Woman's maternity dress, also possibly a mourning dress. Fitted back bodice with center seam and two center side seams. Front bodice empire waist with pleats to skirt. Fitted coat style sleeves. Plain collar. Bodice is front opening and closed with 11 plain black buttons and buttonholes. 11 more black buttons continue down front of dress. Hem of front of dress finished with flat pleats. Skirt attaches to back bodice with flat pleats. Front bodice and sleeves lined with brown twill woven cotton. Back bodice and skirt lined with wool. Outer dress made of a very fine wool/cotton or wool/linen blend. Both machine and hand stitching.
Year (or year range)
1865-1875
Approximate era
1851-1900