A very beautiful Victorian antique crinoline dress dating to the mid 1860s, layers of history - remodelled from an 18th century gown in hand embroidered silk, with pieces of the original garment present. All together a one piece 1860s dress with separate belt, half an 18th century bodice, an 18th century sleeve, a piece of the silk and various dress fragments. The fabric is a rich dark brown silk with a satin finish, glossy and smooth, meticulously hand embroidered with repeating small flowers in greens, pinks and yellows ( the backs of each stitched in different ways ) The dress is one piece, mid 1860s, the silhouette just starting to evolve in to the bustle, flat fronted with fullness in the back. The bodice is fitted and boned, fastening in the front with hidden hooks, with decorative black cut glass or jet buttons. Small collar, curved sleeves, trimmed at the cuff and armholes with black beading and tassels. The skirt forms a narrow dome ( shown over a separate hoop, not included ) pleated at the sides and back, falling to a short train, the hem finished with tape. Lovely matching belt, a band of the silk fastening with hooks, with segmented triangular pieces all around, getting longer towards the back. The belt is edged with beaded fringe, and there is a stylised beaded ' flower ' at the front, made up of domed pieces.

Withe the dress is half the original 18th century bodice, from a larger sized gown, the sleeve removed, linen lined, hand sewn with drawstring neck. Also one sleeve, a piece of silk measuring 73 x 100cm and various fragments, some with lace trim, some with the original 18th century button and piping trims in vibrant pink.

CONDITION

The dress has some old repairs, some of which are coming open to the sleeves and under the arms. Some damage around the waist, and one pleat partially loose, mostly hidden by the belt. Some other small holes and abrasions, with small holes under the arms. Some of the eyes for the hooks have snapped. Some beads missing. The cuffs have deep vents, stitched together at the bottom, not sure if this is original. The stitching at one of the vents is coming loose at the top.

Approx measurements for the dress - shoulder 18 bust 35 waist 26 length 53.5