This is just a stunning late 1890s Victorian wedding ensemble. The gown is a bodice and a matching skirt. I believe the material to be a cotton and silk blend with the print woven in silk into the cotton. The bodice has a high crew neck with silk down to the bustline. At the bustline the fabric changes to the blended fabric. At the center there are two silk ribbons that wrap around the bodice with wonderful little shells and steel-cut decorations. At the center, there are also matching baubles on both sleeves. The bodice is V-ed at the waist with the waist being accentuated with a silk waist belt that is attached to the bodice. The bodice is fully lined in (linen/cotton) and fastens up the center front and then the silk exterior fabric crosses over the front and fastens under the left arm with hook and loops.

The skirt is made of the same silk and cotton blend fabric and is a simple A-line with just a bit more fabric at the back to have that wonderful swishing effect. The skirt has matching decorations with two silk ribbons that circle the hem of the skirt with one having shells and steel cut bobbles and one that has a lovely knot design. The hem has a fun little ruffle. There is also a flounce on the inside of the skirt that also has a ruffle to add volume at the hem. The skirt has two hooks and eyes at the back. One of the eyes has been replaced as it was missing.

The veil is beautiful and simple. It is made of a soft but sturdy cotton bobbinet and has lovely little leaf-like embroidery at the hem. The top of the veil has fluffy fun pieces that are made of the same bobbinet. The veil is nice and long and will fall to hit the floor. It is also nice and wide so it will billow out behind you as you walk.

Condition:

The set is overall in wonderful condition with only some truly minor flaws for being over 100 years old. The set's most noticeable flaw is that there are small scattered stains all over the gown. The most noticeable are a few dark ones on the front of the skirt and one at the center of the chest near the decoration. There is also one small spot of wear under the (left?) armpit and is about the size of a pencil eraser. Otherwise the set is in wonderful condition and could still be worn with care of course. This wedding gown is such a wonderful piece of history.

Measurements

Top

Shoulders: 12"

Bust: 32"

Waist: 24"

Sleeves: 22"

Cuffs: 9"

Length: 16"

Skirt

Waist: 24"

Hips: up to 44"

Length: 39"

This item is sold from an excellent, highly rated vintage seller in Pittsburgh, Pa.