Geeks of a feather, my dear Noel.
I, too, tried the tribe search to no avail. I knew we had discussed the issue before, but couldn't remember or find where.


Unfortunately (Howard) yes, this dress is going to be use in a play. It has probably been used for many perfomances before now, since it's in the unmanaged collection of a local small opera company (along with a great many other old and probably extant garments).
As a costumer for one show at a theater that is borrowing clothes from the opera, I have no authority to demand that any of their collection be retired or conserved. Fortunately the dress is in excellent condition overall. While retacking self fabric bias trim onto the skirt, I notice almost no fading of the fabric's color. The outer fabric drapes beautifully, and recovered well from the crease that was left from a deep hem tuck gods only know how old.
Some extra bits have been added to the bodice front probably in the 1970's or '80's juding from the calico pattern and the zig-zag stitch, as well as the apparent age of the plastic buttons and the velcro.
Looking again at the curve of the back, the top could fit more into the '90's bustle shape, it's not hanging right on the low-profile bustle pad I put with it. Oddly the skirt is a bit shorter in the back than the front, I can only guess some sort of trained petticoat is meant to go with.

Would it be ok if I post a couple of pictures?