I could be losing my mind, but I'm reasonably certain that this is actually a Swiss waist made to match the skirt. The object data is below.
Gown
Date1865, ca.
CultureAmerican
DescriptionTwo piece ivory ground silk taffeta ballgown with purple plaid. A: ivory silk with purple plaid metal boning ballgown bodice. Gathered purple ruffles along neckline and sleeves. Fifteen holes on each side at CB for corsetry; B: Ivory silk taffeta with purple plaid skirt. 1-1/2” WB. Two hooks and eyes at CB. Gathering at WB at CB. Purple ribbon down CF that continues at bottom of skirt edged with spiraling threads with thirteen purple silk covered buttons in the center. Purple twill tape at hem.
Original credit line: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John Jay McKelvey, 1948.
Included in the exhibit ”On the Home Front,” 2011.
Lexicon category3: Personal Artifacts
Lexicon sub-categoryClothing -- Outerwear
Credit lineTransferred from the Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio.
