Victorian 1890 Walking Suit Bustle Dress With Jet Beading, Label C.P. Miller N.Y. Reception Antique Gown, Museum Deaccession This is an attractive Victorian 2 piece black with white polka dots walking suit or reception gown dress of the 1890s period, that a mid to upper class woman would wear. A regal 2 piece trained bustled gown de-accessioned from the Drexel University Costume Collection in Philadelphia, PA. A lovely piece of Antique Fashion. This 2 piece suit still retains its designers name label on petersham. Reads C. P. Miller – 18 EAST 28TH ST. -New York. Bodice is a corset bodice lined with black silk and has 12 fabric covered whale baleen stays, with a high neck collar and having puffed curved upper sleeves and front trimmed with a net lace and 2 vertical panels of blue satin that accent the beadwork. Front and back of bodice has long dangle beaded fringe. The bodice is decorated with a net machine embroidered lace trim draping down the front opening and gracing the front high neck collar. The bodice has a hook and eye closure front. The arm and cuffs are also are decorated with the hand stitched jet beads. The sleeves has a large puff cap at the shoulders and tapering at the elbow. The skirt closes by hooks and loops at the back and gathers with large pleats in the center back with fullness for a nice fall. The skirt is lined with a black polished satin with in side inner pocket. The bottom of the skirt hem line has no roughness and no surface soiling discoloration from use. Inside hem line is decorated with a wide pleated ruffles. The skirt is in very good condition. A full skirt with large back pleats, with satin lining and accented a black velvet band with its bottom gathered and edged with beadwork. BODICE: Bust 37 – 38″, Waist 34″, Sleeve Length 24″. Neck 16″ Shoulder to waist 18″, with an additional 9″ drop lapel Across shoulder 13″ SKIRT: Front skirt length 41″, Back length 46″, waist 34-1/2″ CONDITION: The gown is in very good condition. The material is in strong stable condition with no signs of shattering or fading. No underarm discoloration. Alterations to skirt includes a black satin waist band. Bodice lining is shredding and partially detached from sleeve. Yes there is bead loss to fringes as well as sewn on beadwork on bodice front.The bottom of the skirt hem line has no roughness and no surface soiling discoloration from little use. On inside bodice blue satin lining are discoloration dots. None of these minor issues detracts from the elegance of this gown, which is in wonderful state of preservation for its age. A truly grand display dress/gown for display. Antique clothing should not be worn.