woman's black silk satin bodice, late 19th century (c.1890s), very fitted, the back in 6 pieces, front in 2 pieces, each with pintucking and darting to assist fitting, 19 black [early plastic] buttons down centre front; sleeves full at top and gathered into shoulder, slimmer fit to deep turned back cuff, each trimmed with 3 buttons; stiffened mandarin collar faced with black [silk], lace and edged with white cotton cord (possibly a later addition); lower centre back has tail effect created by flaring and pleating; lined with cream coloured tilled [cotton] or a fabric called silesia which is linen; waist tape inside bodice and 8 bones; bodice is probably hand made; machine-stitched and hand finished; one visible selvedge has printed on black on white "PURE DYE WEAR GUARANTEED MANUFACTURED ABROAD"; possibly made by Elizabeth Hastie and worn by either her or her mother-in -law, Catherine Hastie - see family tree in object file.