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Woman of the Civil War Era

CDV - Women's Fashion in the Civil War Era

An example of a dress worn by a younger woman, probably a bit well-off from the look of the fabric, and most likely married - note the ring on her left hand.
Civil War CDV

Unidentified woman, Civil War period, Patton and Lee studio, Pennsylvania. About 1860-1865.

From unpublished CDV, circa 1860s. Photographer: Patton and Lee. Digital image © Jone Lewis 2001.
Also note the hair ribbon decorating her hair which is worn in the typical style with a part down the middle. The collar is somewhat fancier than others in this series of photographs. The sleeve is again cut wide at the shoulders to emphasize the horizontal line and balance the wide hoop skirt, and the sleeve is very wide at the point where it contrasts with the small waist. White at the collar and cuffs is convenient for cleaning and replacing as well as lending a bit of fashionable eye interest. Detail of bodice and sleeve

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