Dress
PeriodCirca 1860
Place MadeNew Jersey, U.S.A.
MediumSilk taffeta, glazed cotton, silk ribbon
Dimensions44 in. (111.8 cm)
ClassificationsCostume, Women's
Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, 1942
Object number1654
DescriptionA woman's two piece day dress consisting of a bodice and skirt in silk taffeta. The fabric is patterned with wide horizontal tan and ivory stripes bordered with thin black and pale pink banding and scattered pink and pale green spots. The bodice includes a high round neck with a narrow standing collar, exaggerated slope shoulders, shaped long sleeves edged with net lace. The bodice has a front closure with eleven large buttons of pale tan silk with a pale green silk net overlay and a double hook and eye closure at the bodice waist band. The bodice is trimmed with elaborate silk ribbon woven with a raised swag pattern, with small spaced silk puffs resembling pompom tassels. A double row of this ribbon is applied across the front of the bodice, up over the shoulders, and across the back. The same ribbon is applied to the sleeve ends to create false wrist plackets. The gown's skirt is gathered at the waist in large multiple box pleats, sewn to the cotton waistband and closing at the left hip. The skirt also includes a small watch pocket at the left hip. The skirt hem is edged with a woven wool braid. Both bodice and skirt are flat lined with off-white glazed cotton.Curatorial RemarksThis gown is a particularly beautiful example of a local dressmaker's interpretation of the style popular in the early 1860s. The elaborate woven trim is simply yet effectively applied, creating a yoke effect at the bodice and the appearance of a button placket at the wrists. The seamstress also carefully matched the bold patterned silk at all seams, including the curved back seams.NotesAlthough the original owner of this gown is unknown, donor Margaret Riker Haskell routinely purchased interesting historic clothing and accessories from many local antiques dealers. It is highly likely that this gown originated from a Monmouth resident.
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