RILEY Silk Day Dress with Swallowtail Bodice, Stamford, ca. 1867

This RILEY antique Victorian day dress, dating to circa 1867, is a rare and elegant example of mid-19th-century fashion from Stamford, England. The ensemble is a two-piece set, consisting of a bodice and skirt, both crafted from rich brown silk—a fabric favored for its sheen and drape in Victorian women's clothing.

The bodice closes at the front with original cut steel buttons, and features a distinctive swallowtail extension at the back, where two decorative buttons add visual interest. The skirt is adorned with pink silk fringe at the front and flows into a graceful train, typical of the 1860s silhouette.

A printed label in gold lettering on the waistband reads: Miss S. Riley Dress & Mantle Maker, 16 Maiden Lane, Stamford—a rare surviving detail that adds provenance and charm to this authentic Victorian garment.

The dress is in good overall condition, with minor discoloration on the bodice front (which may suggest a mismatch in photos, though the pieces are original to each other), small stains, and a few open seams that are easily repairable. These are normal signs of age and wear for a garment nearly 160 years old.

Measurements:
Bust: ~ 93 cm
Waist: ~ 78 cm
Front length: ~ 145 cm
Back length: ~ 180 cm

This rare 1860s Victorian silk dress is ideal for collectors of antique fashion, historical costume, or museum-quality textiles, offering a tangible link to the craftsmanship and elegance of 19th-century British dressmaking.