Help dating/describing; Edwardian overskirt?

[Grover Street Girl]

I would like help understanding what this is. It appears to be an overskirt, squared off on one side (back?) and oval with beaded trim on the other (front)?

They are 2 separate, slightly overlapping skirt pieces, open at each side, and attach to each other about half way up. There is an interesting piece of pink plaid plisse ribbon sewn into the seams on the inside, about knee length, I’m unsure of the ribbon’s purpose.

There is pleating at the hips of the rounded off panel that form a pannier-like projection.
The squared panel is 38”, long the rounded one is 39”.
The fabric has a slight rib and wonderful white woven selvedges. The construction is both hand and machine stitching.

Any help in dating, or explaining how it was worn would be so helpful. Thank you.

 

[Jonathan]

It is an overskirt, intended to go over a straighter skirt of the same material, early 1880s - it was a way you could fancy up a walking suit into a dressier afternoon look - by adding the overskirt. We just got a similar example donated to the museum:

 

[Grover Street Girl]

Thank you for your answer and the photos. Yours is indeed beautiful! If I might trouble you just a bit more, can you tell me what the interior pink strap is for, what it holds or holds up?

 

[Jonathan]

It should be a way to keep the puffing in place over the back of the skirt and the front of the skirt smooth. It would make sense if you put it over another skirt.

 

[Grover Street Girl]

Thank you!

 

[The Vintage Merchant]

It is an overskirt, intended to go over a straighter skirt of the same material, early 1880s - it was a way you could fancy up a walking suit into a dressier afternoon look - by adding the overskirt.

Jonathan, if and when you get photos of that on a mannequin, I would love to see it. if it's not too much trouble.

 

[Jonathan]

Will do, but don't hold your breath -- I have quite the backlog of photography to do!