Antique 1880s Silk Doll Dress Cuirass Bodice Bustle Skirt Ensemble

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Description:

A fine and authentic antique doll costume dating to the late 19th century, circa 1878–1885, featuring a beautifully tailored cuirass bodice and coordinating bustle-era skirt.

The bodice is constructed of warm-toned silk with elegant shaping seams and closes with a row of original mother-of-pearl buttons and hand-worked thread loops. The long, fitted silhouette extending below the natural waist is characteristic of the late 1870s into early 1880s period. Sleeves are finished with delicate pleated silk trim.

The matching skirt is formed of deep red silk with a graduated back length (bustle influence) and a finely pleated silk flounce. An underlayer of antique lace remains at the hem, adding softness and dimension. The proportions and tailoring strongly suggest this was made for a fashion (lady) doll rather than a child doll.

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Condition:

Please review all photographs carefully.

• Silk shattering present, most notably to the pleated flounce and areas of the skirt front

• Evidence of age-related wear and possible moisture exposure to portions of the skirt front

• Scattered small losses, fraying, and splitting consistent with fragile antique silk

• Lace trim shows age toning and wear

• Structurally intact and displays beautifully, but extremely delicate

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Measurements (approximate):

Skirt:

• Front length: 16 inches

• Back length: 23 inches (longest point)

• Waist width: 5 inches across

Bodice (jacket):

• Shoulder to hem: 9.5 inches

• Shoulder width: 6.5 inches across

• Waist width: 5 inches across

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Additional Notes:

A wonderful and increasingly scarce example of true bustle-era doll costume, with all the hallmarks collectors look for—period silk, correct tailoring, and original fastenings.

Displays exceptionally well and would be a standout in any serious antique doll collection.

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