Description:
Woman's yellow silk moire gown or dress for which the fabric probably came from England and was probably made in the Springfield area. This dress was probably re-made from a garment of about 20 years earlier. Evidence of a vertical fold at the center of each fabric panel, and corresponding mirror image of the moire pattern, demonstrates the process of achieving the fabric's pattern. The ribbed silk surface was folded onto itself and then subjected to several thousands pounds of pressure with the action of the wooden rollars creating a "watered" appearance. Watered or moire silk was an indication of wealth, as it could not be washed or it would lose its distinctive pressed pattern. Red and white vertical striped selvage (also seen on selvage of fabric for French brocade gown F.355), which may indicate possible area of manufacture.

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https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+2006.3

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