The quality of the silk is very good. This must have had a lace or similar overlay dress. The unusual wide pleats at the back of the bodice attaching it to the skirt, rather than the usual cartridge pleats must have been so the fabric layed flat, under a delicate overdress. The demure bodice ie rather deep, is in keeping with a wedding dress.
The silk satin gown deep fall front, darted and gathered at the front with a silk ties, the narrow back bodice with set back sleeves with wide pleats (1 in; 2 cm), very long sleeves, curving seams from high waist to mid sleeve with double row of stitching, wide pleats (3/4 in; 1 cm) at bodice base, with very long trained skirt, gores to each side.
Back train length fromshoulder to hem 7 ft; 2.12 m
Front length shoulder to hem 55 in; 1.4 m
Fall front flap is 16 in; 41cm wide. Bust approx 34 in; 87 cm
Under sleeve length 21 in; 55 cm
There is a small hole to the top left corner of the fall front, due to being pinned. The seam has come undone under one arm and there is a small hole (ask for photo). There is some pulling of the silk satin at the armpit area to both sleeves. A few minor stains to the front. One small hole to the front side skirt. A 2 cm hole to the very bottom of the train.
Very similar in construction to Costume in Detail by Nancy Bradfield p 87 (train) and 89 (bodice)
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