1840s Dark mauve satin cape

1840s Dark mauve satin cape
Date	1840-1850
Category	Women
Item	Cape
Fabric	Silk satin
Decoration	Velvet
Wearer	-
Maker	-
Acc. no.	HC.C-10.81-1

1840-1850 A cape or mantelet in dark aubergine silk satin.

A side view of the cape mounted
The cape viewed from the side back
The cape viewed from the back showing the point at the back of the collar
Detail showing the inset piece at the side for the arms
Detail of the inside of the inset piece at the side

Description

The back is 14" long with a seam at the centre, and the lower edge curves down at the sides to form 12" wide extensions, 32" long at the centre front. There are inset curved pieces at the sides to extend over the wearer's arms. The edges are bound with black silk velvet, ¾" showing.

A frill of the satin on the lower edge starts from nothing at the front point of the inset curves, widening to 3½" round the sides and widening again to 5½" for 22" round the back; its edge is also bound with the black velvet.

The collar has long points at the front, 11" long on the right and 11¾" on the left, sewn to the front edge of the cape; it curves up to be 5" wide at the shoulders, and widens again at the back forming a shallow point 8½" deep at the centre; the lower edge is bound all round with the black velvet.

The cape, collar and frill are all lined with thin cream silk; the inset pieces at the sides are lined with fine natural linen. There is a hook and worked bar at the neck and another one 12" down the front edges. A layer of wool wadding lies between the silk and the lining of the cape, covered with thin cotton next to the lining.