To modify the shape of the TV163 and still get the proper dome silhouette would take a lot of math to reduce the shape evenly. I would, however, recommend the shorter bustle from Mantua Maker or Laughing Moon. Someone else has done the work of making the proper shorter bustle shape for a project such as yours. (Links go to my Shop.)

Found it. It’s from 1873 – Early Bustle Era. I have the paper doll fashion plate book showing the cut-outs in your pin. To see other black & white examples of these same plate figures you’ll want the book Victorian Fashions & Costumes from Harper’s Bazar 1867-1898. The dress you are looking at is on page 72. Here is the description:

“Evening Toilette (11.8.1873, p. 716). This tasteful evening dress is of black Chambery gauze with gold-colored stripes, made over black silk. The skirt has the new fan train (just introduced by Worth), with a triple pleat in the lower part of the back breadth. The stripes on the front breadth are arranged diagonally. The apron over-skirt is very long, and trimmed up the sides to the tournure. Round Josephine waist with square neck – a favorite style for the new evening dresses. The trimming is the new applique embroidery of silk and chenille on tulle, and represents scarlet, yellow, and black roses. The flowers of the corsage and in the hair are artificial. Belt and long loops of scarlet ribbon. Heavy gold jewelry.”

sorry Jennifer, I am new to Pinterest, I entered the wrong thing, try whovianspin32

Sorry, your handle didn’t come up in my search. Is this it?

I uploaded it to Pinterest, its should under my handle PrimusPliusSpincola, under the name Fashion Plate -> Hawwaiin Royalty. The picture is that of mutiple dresses cut out. The one am am trying to recreate is the one in the bottom corner, made of black fabric. It was the best picture I could find. 🙂

Is the sketch available online, like on Pinterest or other place, where myself and others could see it to help give you a possible date on it?