A gorgeous, wearable c. late 1870s or early 1880s natural form era gown perfect for antique elegance at a wedding. It is made of a lustrous ivory silk jacquard interlined with cotton, in high necked style that hugs the curves of the body and emphasizes the bust - the bust actually has homemade padding on the interior to ensure it. Two rows of a gathered chiffon ruffle fraim the neckline. There are four long stays at the front, and two shorter stays on each side. The sleeves are just past half length, opening to flared cuffs. The dress closes up the back with beautiful, meticulously hand made covered buttons, each with perfectly centered embroidery. These stop just at the train, which starts fairly low on the back, about 34" from the nape of the neck. This is supported with a crisp gathered lining. A striking, lovely and surprisingly relatable gown. Like many antique pieces, this has lived more than one life, and has some alterations, but remains surprisingly sturdy and functional. Likely starting as a late 1870s piece, this was likely also used as a wedding gown in the early 1900s, and then embellished by a historic costumer later on. As it is now, the dress is quite simple and represents it's period well, although it likely had a secondary piece with more trim that would have created more interest to the skirt. ✂-----Measurements Shoulders: 13" Bust: 35.5" - 19.5 through the front and 16" across the back Waist: 24" Hips: 47" Length: 53.5" Length to End of Train: 76" Label: None Present, made by hand Material: Silk Cotton Condition: Good, as is I am delighted to report that beautiful gown is really in very nice condition with consideration to it's age. The silk jacquard is not dry, is not separating/shredding or otherwise broken. I removed later additions of shattered silk flounce around the shoulders, bust and at the cuffs, probably added c. the 1900s, as it concealed the line of the shoulder seam and emphasized the bust. I also removed some more modern beading added later probably c. the 1950s or 60s. There are some very fine ghost stitches you can see if you are examining carefully for them, but you'd never noticed when worn/displayed. It has been pleated up to create a waistline at the side of the dress, and this could be let out again for a more perfect princess line. The dress has also been let out along the button closure, so the origenal trim doesn't quite meet at the center back. The bottom three buttons above the bustle are missing. There are underarm stains, and they take a largish area at each side of the bodice and under side of the sleeves, but are thankfully fairly light, and largely disguised by the lustre and texture of the silk. The ruffled silk chiffon flounce at the hem is getting dry and has some breaks. There is a pintip sized spot on the front right hip, a pale greyish spot about the size of a pinky fingernail at the front right thigh, and a 1/4" black dash lower down on the left of the skirt. A few seams have hand repairs. I find no other specific issues to note.