Rare Civil War Garibaldi Blouse circa 1863, Hand Sewn Used For Maternity Wear

This exquisite, loose fitting blouse is dated by its silhouette to circa 1863, American Civil War. 

A treasure...the style is called a Garibaldi blouse and this particular one is utterly perfect...truly gorgeous condition. There is no indication that this blouse was ever worn. It has been stored away in wonderful condition for well over 150 years. 

One cannot help but wonder why.... With pieces like this, everyone wishes for a provenance, but in this case, that will forever remain a mystery....

Please take out your loop or magnifying glass because you will want to take the time to examine those unbelievable, meticulous hand stitches. Truly, this blouse was created with masterful workmanship that took hours upon hours to create. 

The blouse is made from checkered linen woven in a cross-barred pattern. This fabric was popular during the Civil War era and was created when a heavier cord than the rest was woven at regular intervals in both the warp and weft direction.  The blouse features 4 perfect mother-of-pearl buttons down the front and one at each wrist. The buttons have hand carved lines on each, like a sunburst around their centers. The hem and seam treatments are utterly superb. Hand-made silk lace edges the collar, wrists and high neck, which is also typical of the Garibaldi style. 

The blouse is exceptionally loose around the bottom compared to other styles of this era, and designed to blouse out from where it tucks into a tight waist. The style features dropped shoulder seams that became ubiquitous in both blouse and bodice styles during this era. 

However, this particular blouse has only four original buttons down the front, which are placed slightly higher than usual, and the pattern flares wide at the bottom. This appears to have been designed for the latter months of maternity, which would be quite sensible planning for a fashionable mother-to-be during the early 1800s. The bottom hem, or sweep, is measured to an impressive 62-5/8 inches or just under 159 cm. 

Authentic...yet, this antique linen blouse was obviously never worn. 

It was designed for a petite woman, which is most evident in the neck measurement. This is a circumference, when buttoned at the top, of only 12 inches or 30.5 cm. 

Thankfully, it remains absolutely perfect after one and a half centuries and will make a beloved addition to any discerning museum or privately held collection. It is truly rare to find an authentic garment in such magnificent condition without spots, snags, stains, holes or storage odors. 

The outer edge of the wrists measures 5-7/8 inches or 15 cm. The measurement across the back from the dropped sleeve seam to sleeve seam is 20 inches or 51 cm. The length at the front, from the top button to the base of the garment is 21-1/4 inches or 54 cm. The circumference of the blouse, where it begins to dramatically widen at the bustline, is 40-1/2 inches or 103 cm.