This is a lovely late 1890s black silk taffeta dress. The bodice has a center panel in white silk with gold bullion soutache. The center panel is also attached to the collar made of the same silk and the top of the collar is trimmed in a teal green velvet so it does not scratch your neck. Along the front edges of the black silk is gorgeous black jet beading that runs down the front edges and up across the bust. The front has a fuller bust with the start of the mono-bust silhouette. There is an attached belt at the waist of the bodice. The sleeves are leg-of-mutton styled with a puff at the shoulder and fitted to the cuff. The cuffs are in white silk with a beaded trim overtop. The bodice is fully lined in polished black cotton with boning around the waist for support and shaping. They also finished the silk edges for the exterior of the bodices in blue silk and used blue silk thread to attach the boning. It is such a lovely contrast to the black. The center panel is backed in white cotton and the bodice fastens up the center with hooks and eyes. The center panel wraps and fastens under the right side of the black silk. There are also dress protectors still attached to the underarms as well.
The skirt is simple in contrast to the bodice. It is an A-line silhouette with more volume in the back with gathers at the waist. At the hem, there is a band of gathered trim. The hem is knife pleated all around. The skirt is lined in brown polished cotton and has a large pocket on the right side.

Condition:
The dress is in good condition overall with only one area of issue to the dress. The white silk of the center panel and the cuffs have started to shred in spots. It is faint and with the soutache over top, it helps secure the silk and slow the shredding. It is most noticeable around the collar sides. Otherwise, this set is still full of life and could be worn gently and is great for study and display.

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