help dating three piece antique dress set

I believe this is older - 1800s but I am not sure how to narrow it down. Seems like a bustle dress (two skirts - one with draw strings inside to cinch it up) and a matching button down shirt. Missing the hook and eye closures on the skirt. Various stains but overall in good condition except the waistband is a bit shredded. MOP buttons. I believe the woman who sold it to me said she found it in an old cabin with additional older clothing items in MA. I will double check with her. Thank you!

 

This is the piece you asked about in Got Vintage, correct?
I still say it is newer in parts. The buttons are much newer as is the lace trim.
The style just doesnt match up to any antique pieces I have handled in my many years.

It could have been reworked as a costume. Parts do look older.

 

I'm going to update with additional photographs because I think it's hard to see on the ground. I believe (I need to double check) but the woman I bought it from said she found it with some older clothing in an old cabin in MA. I found a very similar authentic set on etsy with the same plaid fabric and all that was being sold as 1880s as workwear/prarie set. It definitely seems legit by handling it but I of course like to hear everyone's opinions here and I'm not great with dating older pieces.

 

I'm going to update with additional photographs because I think it's hard to see on the ground. I believe (I need to double check) but the woman I bought it from said she found it with some older clothing in an old cabin in MA. I found a very similar authentic set on etsy with the same plaid fabric and all that was being sold as 1880s as workwear/prarie set. It definitely seems legit by handling it but I of course like to hear everyone's opinions here and I'm not great with dating older pieces.

 

Also - I would say the waistbands are pretty tight. No more than 25-26". The shirt is looser in construction but still is cinched with a defined waist although it's hard to tell in the front.

 

I love that fabric. The dress looks right to me for 1880s. I agree the buttons might be replacements as I would expect shank buttons for this. The lace may have been added later, but could be original. It looks to be knit lace, not crochet lace. With an added bustle underneath, that might pull the front of the bodice in to give it a better line.

Hard to be sure without handling it, but it looks right to me for a country lady's home made dress.

 

I would like a better photo of the lace.
Barbara, I think it looks more like crochet, but it's hard to see easily.

 

I agree with Barbara. I think it's 1880s with a smallish bustle and petticoat, which would change the bodice shape. The buttons not being shank style doesn't bother me as I've seen both styles on these bodices. As a possibly washable country dress, this button would be fine to me. That's if they are mother of pearl, of course!
Has the bodice been altered at all?

 

The further pictures help. I still say parts of it are reworked or replaced, but it does have an early 1900 style while on the mannequin

 

Thanks! Did you see the one photo of the lace? I tried to get a close up.

 

Thanks! I don't think it looks altered from what I can tell.

 

In the close ups added, I do not think it is knit lace after all.

 

Interesting story behind the dress. The woman who "found" it said about 50 years ago she was hiking in the deep woods of Mass and came across an abandoned cabin. She said she found this dress there a long with several other very old items. I have another skirt she found there I will post for reference. I'm guessing the dress is all original.

 

Classic 1880s day dress. The buttons could be replacement.

 

Interesting thank you!!