Help Dating Antique 2pc Dress Set

[DaisyandStella]

Hi!
Can anyone help me narrow down the age of this dress set?
There is no boning in the bodice, which tells me it cannot be from the 1880s - mid 1890s.
Also, the skirt while gathered in the back, doesn't have any of the bustle characteristics of the 1870s - 1880s.
The bodice is very fitted so it also doesn't fit into the pouched Gibson Girl silhouette of the 1900s.
Both bodice and skirt are lined in muslin.
Also, the bodice has the hook, but the 'eye' has been removed as i'm thinking you wouldn't want to hook through the tiny open holes.

Any help would be appreciated, thank you!

 

[pastperfect2]

It looks 1867-69 ish to me with the square neckline trim, that long but not tight sleeves, the dropped shoulders and wide V of the SB back panels to waist, the longer bodice that still has a kicky back peplum, and the skirt fullness toward the back,but still falling to the hem without any draping. I think a small swept back hoop would fit under there easily.

 

[Jonathan]

I was going to say 1868-70, so Hollis and I are pretty much bang on (as usual!) The longer bodice is the newest feature - that looks more 1869/70 to me. There also might have been a polonaise overskirt that is now missing - they were often a third piece in an ensemble like this. That would push it towards 1870/71.

 

[DaisyandStella]

Thank you both for your replies! Do either of you know if the bodice would have had standard 'eyes' for closures?
I've attached a close-up of the most intact closure as there is stitching surrounding them - any chance the "eyes" could have just been tiny stitched openings?

 

[Jonathan]

Yes, stitched eyes are typical.