Antique Edwardian Cape circa 1910 with Grand Sweep Embroidered and Trimmed with French Silk Passementerie

This exquisite cape is exceedingly fine and will cause anyone to pause and look twice, if not three times. Certainly, this is an exciting find from the Edwardian era, circa 1910. 

In a what could be termed tea length, the cape was created in an ivory silk crêpe georgette, then lined with silk chiffon. Originally, it would have been worn as a wrap over a full length gown. The drape at the back is ever so slightly longer and this exquisite creation moves with both drama and grace. 

The cape was decorated over the front, shoulders, back and sides with an elegant, hand-embroidered floral motif executed with glistening silk embroidery floss. The raised embroidery is masterful and breathtaking. The grand French silk passementerie closure across the front adds luxurious prestige to the overall design. 

The sweep is glorious and measures 186 inches or 472 cm around the lower edge of the hem. The cape is almost circular in shape, with nicely tailored shoulder seams and features slits for the arms. These measure 7 inches or 20 cm in length inside their seams, and begin approximately 11 inches or 28 cm below the shoulder seams. The shoulder seams measure approximately 16-18 inches or 40.5 to 45.5 cm. 

Due to the beautifully tailored cap shape over the shoulders to the cape, it can easily accommodate more than one size. 

The length from the front shoulder seam to the base of the hem is 48 inches or 122 cm. The measurement at the bust region is approximately 55 cm or 140 where the cape flares. The circumference around the neck is approximately 17.25 or 43.8 cm. 

The matching collar is self lined and has a single hook and eye closure in addition to the six original closures down the front. The passementerie features rosettes, tassels and knotted braiding. It has two silk wrapped hook and eye closures at each end. This is designed so that it may be removed entirely if required. 

This cape is amazingly beautiful and in fabulous condition, in our opinion. It is rated at excellent plus condition overall and could easily be improved upon through the hands of skilled conservationists. We have not attempted to clean it. There is no shattering whatsoever from what we have determined from in our opinions during inspections. The cape is wonderful and strong.

This cape is such a magnificent example from the Edwardian period that we do not recommend wearing it. However, it is strong enough for wear if one so desired…of course, with tender loving care since its long term value depends on the overall condition. 

For those who might purchase the cape with the intent to wear it, there are a few relatively minor problems. Please refer to the photographs, although the issues with this cape are relatively minor and most were quite difficult to capture in the imagery. If you have any questions, please inquire prior to purchase as we would be very pleased to spend any amount of time with you and answer all your concerns then. 

The cape comes from a private collection and was stored in such a way that it has a few minor stains and a very few tiny pinholes. The spots and stains may be cleaned by a skilled conservationist experienced in antique silks. We cannot guarantee the results, but this is certainly a very strong candidate overall for restoration. We have not attempted to clean this nor have we ironed the cape at all so as to not further set in any of the problematic areas. 

If one intends to wear this cape, the small spots (that might not come out) and tiny pinholes (which shall require restorative attention) are so minimal that they could be hidden with matching embroidery over silk chiffon supports. This must be done by a museum level, skilled professional. There is a small stain or soiled mark from storage on the left side corner just below the arm slot. There are also two faint red marks, one on the hem at the back. There is a miniscule snag that is quite fixable by a skilled hand, in the embroidery over the left shoulder. There are very small areas here and there causing slight shadows from dust. All are less than a dime’s width in size. The largest stain is on the interior lining and may be seen in the photograph of the draped, open cape that was photographed off the mannequin. 

The cape has a label on the back that is handwritten and stitched in such a way that makes us believe that this is a museum decommission. It is illegible and appears equally old as the cape. The passementerie trim may have been added at a slightly later date by the original owner. It is, however, authentic to this period.