Brown Velvet Dress with Aqua Silk Pleated Panels

Live Auction

5 1.2" shoulder width. 14" overall length. A rich sienna-brown velvet jacket-style dress has double-pleated lapels that center a panel of very narrow silk satin pleats which are repeated at the center front skirt. The brown velvet forms into jacket tails at the dart-shaped back and is trimmed with aqua silk pleats. The lower skirt back is box-pleated and the coat-sleeves are trimmed with bronze-gold silk ribbons and bows which are repeated at the shoulders and as a sash. There is a shirred ruffle at the neckline. Circa 1885.