Hi,
I love the color of your suit.
Altho I am probably replying after you may have sold it, I will add a few tips I have found in trying to 'date' a bustle dress.
-there are 3 bustle periods:
#1--late 1860's -late 1870's: this style was a draped version of what had been the crinoline, so look for a trailing hemline, and a sort or high waist on the bodice. The skirt and bustle seem looser with some fullness around the sides, and flounces are probably gathered and loose. Sewing techniques are more like the crinoline period, often without bones in the bodice. The collar will be a very narrow standing band or it may have a peter pan type.
#2--from about 1879-1881 you will find the bustle skirt very narrow, and the bodice is long and straight as well. (very tubular silhouette), the bustle may be small. These can have long 'fish tail' trains.
#3--after 1880 to about 1889: here the bustle is very structured and pulled out to the back of the figure, with little or no side fullness. The silhouette was somewhat 'horsey', with the bustle projecting out from the waistline in the back, with a cage or structure to hold it up. The hemline often clears the floor (important distinction), and seems to 'hover' above the ground.
Rather than ruffles, you usually find flat pleated flounces and smooth, skillfully draped bustle drapery often arranged asymmetrically. (they had learned alot about draping by then)
The bodice will have a higher collar, and a longer or lower bodice waistline. (very elongated silhouette, with narrow silhouette from the front view).
The plastron front on your bodice is typical, as is the hemline that skims the floor. and the brilliant blue is also typical for the time period.
You will probably find the bodice has been 'flat lined' in a cotton, with boning inserted into each dart and seamline. A wide ribbon belt inside the bodice is usually sewing at center back, so that the bodice hugs the 'small' of the waistline nicely.
You have a great example here!
