Physical description

Clothing. Twelve shaped panels form the body of the jacket, which is dramatically ''shaped in'' at the waistline, and flared out toward the hipline. Four black fabric covered buttons form the closure, with hand-stitched button holes, all ''hidden away'' under an overlay of the beaded velvet, of which the jacket is made. The long sleeves, narrow at the elbow, flair out to an embroidered and beaded cuff, 35 cm in circumference. Sleeves are gathered at the shoulderline, giving fullness, and featuring an elaborate ribbon, cord, and beaded embroidery. The embroidery is repeated around the revere collar, and on the right-hand side of the bodice, and the full length of the back of the garment, and around the hemline, and also trims the opening edge of the left-front bodice. Lined with black silk. It feels as if there is extra to support beaded areas.

Inscriptions & markings

GEORGE STIRLING & SONS, THE RICHMOND