What you?ll love about this authentic 1880s Victorian mourning cape is its haunting beauty and exquisite craftsmanship ? hand-applied cut glass beading, delicate lace edging, and tailored shoulder shaping in fine black wool crepe. Over 130 years old, this rare survivor bridges the worlds of mourning fashion, Gothic romanticism, and modern Steampunk costume art. Condition Excellent antique condition for its age (c. 1880s): Only a few small moth holes and one faint worn spot visible only when held to light. Lace trim remains strong and complete. Most cut-glass beads intact and still shimmering. Clean and stable ? fully wearable with care or ideal for display/collection. Unlined as typical for capes of the period. Provenance Note Late Victorian mourning garments (c. 1870?1890) were worn as expressions of etiquette and status following the passing of a loved one. This cape?s lightweight wool, scalloped lace, and jet-style glass beading identify it as a half-mourning garment ? elegant yet subdued. Likely crafted by a domestic or atelier dressmaker for an upper-middle-class woman. Pop Culture Screen Style References ? Evokes the Gothic silhouettes seen in Crimson Peak, Penny Dreadful, and Sherlock Holmes (2009) ? ideal for Steampunk, period costuming, or historical exhibitions. Style Aesthetics ? Gothic Romantic / Mourningwear ? Steampunk Victoriana Revival ? Antique Textile Preservation Measurements Shoulder width: 16? Length (from shoulder): 26? (Free size through body due to open-front cape design.) Approx. Modern Fit Best fits modern XS ? M frames if worn as costume/outerwear; can be displayed on standard 6?8 form. Fabric / Materials Unlined black wool crepe with hand-sewn cut-glass beading and fine lace trim. Natural aging consistent with a 19th-century textile; structurally sound and flexible. Sustainability Note Preserving and re-wearing Victorian textiles extends the life of 19th-century handcraft ? a sustainable homage to eras of slow, meticulous garment making. Costuming CTA Costuming a film, theater, or creative project? Contact Miss Kitty ? we have extensive Victorian and Edwardian inventory not yet listed and offer bulk/volume discounts for productions. Think Crimson Peak or Penny Dreadful authenticity. Thanks for Shopping at The Cats Pajamas! PLEASE ASK Miss Kitty any QUESTIONS BEFORE PURCHASING! Seriously, fire away! We love to chat and want to make sure you're doing a happy dance when your goodies arrive! RETURN POLICY: Our treasures are sold as final sale (no take-backsies!), but your satisfaction is our jam! We get it ? photos can only tell half the story, so don't be shy about those questions! CONDITION: All our finds are sold as-is, straight from a clean, smoke-free zone. Unless we've called out a specific "quirk," these beauties are flawless and ready to shine! SHIPPING: We're on it! Standard 2-day handling, though we usually process same or next day; or if you're in a real big hurry, zip, zap, zoom with 1-day express via USPS or UPS. INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: Hey globetrotters! Just a friendly heads-up: you're on the hook for any import taxes or customs fees. We play by the rules and give customs the full scoop, so no surprises there!