The gigot (aka leg-of-mutton) sleeve was in fashion during the 1830s, but it's form changed considerably over the course of the decade. This dress demonstrates a version of the demi-gigot style, with smaller mid-arm puffs. The style's fullness deflated as the fashion trend progressed.

This particular demi-gigot version was preceded by larger balloon puffs at the shoulder. By 1837, gigot sleeves deflated and moved to the lower arm, a look that lingered for a time and competed in style with the 1840s straight sleeve trend.

Made from cream colored moiré silk fabric (treated silk with a wavey pattern, also called watered silk), the fabric also features a small raised woven floral motif pattern, which also classifies it as figured silk. The dress is associated with Mercy Owen Richardson, a cousin of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Family lore suggested this was her wedding dress in 1832. The sleeve style suggests the dress dates closer to 1834, although it may capture the early side of the smaller demi-gigot fashions.