Materials: Fine gauge raspberry silk faille, wine velvet
ribbon, brown and plum cotton twill and glazed linings, 12 crochet covered
buttons, steel hook and eye, wine wool hem binding.
Provenance: Belonged to an ancestor of
either Mary or Miles Bracewell. Miles was an early 20th century American
opera singer. The Bracewells' favorite residence was their large estate on
Squirrel Island in Maine.
Condition: Very Good. The fabric is
strong and there are no tears. There is some faint fading in the silk on
the bodice and skirt as well as a 1" X 2" faded area under both arms.
Measurements: Bodice: Sh-Sh, 22";
B, 36"; W, 24"; Slv L, 18". Skirt: W, 24"; Front L, 40";
Back L, 47"; Hem C, 154".
Comments: After the early 1860s
bodices were cut straight at the waist and worn with a double seamed coat
sleeve. Due to war shortages, trimmings were often simple and somewhat
severe. This unaltered Civil War era dress is almost entirely hand sewn.
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