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An exceptionally well-preserved piece of late 19th-century fashion history. This Antique Victorian Beaded Mantle Cape dates to the 1880s–1890s and serves as a classic, premier example of high-end formal outerwear or mourning attire from the era.
Crafted with immaculate attention to detail, this cropped silhouette was designed to dramatically flare over the structured shoulders, voluminous bustles, and corseted shapes of late-Victorian gowns.
🔍 Design & Key Features:
• Premium Fabric: Made from a heavy, rich black satin-finish silk blend that retains an intense, deep-black luster and exceptional structural integrity. The inner front closure features a plush, deep-black accent velvet border placket. garment is in excellent antique condition considering it is over 130 years old.
• Exterior: The black satin is incredibly vibrant with zero severe \"greening,\" dry rot, or sun fading.
• Beadwork: The jet beads are tight and secure, showing only minor, negligible bead loss along the highest-friction edges.
• Interior: The lining remains sound, with only light, expected surface wear/creasing near the seams. Hardware functions perfectly.
Please review all high-resolution photos carefully as they form part of the visual condition description.
• Intricate Jet Glass Beadwork: Densely adorned with hand-stitched, authentic black jet glass beads that provide a glittering, substantial weight to the piece. The beadwork is masterfully interwoven with elaborate soutache braided embroidery displaying classic paisley and floral-inspired patterns.
• Statement Flounced Collar: Features an exquisite, wide-ruffled or flounced collar decorated with matching stitched details that frame the neck elegantly.
• Functional Arm Slits: Designed with two vertically bound, finished arm slits at the sides. These allowed a Victorian lady to extend her hands to hold a parasol, purse, or muff without unbuttoning the cape and exposing herself to the elements.
• Hidden Hardware: The front closes completely seamlessly using a series of original, antique heavy-metal hook-and-eye closures hand-stitched into the interior velvet trim.
Size is woman’s medium. More detailed measurements upon request.
