Overview: The cream linen dress is ornamented with elaborate silk lace insertions, silk embroidery, and tucks. It seems to be entirely constructed by hand.
Construction: The dress is a beautiful example of lace insertion. It would have been worn over a corset to give it the appropriate shape and has a blouson at the front of the waist. The bodice has an interior belt that is made of lace and closes at center back with 2 small hooks and loops. The waist is 25" around. The standing band collar is shorter in front than in the back. The collar has 5 narrow encased bones, with one placed at center back, one at each side of the neck, and two at center front, positioned at an angle. There is also wiggly bone at side back and one now missing. The dress has 3/4 length sleeves ending in a loose cuff of scalloped lace. The bodice, 3/4 length sleeves, and skirt are ornamented with dimensional white-work embroidery, lace insertion and tucks throughout. It has a train that is about 9 1/2" long. The center front panel has no marked waist, but from where the waist would be to the floor measures 41 inches. The skirt hem has 3 wide tucks that are 3/4" wide.
The bodice closes at center back with 15 tiny mother of pearl buttons and crocheted loops that are hidden under a half inch piece of lace trim. The skirt closes with hooks and bars inside a placket that also has mother of pearl buttons and crocheted loops, indicating these hooks and loops are probably a later addition.
Damage: The dress has some holes and many stains. It has been repaired numerous times, some with more care than others, likely for use on stage. Some of the repairs have been done by hand and others by machine.
