleated skirting and the entire edging is trimmed in scalloped edged black floral lace. The lace is ruched and pinched and curls completely around its black short lapel collar. One inch of the rear underarm hole is in need of a seam stitch which is easily taken without loss of fabric. The inner collar is a silk band which shows signs of shatter and is easily removed with a loosening of its stitching. Otherwise this gown is surprisingly show room new! The silk shines with all of its polished luster and lace and silk are show room mint condition. The black taffeta ruffle which lines its interior sweep is fully present but does show signs of its weakness, but I would not bother removing as it is completely unseen. 

Measures 30 inches around its waistline, 36 inches around its bust, 56 inches in its length, with a bottom sweep measuring 120 inches around. A most magnificent piece…the hand ruching is simply divine.

Price:    $269.00