Two-piece dress of bright green silk with sheer black stripe overlay, consisting of bodice (a) and skirt (b), along with old sleeve puffs (c-d), bows (e-f) and trim(g). Bodice (a) has a fitted lining of green silk, with the black striped fabric fitted in back and gathered in front, crossing over to fasten on the left. Ruffles of black and cream gauze edge the asymmetrical opening, the cuffs of the long fitted sleeves; black gauze only forms sleeve caps. Square yoke filled in with elaborate white and gold beading. High wide collar of green velvet (edged at top with narrow cream lace), which also forms a belt. Black ribbon with large bow on right side along bottom edge of yoke (later addition). Bodice is boned on seams and has separate interior waistband of wide cream grosgrain (stamped 'Fletcher ~ Boston'), with three hooks at center back to fasten to skirt; lining fastens down center front with hooks and eyes. Skirt (b) is full-length and a-line, smooth in front and pleated in back. Accordian-pleated ruffle of black silk around hem; hem bound with green velvet. Fastens at center back with hook and eyes; additional eyes to fasten to bodice. Stored with original sleeve puffs (c-d); originally made with leg-of-mutton sleeves trimmed with green velvet bows (e-f), remade c. 1900 with narrow sleeves. Length of green velvet (g) was probably a belt or bodice trim. Green dye is likely arsenic based compound. Scheele's green, Paris green or Emerald green.
