This antique dress from the Victorian era, Late 1870s to early 1880s Natural Form dress, which was a style seen for a few years in between the early and late bustle eras. Known as a hobble dress, this trained dress is 2 piece in construction with a long polonaise type bodice. There are 3 ties inside at the front which would have tied to the back, effectively “hobbling” the wearer. Unfortunately I really couldn’t show that as my dress form has no legs so I did not tie it back, but I’ve added a pic of what this might look like. For these pics I also used a slight wire bustle which would likely not have been worn underneath at the time.

In a tan and brown color which was very popular in this period, with a parasol pocket and beautiful train. Sadly the dark brown silk is shattering. Well, not shattering exactly (no bits of fabric coming off) more like splitting. The arms and the back train are the worst. The skirt is deattaching from the waistband.

I personally love this style and era of gown but they aren’t offered up as much as the late 1885+ bustle gowns are. I purchased this hoping to get my seamstress to make a pattern but just never got around to it. This gown is fragile and being sold as is. Please ask for more pics or info if needed. Still a nice piece in any collection.

Also, my dress form in the pics is a 31.5” bust and 24” waist, and the dress does not quite button so I’d guess it has a 22.5” waist.