Hand and machine stitched tea gown made of heavy black silk MID velvet with an elusive gray-bluish cast. Opens 3/4 way down the front with self-covered buttons. Standing collar. Fairly roomy, shaped sleeves, the ends with castellated tabs bound in silk. A pair of darts on either side front- no seam- for princess shaping. Lightly boned. Seams in the side back to the shoulder seam extending into a pair of box pleats descending from waist level. Giving fullness to the train. Two elastic bands keep the train from spreading too far. No other evidence of ties to adjust drapery. Petersham band inside sized to accommodate a pregnant body, and the seaming is also designed to do that. A piece added to the front under edge to allow bodice fit larger belly, with hooks and eyes.