Antique Victorian Bustle Dress and Bonnet Set in Purple Silk - xs, sm

From the "naturalform era" (late 1870s-early 1880s), a bustle dress ensemble consisting of bodice, skirt, and bonnet, all in deep purple silk (taffeta and velvet) with that brown, polished-cotton chintz lining we love. The entire ensemble is a dream, and if it fit me, it would be staying right here, that's for sure. 

❗️✂️ Please read the full description below carefully. This item is final sale and may not be returned. I am happy to answer any questions, so ask away, before purchase.✂️❗️

Bodice, with all its highly collectible, original pewter buttons present, has cascading fabric and long tails at back. Beautiful seams for shaping and a close fit, throughout.
Skirt has attached front draping and double row of knife pleats at hem. Closes at back waist with single button. Oh, and if the whole thing weren't fabulous enough, it has a deep, usable, "big enough for your cellphone" pocket!
Bonnet originally had an actual bird perched on top. It was decayed and horrifying (see photos, with caution) so it was removed and discarded, and replaced with antique trim, as shown. Long silk ribbons are sound, if a bit frayed at the ends.

This ensemble was custom made by Victorian-era professional seamstress Mrs. J. Mann, of Albany, NY. She catered to high-end, wealthy clientele. Her extended family owned several textile-related businesses at the 31-33 North Pearl Street addresses. Their properties were replaced in 1910 with the current buildings, which you can view on Google Maps/Google Earth. I could find no evidence that they were still in business when the "new" buildings went up.

Condition: Strong, sound, and wearable (with care, of course). There are no major flaws, and very few minor ones -- the worst of them are shown in the photos, and we should all look this good at ~146 years old (tiny holes in the lower portion of the skirt at back, which are hidden by the cascading bodice; bit of a glitch next to the lowest bodice button, which is hidden when the bodice is closed; missing tie at interior side of skirt is easily replaced with any ribbon/twill tape and serves to cinch in the skirt at the sides and back to create the proper, slim silhouette).

We did not dry-clean this ensemble, but there is no objectionable odor or obvious soiling. The underarms are clean, inside and out (keep them that way by always using dress shields). We highly recommend wearing the appropriate undergarments to protect the dress when worn or displayed, and dry-cleaning before long-term/seasonal storage. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight, unpainted wood, or paper of any kind (including wooden hangers, cedar chests, and non-archival "keepsake" boxes and tissue paper). 

Measurements:
- No Lycra here, folks. You'll need to be smaller than the garment for it to fit (except perhaps at the waist, where you can lace yourself smaller or "not breath so much"). NOTE THAT YOU COULD MOVE THE BUTTONS TO GAIN ABOUT 1"/2.5cm ALL ALONG THE BODICE (alas, this will not make my arms slimmer) -
Bodice -
 neck opening: 13"/33cm (6.5"/16.5cm across)
 shoulders: 14.5"/36.5cm
 sleeves: biceps 12"/30.5cm circumference, length 21"/53cm
 bust: currently 31.25"/79cm (could be 32.25"/80cm if you move buttons)
   that's 16"40.5cm across the front and 15.25"/38.5cm across the back
 waist, smallest point: 25.5"/64.5cm (max 26.5"/67.25cm if you move buttons)
 bodice length from neck edge to smallest point of waist on front: 15.5"/39cm
 bodice length, center nape to edge of tails on back: 47.5"/120.5cm

Skirt - 
 waist: 24.25"/61.5cm (could add elastic, as it won't show when worn)
 hips: free (50"/127cm+)
 length: 40.5"102.5cm down front center, 41.5"/105.5cm down back center
 hem sweep: 76"/ 193cm

☞ Note that this ensemble weighs a lot (probably more than 10 pounds), but we are covering the bulk of the shipping costs, and all the insurance coverage. Our items are not newly manufactured "vintage style" pieces. They are true vintage, at least 30 years old. Please read condition report provided above. THIS ITEM IS FINAL SALE. ☜

Notes: International customers are responsible for any taxes or import fees. We will not falsify customs records for any reason. Please don't ask.