Two piece, dark purple taffeta Women's dress from the nineteenth century

Description:
This two piece, dark purple taffeta woman's dress is trimmed with purple velvet. The bodice has a basque waist, and buttons down the front with thirteen cut white and smoke pearl buttons. It has velvet lapels, and a loose back shoulder yoke and tab across front opening just below lapels. Its velvet sleeves are trimmed with bands of taffeta, and have ruching at the cuffs. An additional row of pleated white silk ruching is also at the cuff. The back has a longer center peplum effect ending in a large flat bow. The bodice is lined with a tan cotton. The skirt's fabric matches that of the bodice. The skirt has an elaborately draped and gathered bustle. The skirt has a foundation of sheer wool fabric, possibly bombazine, that the trims are attached to. (The foundation is not a lining.) It has a long train, a dust ruffle of pleated white cotton edged with lace, and a brown cambric lining. Note: Probably belonged to Mrs. Charles Ducharme, grandmother of donor.
Notes:
The original materials from this collection are held at the Detroit Historical Society. Additional related items that were not photographed are also available.
Date Issued:
[1881 TO 1883]
Data Provider:
Wayne State University. Libraries and Detroit Historical Society
Collection:
Digital Dress Collection
Subject Topic:
Outerwear, Clothing and dress, History, and Dresses
Format:
clothing
Rights:
Users can cite and link to these materials without obtaining permission. Users can also use the materials for non-commercial educational and research purposes in accordance with fair use. For other uses or to obtain high resolution images, please contact the copyright holder.
URL:
http://digital.library.wayne.edu/item/wayne:ES01_1959.079.001