Antique Vintage Civil War Quilted Calico Petticoat Slip Skirt Dress 1850-1870
What a rare and wondrous find! This is a hand-quilted, hand sewn petticoat/skirt from the mid 1800s. I believe it to be from around 1850 to the early 1870s at the latest.
It has pleating all the way around the waist except for a small section in the center front waistline. If it were 1870s or later, the gathering/pleating would have been heavier at the back to accommodate the bustles that became popular at that time. It's made out of a printed calico and lined with, what I believe to be, silk taffeta. This style of calico was popular during the 1860s.
This petticoat/skirt is in fabulous condition considering its age. It's sturdy and wearable. The lining has myriad tiny holes scattered randomly which is why I believe it to be silk. Inside, at the waistband, some of the lining is frayed and you can see glimpses of the batting. There is a narrow band of brown velvet bordering the hem which was meant to strengthen this area, rather than as a decoration. Since the hem would drag on the floor or ground, a thick velvet would be more durable than a fine cotton.Two bands of cotton are sewn into the back waistline, which I think were meant to be worn like suspenders to help support the weight of this garment. The skirt closes in the back with an early metal button.
There's also an opening in the side seam which looks like a pocket, except there's no pocket, just an opening. I don't know whether she would have worn a separate pouch under the skirt or how she'd get to it if she was wearing this as a petticoat. The waist measures 28 inches and the skirt is 37 inches from the waist to the hem. Check out all that beautiful hand quilting!It's really in impeccable condition and she did a nice job of creating a decorative pattern on such an everyday kind of garment. A super rare opportunity to own an early garment. It's the everyday clothing that is harder to find. Unlike a wedding gown or fancy dress, that was worn rarely and packed carefully away, this skirt would have been worn until it was no longer usable, or, heaven forbid, it's wearer went to her reward.
Please look at my other listings for more vintage and antique clothing, a pair of diamond stud earrings, 2 Victorian stick pins and a chainmail tunic. The item "Antique Vintage Civil War Quilted Calico Petticoat Slip Skirt Dress 1850-1870" is in sale since Wednesday, September 14, 2016. This item is in the category "Clothing, Shoes & Accessories\Vintage\Women's Vintage Clothing\Dresses". The seller is "jewelryhrslvr" and is located in Sherman, Connecticut. This item can be shipped to United States, to all countries in Europe, to Canada, to Japan, to Australia.
- Color: Brown print
- Decade: Pre 1890
- Size Type: Regular
- Look: Civil War
- Original/Reproduction: Original
- Size (Women's): M
- Material: Cotton
- Style: Full length Skirt
- Waist Size: 28"
- Occasion: Everyday
- Waist to Hem: 37"