A c. 1870 Overskirt

A black figured silk overskirt trimmed with black silk velvet and silk fringe from the late 1860s or early 1870s. The skirt is entirely handsewn. It closes with one hook and eye at the waist. I have it displayed over my reproduction 1872 bustle from Corsets and Crinolines The measurements are: waist 22 inches, center front length 18 inches, center back 28 inches, sides 20 inches.

The skirt is longer in back than in front. The back of the skirt is split to just below the bottom of the placket, 9 inches from the top of the skirt.

The skirt is pleated with two half inch pleats on each side which are covered with velvet ribbons. This pulls the sides of the skirt up just slightly, but enough to soften the shape of the hemline a little.

Close-ups that show the pattern of the silk. The front panel is pieced. The full width of the silk is about 18 inches and the triangular pieces extend its size by 3 inches on each side. The top of the panel measures ten inches, making the whole thing rather trapezoidal in shape.