Museum Quality - Rare Antique Late-Victorian Child's / Youth Mourning Capelet
I have for sale an exceptionally rare piece of late-19th-century children's textile history, dating from approximately the 1890s.
While most mourning capes found today are adult sizes,
this highly detailed garment is tailored specifically for a child or young teenager.
During the Victorian era, youth garments were rarely preserved, making this a true collector's survivor.
Silhouette: Beautiful cropped shoulder mantle featuring structured, high-gathered shoulder tucks and elongated front tabs (lappets).
Embroidery: Breathtaking, dense tonal black hand-embroidery in a gorgeous floral and vine motif that fully wraps across the back and spine.
Interior: Lined with crisp, structural glazed lining designed to help the cape maintain its shape over outerwear.
Closures: Original metal hook-and-eye closures stitched securely down the inner front placket.
Measurements & Fit: Laid Flat
Shoulder to shoulder 36cm (14")
Across front at bottom 52cm (20")
Neck to hem (not including lappets) 42cm (17")
Sized for a child or young teenager. Perfect for historical archive collections, museum study, or a mourning memorabilia display.
This genuine antique garment is over 130 years old and remains in excellent structural condition for a textile of its age.
The main black silk fabric is remarkably strong, flexible, and supple throughout the body.
The bottom edges and curved hems are clean, stable, and completely free of the typical shattering often seen in late-Victorian silks. Wear is limited to the structurally solid, stiffened standing collar, which exhibits honest, lighter-colored historic fading along the top outer edge from use. On the interior, the lining is intact other than two small, minor wear holes located on the inside collar lining (visible in photos). The dense tonal embroidery remains tightly bound and beautifully intact across the entire piece.
Sold as-is. Please feel free to ask any questions before purchasing
Safe Textile Packing: This delicate antique silk garment will be packed with the utmost care. It will be wrapped loosely in premium, acid-free tissue paper to prevent any creasing or friction damage to the embroidery.
Boxed Protection: It will be shipped inside a sturdy, rigid cardboard box to ensure the stiffened collar is not crushed or bent during transit.
Domestic Shipping (Australia): Shipped via Australia Post Parcel Post with tracking
International Shipping (US & UK): Worldwide shipping is available via Australia Post International Standard with full tracking for a flat rate of $40.00 AUD.
Dispatch Time: Ships within 1 business day of cleared payment.
- Please take a look at my other listings, I have several more pieces for sale
- Happy to Combine Postage
I post every weekday and your item will be posted within 1 day of purchase ~ Items purchased on Saturday or Sunday will be posted Monday