Woman's handsewn dress of cream colored wool/silk combination challis, with satin stripes, and floral/leaf print figure in red, green, and lavender; low, almost bateau neckline, with embroidered cream colored net lace ruching or ruff; sloped/dropped shoulders; long, puffed sleeves, gathered in with tight pleats at top, and to tapered, fitted band cuff at bottom; hook and loop closure on each cuff; fitted bodice, roughly V-shaped on front, with curved seams and vertical seam at center front; horizontal tucks on front bodice, forming roughly V-shape; piped and/or corded seams/edging in lavender silk; bodice hangs loosely over top of skirt on front, covering waistband (bodice may have originally been separate); glazed cream colored linen lining on bodice and cuffs; sheer, gauze-like linen or cotton lining on sleeves and in wide band inside around bottom of skirt; long full skirt, gathered in with tight pleats around waist; upper back opening, with hook & eye closure on bodice; roughly U-shaped self fabric panel with ruffled edging sewn to back waist (not original); several loose pieces of fabric (remnants) and 3 more panels similar to above (originally part of a capelet or collar?) none is marked directly with accession number. Dated 1836-37 by Stella Blum. Width measurement below taken at fastened waist.
