Amazing 1870s Victorian bustle dress fashioned of a cotton velvet with silk pile. This dress is a deep wine burgundy in color. The dress is of a one piece construction and is unfinished with buttons marked with location but never sewn on. There is a 2" tear near the top buttons (see pic) perhaps the reason it was never finished. The inside tailoring is magnificent... I have never seen an undamaged lining... this looks amazing with a polished cotton striped lining, 8 bones in place; a burgundy polished cotton lining to the skirting. The bottom of the dress has a heavily interfaced and pleated velvet tier. The dress does have both hand and machine stitched seams; I have burn tested the velvet and it burns as pure cotton silk fiber; does not have a rayon addition that later velvets have. I do think the dress has an authenticity in materials, sewing methods and design so much so that it may be authentic. It appears so to me, but I cannot imagine that it wasn't worn, or repurposed as so many Victorian garments were through time.
Measurements
Bust 32
Waist 32
Hip OPEN
Shoulders 15
Front Shoulder to hemline 48