Sherlock Holmes first appeared in print in 1887. Queen Victoria last appeared on earth in 1901.

This dress...

...albeit a French one, appeared somewhere around 1882. Sort of looks like a backwards kilt pleated to one giant sett. Cynthia (and other costume enthusiasts), you should make a trip sometime to the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. They have the most remarkable collection of artifacts there.

Regards,
Roger.