This sheer black silk overdress with a high waist, short cap sleeves, and decorated with silver sequins along the bottom is indicative of early 19th century styles. Black dresses in the era were rare. Its likely the dress was originally a mourning dress, with sequins added later for evening wear.

The low, square neckline with a drawstring closure is typical for the era. The dress is associated with Harriet (Coffin) Thom, wife of James Thom. Lore stated Madam Thom wore the dress at a ball for the Marquis de Lafayette in Boston in 1824. However, the style indicates otherwise. The waistline is too high for 1824 fashions, and it is doubtful Thom wore an outdated dress to the event. Although, she was age appropriate to have owned or worn this dress around 1815.