Aesthetic Open Back Black Velvet Ruff Gown w Train, Hearst Castle – M-L, 1930s

Bias cut gown with bateau neckline and 3 ¼” self ruffled collar; 2 ½” wide x 11” long V-shaped cutout at center back. Long, billowing sleeves with gathered cuffs and two velvet-covered buttons each wrist; gathered blouson bodice. Skirt features ruched insets at front and rear knee; front center slit and rear train. Over-the-head construction with left bodice slit and seven miniscule snaps plus one hook and eye closure at side waist; unlined.

fabric: silk velvet
noteworthy: dry clean only
alterations: reinforced seams where necessary and invisibly repaired one 2mm hole at left breast
condition: very good – excellent with above repair and light nap misdirection

measurements:

collar: 3 ¼”
neckline opening: 10” across
shoulders: 14 ½”
sleeve: 25 ½” from shoulder, 19” from underarm (including 1 ½” cuff)
sleeve circumference: 14” at upper arm, 7” at cuff
bust: 50”
waist: 34”
hips: 42”
length: 57” from shoulder, 49” from underarm (front); 71” from shoulder, 62” from shoulder (back)
sweep: 116”
train: 14”
front slit: 14 ½”

label: no label present
size: no size tag present; comparable to modern size med – large due to shoulders