Late 1890s Gates Family Wedding Dress
Brattleboro, VT

Unusual by today's standards it was not unusual for the wedding dress in the Victorian era to be a best dress that may or may not have been white. This Gates family dress from Brattleboro, VT, is made of woven blue silk with black braided trim. The weave of the blue fabric is open and the color of the peach silk lining shimmers through it giving an added dimension.

There is no doubt that this was a "best dress" as it was painstakingly preserved along with a hang tag attached with the notation "Blue Wedding Dress". With the family information an a bit of research it should not be difficult to discern the name of the original wearer of the dress.

The bodice is fitted through the waist over a plastron of ivory silk shirred ruffles. The wide revers are of black silk with an overlay of black floral lace. Front closure with hooks and eyes. Full boning and woven petersham with the name of the Brattleboro maker, Emerson, which is also stamped on the dress shields. The skirt is also fully lined and is trimmed with matching black braid.

Overall condition is near excellent with some shattering of the lining within the bodice as shown. Otherwise a wonderful and special piece.

Bust ~ 32"
Waist ~ 22"
Shoulders Across the Back ~ 11.25"
Bodice Length ~ 15"
Skirt Length Front/Back ~ 40"/44"