Per the professionals at the Vintage Fashion Guild, this formal reception dress would have been worn with a lobster-tail like lower cage bustle. Hip: Free (tie backs to make more fitted to legs).
Condition: Good / Wear with Care / Presents Beautifully. 2 fusible patches & 1 small darn to velvet bodice at/near closures.Some less notable areas of stress on velvet near closures. Previous hand stitches at inner left side seam where velvet meets green silk about 4 in length need to be reinforced. The skirt did have an interior organdy type pleated lace hem, however, it was ripped badly so I have removed the remnants.
Glazed cotton lining in quite extraordinary condition with exception to one long tear to sleeve. Messy re-tacking to portions of the back bows of train - not noticeable when wearing but I wanted to mention this. 6 MOP shank buttons are replacements and are a tad bigger than the originals measuring approx. The larger buttons do put more stress on the closure area when trying to thread the buttons through.
For almost 150 years old she's in quite amazing condition! The item "Antique 1870's Victorian Green Natural Form Bustle Dress Princess Reception Gown" is in sale since Wednesday, February 26, 2020. This item is in the category "Clothing, Shoes & Accessories\Specialty\Vintage\Women's Vintage Clothing\Dresses". The seller is "daisyandstella" and is located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. This item can be shipped worldwide.