Gown, Formal Court - Katherine Breckinridge

Object number1986.011.01a-c

DateMay 1896

MediumSilk, Glass, Velvet, Ostrich Feathers, Satin

Dimensions66 in. (167.6 cm) wide train

Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection

Terms

DescriptionBodice is pink silk with cap sleeves, embroidered in silver with glass stones (green and white). Sleeves, neckline and front decorated with white ostrich feathers. Bodice laces up the back. Skirt is pink silk, pleated and fastens in the back. The train is light green velvet and can be attached with hooks. White satin band inside bodice: "By special appt. to H.I.M. Empress of Russia, Brevete Redfern". Train is lined in pink silk. Worn by Katherine Carson Breckinridge to the May, 1896 coronation of Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. Katherine was the wife of Clifton Rodes Breckinridge, United States Minister to Russia.

Katherine was the daughter of a prominent Mississippi family. She was born in Carroll Parish, LA on Feb. 20, 1853. She married Clifton Breckingridge in Fort Smith, Arkansas. They were cousins. He was a 6 term Congressman and was appointed by Pres. Cleveland to be Minister to Russia. They attended both the wedding and coronation of Nicholas II. Katherine and her husband were Presbyterians. Katherine died in Fort Smith, Arkansas on November 2, 1921.

Status

Not on view

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