Two Victorian Silk Dresses
Lot: 98
Circa 1880 (the pink ensemble.), and1885 (the brown two piece dress).
The pink silk twill wedding ensemble consisting of stayed bodice with lace ruffles and back inset panel, lace at wrists, and Gainsborough style green bow to back, over pleated, paneled and ruffled hem petticoat. The over skirt with sewn-in stay toward back stiffened and starched crinoline, and long lace mesh with green ribbon decorations. The printed brown silk dress with lace band to front and dstays to interior of bodice, above self belt. The skirt of flaring design with matching lace band toward hem, lined with corduroy.
The pink ensemble retailed by M. Switzer/ 518 Sutter St/San Francisco,, to ribbon on bodice.
Approximate dimensions: Pink bodice: 28 Bust, 20 1/2 Waist 23 Waist on second hook to overskirt. 39 1/2 L. Brown: 30 Bust, 25 1/2 Waist. The skirt, 27 1/2 Waist, the skirt, 43 L.
Provenance: The three piece dress formed part of the trusseau of Mrs. Henry L. Harrison, nee Frances Tyrrell of Sacramento.
Condition: Each garment with some splitting to silk, the pink with stains to front of skirt and a light stain near right breast. Brown bodice self-belt with splits and a light tear.
Notes: Exhibited: MHAA, October, 2003, Living Donors.