Historical information
The cape is of a style from the Victorian or the Edwardian Era and so provides a good example of women's clothing from that time. The light colour, silk material and lace suggest a cape used for special occasions with the possibility of initially being a wedding cape.
Significance
The item is of significance historically and socially as an example of women's clothing in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Physical description
Ladies cape consisting of two circular tiers and a collar. The inner tier is knee length with a thin lace insert around the hem. The outer tier is elbow length with a wide lace edge and the thin lace insert inside this. The collar has lace edging and a lace insert of the same width. The lace used is of a repeat flower pattern most likely made of a combination of silk and cotton. The cape material appears to be a cream ribbed silk with the lining being of a polished cotton or silk variety. Both materials have a silken sheen in the right light. A silk ribbon ties the cape at the neck. The lining and lace have been sewn with fine hand stitching.
Subjects
References
- Website - MMMOONCHILD VINTAGE Website with a photo of a cape of similar length but longer top tier. When viewed close the ivory material is the same ribbing structure and possibly the same material as the double cape. Website dates the cape from the Civil War era (1861-1865). The material is described as ribbed silk with a silk lining.
- Etsy - VintageVioletsAttic Double cape of similar colour and length of bottom tier. Shorter top tier but similarly tied with ribbon at the neck. This cape is dated in the Victorian or Edwardian era with the possible use as a bridal cape.
- Website, Libby Absinthe - Cape and Caplets in the 1890s Catalogue images and descriptions of double capes.
- Website, Historical Sewing- Linings and under-linings Article on linings used with an example of polished cotton used to line an 1860s bodice, which looks similar to the lining of the cape.
