Antique 1890s Black Polished Printed Cotton Two-Piece Bodice and Skirt with Leg-of-Mutton Sleeves, Medium

Exceptional antique late Victorian two-piece dress set dating to the 1890s, beautifully crafted in black polished printed cotton with a subtle sheen. The fitted bodice is expertly tailored with a high neckline, sharply nipped waist, and dramatic leg-of-mutton sleeves, creating the bold, sculptural silhouette that defines late-19th-century women’s fashion. The fabric features a delicate repeating of a stylized botanical branch motif resembling willow or drooping tree branches.

The coordinating skirt falls from a structured waistband into a full, fluid sweep with cartridge pleating at the back waist, finished with an original interior brown cotton waistband and placket closure. The bodice interior is lined in black glazed cotton with excellent seam-work and a small internal hook-and-eye placket. A striking, wearable example of late-1890s Victorian dressmaking with beautiful presence on the form.

Label: None
Content: Polished cotton (possibly cotton sateen)

Best Fit: Medium (Petite Frame)

Skirt Measurements
Waist: 29-30”
Hip: Free
Length: 43 1/2”

Bodice Jacket Measurements
Underarms: 36”
Waist: 30”
Front Length: 19” (to center point)
Back Length: 22” (nape seam to center back point)
Shoulder Width: 13 3/4”
Sleeve Length: 23 1/2”

Fit Note: Narrow shoulders and shorter torso proportions; best suited to a Medium with a petite or narrower upper frame.

Condition: Near Excellent / Museum Quality. A small number of the printed motifs show light yellowing, believed to be inherent fabric irregularities rather than later staining. The final image shows a few tiny pin-sized pricks to the fabric. Overall, the set presents beautifully and remains exceptionally well preserved for its age.

Enjoy! #25-261

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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.**