Antique-Gown

M.A. TANSLEY Society Dress, Springfield, ca. 1904

Trained 2-piece society dress or gown of cherry red brocade, ruby red velvet and white lace trim by dressmaker M.A. Tansley, Springfield, Massachusettes, ca. 1904. The velvet on the waist is quite wide giving the effect of a bolero to the bodice. The skirt is unlined (and seems that was originally the case as there is absolutely no suggestion of it ever having one). The bodice has the normal taffeta that has torn around the neckline and upper bodice (as is normal for this era), but the exterior is excellent with the exception of one hole in one arm (see photo). Not sure what happened there, but the fabric is strong everywhere else, so must have ripped on something, but it would disappear if the lining under matched, or you can steal a bit of matching fabric from the underhem to repair. The collar insets and the front bow are gold lame. Even the little buttons are lovely. Really too small to wear, but makes a fabulous display! The decoration is not included.

Bust: ~ 80 cm
Waist: ~ 50 cm
Front Length: ~ 140 cm
Back Length: ~ 165 cm