A very beautiful Victorian antique fashion walking ensemble, dating to the 1840s. Three pieces, in a gorgeous lustrous silk - gleaming coppery brown reflecting green tones - bodice, skirt and a short pelerine / cape. The bodice is fitted and boned, with characteristic 1840s silhouette, stretched out torso, raised bust, fastening in the back with hooks. Rounded square point hem at the front, straight at the back, with very interesting neckline - round, with a deep v opening forming a tear drop shape when worn ( fashion plates of the time show these daringly low cut necklines worn over a form of blouse ) Sleeves are curved with an elegant flared cuff and pleated elbow. Piping details at front hem and edges.
The skirt forms a full dome ( shown over a hoop, not included ) with deep self waistband, hidden pocket and velvet band at the hem.
The short pelerine / cape is rounded, creating an exaggerated shoulder silhouette. The bodice is cotton lined, the cape and skirt lined with polished cotton, hand sewn. With the outfit is a small piece of the silk, 56 x 31 cm.
CONDITION
The silk is quite creased. Small dark marks at the front of the shoulders, with another on the back. Under arm staining with some very small holes. A green braid trim has been removed from the cuffs, neckline and pelerine - there are small amounts of green thread in places, just visible empty stitch lines, and the stubs just showing in the seams on the cape. The bodice shoulder looks like it has been re stitched, this looks like an old repair. No fastenings on the pelerine ( it looks like there were never any ? ) Some of the hooks are rusty, a couple of the eyes have snapped. Centre front bone missing. One pleat partially loose at the skirt waist. Two small splits at the skirt hem, and a very small hole.
Approx measurements - bodice shoulder 17 bust 35 waist 23.5 skirt waist 24 length 43