EMBROIDERED SILK TAFFETA BODICE, EUROPE, C. 1780s

Pale grey silk taffeta bodice, form inspired by male frock coat, possibly for fancy dress, coral silk taffeta interior facings, lined in ecru linen, embroidered with polychrome floss silk, gold bobbin lace trim at cuffs, neckline & placket, foil buttons w/lacquered paillettes at cuffs & CB box pleats, c. 1780s, embroidery likely Portuguese, possibly remade from c. 1750s drapery textile, SH-SH 16”, B 29.5”, W 23”, L 15.5”-21” (considerable disc. throughout, underarm disc., scattered stains up to 12”, scattered pinhole-0.25” holes, some loose cording thread, some loss of French bullion on buttons, removed embroidery either side lower back, tarnished metal) Good