Antique Victorian 1860s–1870s Wool Challis Day Dress, Blue Floral Print, Dropped Shoulder Construction, Large

Exceptional antique Victorian day dress dating to the late 1860s–early 1870s, beautifully made from richly printed blue wool challis with an allover floral motif in warm red, coral, ochre, and soft gold tones. The dress is styled with a long, fluid silhouette with dropped-shoulder construction, slim sleeves, and a softly shaped bodice lined in period printed roller cotton calico. The skirt falls fluidly from a low waist with a subtly elongated back hem. Hand-finished interior seams and early construction techniques throughout speak to its authenticity and age.

The bodice is styled with a partial front opening terminating at the low waist, where an intentional flap pleat allows ease of movement; the skirt remains closed below, consistent with early Victorian day dress construction rather than a wrapper. Snap closures and a hook-and-eye were added later to the upper bodice for ease of wear and are not original to the dress. A wonderful survivor with clear evidence of period craftsmanship and later life use. 

Label: None
Content: Wool challis, roller printed cotton calico, glazed cotton

Best Fit: Large
Bust: 40”
Waist: 38”
Hip: Free
Front Length: 55” 
Back Length: 60”
Shoulder Width: 21” across top shoulders; 19 1/2” across upper back seam. Please note: the wider shoulder measurement reflects the dropped-shoulder construction typical of the 1860s–1870s.
Sleeve Length: 20”

Condition: Good / Wearable with Care
This dress presents well overall and retains strong fabric integrity for its age. There are three period patches to the wool challis, two to left sleeve and one to the interior of the skirt, along with a few areas of wear and small tears concentrated near the hem, including some threadbare areas where the patterned yarns have worn through. The olive green–brown cotton trim shows some light discoloration. There is discoloration and spotting to the front near the closures, along with wear to the non-functional decorative buttons that conceal the later snap additions beneath. The printed roller cotton calico lining shows wear and some tearing at the interior shoulders. All wear is reflected in the photographs.

Enjoy! #23-370

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**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.**