Collections record Beta

Pelerine or Cape

1985-03-1

Short black wool woman's cape. Two pieces, called lappets, extend past the hem of the cape approximately ten inches. It is a simple shape with extra cloth cut and folded to allow for arm movement. The neck is high and decorated with black lace and braiding. The lace and braiding decoration are also seen on the lappets and around the hem, front,and back, of the cape. The braids are in a leaf and flower design. The lace is probably machine made in the Valenciennes pattern. These decorative elements rise slightly above the hem on the neck at the center to create an added decoration to the otherwise plain back. To create some shape for the cape the neck has been piped on the inside of the back with three vertical strips. There is also some piping at the arm openings. The only places where the cape is lined are along the piping, neck and hem. The lining is dark brown material, probably silk. Dark brown thread, visible on the inside, is used to hold the lace in place. The cape is fastened with five hook and eye closures that extend down the front.

The permanent location will be noted once CS is rearranged.

1835-1850

OH: 34 in., OW: 34 in.

• wool