This is a lovely dark romantic 1850s black silk mourning gown. It's made of matte silk with a tight crew neck and a simple bodice with the waistline hitting the natural waist. It has the sloped shoulders of the early Victorian era with long and wonderful belled pagoda sleeves and cuffs that are trimmed in a rich black velvet that really pops against the black taffeta. The dress is one piece and fastens down the front with brass hooks and eyes. The skirt wraps to the left side and fastens at the waist. The skirt is that wonderful super full bell skirt with knife pleats at the waistline to give the skirt its volume. There is a wonderful deep pocket in the skirt on the right side made of glazed cotton. The skirt falls to the floor and is lined in brown glazed cotton. The bodice is lined in brown polished cotton and the bodice is lightly boned in the front. The gown is entirely hand-sewn.

There is also a matching shawl cape made of the same taffeta. It has ruffled trim on the edges. The cape has no fastenings. It could be pinned or used as a brooch as displayed. The cape is lined in brown polished cotton.

Condition:
The dress overall is in okay condition with splitting to the silk. The most noticeable parts are on the top of the right shoulders and the left bust by the underarm. There are also spots in the shirt but because of the volume, they are hard to see. The cape also has some splitting at the back of the neck and a hole on the front left side. The dress is still wearable for photos and great for study too.

Measurements
Shoulders: 21"
Bust: up to 38"
Waist: up to 32"
Hips: up to 38"
Length:
(shoulder to hem): 52.5"
(waist to hem): 41.5"
Sleeves: 19"
Cuffs: 20"

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