This bodice dates from circa 1855-1863. This style would have been worn by a child or young teenager. The waist is 10" across, the bust is 10 3/4" across and the bodice is 12 1/2" from neck to waist. The bodice is a yoked style, meaning the top portion is fitted to the body while the lower half is gathered into the fitted top and the fitted waistband. The gathering is concentrated near the center front. The yoke seam line is hidden by the trim going across the chest.
The neckline is a jewel, meaning round and fitted to the neck, and is finished with self-fabric bias piping. The bottom of the bodice is gathered into a waistband. The bottom of the waistband is finished with bias piping. 3/8" above the waistband is a row of controlling gathering stitches, attaching the bodice to the lining. This goes for 5 1/2" across the center front.
The bodice is entirely hand-sewn with generous seam allowances. White and blue thread are used. The side seams are towards the back of the bodice.
The trim appears to be a pre-made machine sewn trim, not of self-fabric, although the colors match very closely matched. There is a row of wavy cording, with ribbon below the cording and fringe below the ribbon.
The sleeves are really fun on this bodice. They are made from two soft ovals, one front and one back, with a small pointed cap tacked on top. The armsyce is piped and the trim from the bodice covers the top of the armsyce. The armsyce seam is overcast stitched to finish.
The lining to the bodice is a white cotton twill with the sleeves being lined with brown polished cotton. The lining is yoked and darted to fit with 2 darts. The darts are boned, as are the center front and side seams.
The bodice closes at center back with 11 hooks and eyes. The hooks are 1/2" long each.