During the late 1880s, women wore bustle supports of various shapes and sizes. A small horsehair stuffed cushion-shaped bustle support remains attached to the inner waistband of this black watered silk dress. Round, black (perhaps jet) beaded medallions trim the bodice and cuffs, and hold the satin swag draped over the front skirt.

This dress was worn by Sarah S. (Moore) Wilson (1842-1926), who was married to Charles L. Wilson (1834-1892), a Waterford based physician.