Smithsonian - National Museum of American History, Behring Center
 


Costume Collection - Women's Dresses

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Dress, 1-Piece - click to enlarge

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Dress, 1-Piece

Catalogue number: CS*006614

Date: 1830-1840

Maker: Unknown

Description:

Dark brown cotton with printed floral design in cream and blue; round neck, slightly dropped in front; neck edge trimmed with piping and narrow band; center front opening that extends into skirt; closed at neck with one brass hook-and-eye; inset waistband, lined with what appears to be white wool, and closed at center front with three brass hooks-and-eyes; each side of bodice cut in one piece and extending over shoulders to back; bodice fronts shirred at center front waistband seam; both bodice front and back shirred at upper portion, with shirring covered by piped band, to create illusion of inset yoke; side/back piece, curved at back and applied to center back piece; back shoulder seam shirred and covered with piped band; bodice back/side piece lined with what appears to be white wool which extends upwards around armscye (armhole) to strengthen seam; long set-in sleeves, cut in one piece; sleeve heavy gathered into armscye; cuff with piping where seamed to sleeve; cuff closed with brass hook and eye; separate shoulder cap trimmed at lower edge with piped band; skirt top folded over, gauged and whipped to waistband; foldover hem; bottom portion of skirt lined with brown cotton.

Background:

Worn by a member of the Copp family, merchants of Stonington, Connecticut. The donation that this is from is known as the "Copp Collection." It is noteable for its many examples of everyday clothing. Exhibited in the Arts and Industries Building from 1896 through the early years of the 20th century.

Credit: Gift of John Brenton Copp

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