Victorian Authentic 1880’S 2 Pc Silk Brocade Bustle Back Dress Velvet Trim- as is larger size

DATING TO THE 1880’S TWO PIECE IN CONSTRUCTION AND IS FASHIONED OF A LIGHT PALE PURPLE SILK BROCADE WITH RICH ORNATE SCROLL WORK AND FLORALS THROUGHOUT THE PATTERN.   THE BODICE IS POINTED IN FRONT AND REAR WITH HOOK CLOSURE IN THE FRONT WITH MATCHING RUCHED SILK VELVET TRIMMING THE DOUBLE SHOULDER STRAPS WITH A VERY WIDE SET NECKLINE.   BELTED AT THE SIDE WAIST.  THE INTERIOR IS LINED IN POLISHED COTTON.   THE SKIRT FALLS LONG AND IS LONGER IN THE REAR WITH A SILK COVERED ROPE PIPING THE BOTTOM HEM WITH THE INTERIOR LINED IN POLISHED COTTON WITH SILK TAFFETA LONG THE BOTTOM INNER HEM AND A RING OF FABRIC COVERED BONING TRIMMING THE INNER BOTTOM HEM TO GIVE IT PROPER STANCE.    SOLD AS IT WAS ACQUIRED.  THE BODICE HAS SEEN VERY HEAVY ALTERATION WITH LARGE PANELS ADDED TO THE SIDE.  THE SIDE PANELS FALL LONGER, NOTE THE BOTTOM PHOTOS.  THE TOP PHOTOS WERE TAKEN WITH THE PANELS TUCKED INTO THE SKIRTING.   THESE PANELS SHOW FRAYED WEAR BUT IS UNSEEN WHEN THEY ARE TUCKED IN.  A MIL