ANTIQUE VICTORIAN MOURNING JACKET 

Size XS

Circa 1890

• Black silk twill
• Close fit
• Concealed hook and eye fastenings through front
• Unlined 

STYLE NOTE:   So...mourning garb has been around for a long, long, looooong time. But let's just go back to Edwardian times, say mid-1800's. When the Prince Albert died in 1861, Queen Victorian went into permanent mourning. Full stop.

Because the 19th century brought huge advancements in dyes, including black, it was a matter of incredible fashion timing. Queen V was even able to walk her daughters down the aisle wearing all black. A cheery mother-of-the-bride look to be sure.

But this meant well-to-do women could now commission entire wardrobes of mourning garments (because of course, mourning was basically a women's job). And pretty soon it fancy trimmings became a thing: jet beads, bits of embroidery, lace, etc.  

Which brings us to this jet-encrusted stunner. It's like… a lot. In a good way. But its owner clearly had $$$. Check the meticulous tailoring... exquisite pleating... dramatic (and puffy) mutton sleeves... ornate jet bead leaf trims. 

And the interior finish work is even more OMG, with every seam edge taped and sewn flat. With tiny stitches. By hand. Ditto the corset stays. And the hidden pouch (to keep the hair of the dead...)

Our consignor found this jacket in London... and it really is a beauty.  

CONDITION:  In very good overall condition The outer black silk layer shows only minor wear - two small tear along the sleeve seam which aren't noticeable without close inspection. A spot of wear at the left cuff. A few missing beads (barely any).  Bottom line, Excellent for a 125 year old jacket.

MEASUREMENTS:

Bust 32"

Waist 22"

Length 21.5"