Print | Heritage Burnaby

Description: Bodice, c.1870s. Pink and brown shot satin silk brocade with all over pattern of small flower buds in darker shade. Three quarter length sleeves, standing collar, buttoned front, pleated and flared at waist. The standing collar is about four centimetres tall, and closes at centre front with a hook and eye. The centre front of the bodice closes with buttons two centimetres apart the whole way down. The first thirteen are the original metal ball buttons, but the last eleven are flat brown plastic replacement buttons. There is also a small pocket in the left side front. The sleeves are gathered somewhat at the caps, and are left un-fitted on the arm. The front of the bodice is shaped with two darts on each side, each with a whale bone inserted into them. The front of the bodice points down in a deep V shape. The back has three panels for each side, with a bone in each of the two seams closest to the sides and one at centre back. At the bottom centre back, there is a heavily pleated piece meant to fan out over a bustle. Inside the bodice, it is lined with beige cotton twill, with a green cotton facing along the inside of the neckline and centre fronts. The twill tape binding over the back bottom pleated addition and the seams are whip-stitch finished.