Antique Victorian Bustle Dress With Two Bodices - xs, sm

Authentic antique Victorian bustle dress set, consisting of a skirt and two bodices.

• Bodice one is a red-on-cream embroidered silk organdy matching the skirt. Bodice two is a coordinating red velvet. Amazingly, both bodices have all their original buttons.
•  The skirt's under-layer has two horizontal bones at back that create a built-in bustle. We did not use the built-in boning to create the bustle for the photos.
• Note that I neglected to add a petticoat, so the skirt is not hanging quite as well as it would have had I not flaked out. 

Please read the full description below and view all photos as they contain a lot of additional information.

Labels: none

Fiber: silk, cotton, metal boning

Care: Were I keeping this, I'd wear it a few times. Then, I'd soak the organdy pieces using gentle soap or baby shampoo, then dry it flat, then steam (no iron). I'd dry-clean the red velvet bodice. No guarantees made or implied, but leaving old clothes dirty always shortens their lifespan.

Condition: As shown, there's surface dirt, which gives it that "old" smell (no mildew, nothing foul). The skirt and red bodice are sound and wearable with care, with no major flaws. The tiny organdy bodice has discoloration, tears, and very old repairs. I'd clean it and reserve it for repairs to the skirt, if and when needed. It's a near-miracle to have spare fabric for something this old!

If you plan to wear this bustle dress (I certainly would), be very careful. Word to the wise: Don't ever reach into the back seat of the car from the front seat while wearing antique or vintage clothing. The sound of the fabric tearing is the stuff of nightmares.

Garments Measurements (see photos for all other measurements):
Note that the skirt waist hooks&eyes are currently at 22"/55.5cm, but could be moved to a shy 26"/66cm with no gap at back. The velvet bodice's buttons could be moved to gain up to 1"/2.5cm, depending on where they currently are (see examples in composite image). 

☞ Our items are not newly manufactured "vintage style" pieces. They are true vintage, at least 30 years old. Please read condition report provided above. ☜

Notes: THIS ITEM IS FINAL SALE. NO RETURNS. Please contact us before purchasing, if you have any questions or concerns. International customers are responsible for any taxes or import fees. THIS ITEM SHIPS FREE WITHIN THE U.S. ANY SHIPPING FEES WILL BE REFUNDED FOR DOMESTIC BUYERS.