This black silk taffeta dress, possibly mourning attire, dates from the 1860s. Remnants of a sheer white fabric at the neckline reveal traces of a white collar. The full sleeves feature ruched shoulders, and a lace detailing at the cuff. The dress was meant to be worn over an elliptical or oval hoop skirt. Evidence of ten buttons form the front enclosure on the padded bust. The low set shoulder's ruched detailing helps date the garment to the mid 1860s, around the end of the American Civil War.