Antique 1850s Victorian Printed Rosebud Cotton Dress with Pagoda Sleeves & Fan Front, XS

Museum-quality, authentic antique 1850s Victorian day dress dated to 1852, crafted in semi-sheer printed cotton with a delicate rosebud motif. This exceptional mid-19th-century dress is a rare survivor in near-excellent condition, showcasing remarkable workmanship and preservation.

The fitted bodice is lined in cotton and carefully seamed (not boned), and features a striking fan-front waist treatment. Tightly pleated and piped at the waist, the fan front dips gently at center before opening into softer pleats that extend upward across the bust and shoulders. Piped drop shoulders lead into dramatic, tiered pagoda sleeves, trimmed with fine lace and retaining the original sheer cotton lace engageantes (detachable undersleeves), which may be worn or removed as desired.

The dress fastens up the center front from waist to neckline with hook closures and stitched eye holes, with two additional hook and eye closures at the waistband (one set is a modern replacement). The waist seam is tightly gathered, releasing into a sweeping, full skirt designed to be worn over a crinoline or hooped petticoat. The skirt is unlined, as expected for the period, and features an original cotton-lined hidden pocket at the right side.

A truly magnificent example of early Victorian textile history, suitable for careful wear, museum-level display, and serious study.

Label: none; cloth tag with hand-stitched numbers at interior shoulder seam
Content: sheer lightweight printed cotton (likely cotton voile), lace, cotton

Best Fit: XS
Underarms: 33"
Waist: 25"
Hip: Free
Length: approximately 54"–55"
Shoulder Width: 17 1/2"
Sleeve Length: 20 1/4"
Undersleeve Length (engageantes): approximately 13 1/2"–15"

Condition: Museum Quality. Near-excellent condition with outstanding structural integrity. An extraordinary and rare survivor of 1850s Victorian dressmaking.

Scattered spotting & yellowing to areas of skirt mainly near hem. 3 areas of minor wear to printed cotton near 1 stitched button hole, neckline & underarm seam. Enlarge pics for detail. Presents wonderfully - I have not cleaned.

Enjoy! #23-385

INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS WELCOME!
We love international customers! All international buyers will need to pay their countries CUSTOMS FEES/DUTIES as these are out of my control.

EU and NI customers: starting December 13, 2024, General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) will go into effect for all shipments. What this means for you? Unless the item is antique (100 years of age and/or older), I will not be able to fulfill your order as I DO NOT have a physical location/address in the EU.

In order to combat the high costs of International shipping, we now ship via First Class Mail International on all purchases $250 and under that are less than 4 pounds. If you prefer Priority Mail International please contact me prior to purchase. 

INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS WELCOME!

We love international customers! All international buyers will need to pay their countries CUSTOMS FEES/DUTIES as these are out of my control. In order to combat the high costs of International shipping, we now offer First Class Mail International on all purchases that are less than 4 pounds. If you prefer Priority Mail International please select this option during checkout. If you have any shipping questions, please contact me prior to purchase.