Authentic Civil War Era Capelette in Claret Red Silk, circa 1862

It is effortless to imagine the moment when the original owner extinguished her candle, just before she untied the ribbons on this capelette...because her fingertip left a tiny mark from the candle's hot wax upon the interior lining when she went to pull it from off her shoulders.

Aside from this, the capelette is in extraordinarily rare and magnificent perfect condition. It is destined only for the most discerning collector....

Curators, civil war reenactors and discerning collectors will all be drawn to its elegance. 

It is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. The capelette is in such a rarely found, nearly perfect condition that it will delight everyone who sees it.

It appears so lovely, that we have to wonder if it was ever actually worn. However, yes, there the tiny waxy mark is the only evidence that it was indeed used at least once by its original owner....well over 150 years ago. 

This short, rounded cape style is seen in Civil War era tintypes dated to circa 1862. 

It is, of course, entirely hand sewn. The capelette is made from deep, claret colored silk and lined with a luxuriously contrasting, warm rose colored silk. It has front ties that are made from the matching claret silk. 

The second layer of fringe around the neck is actually edging a very deep collar...creating a drape similar to a double shawl that also accentuates the dropped shoulder as found on dresses from this era. This is perfectly lined with matching silk. Again, the hand stitching is simply a joy to examine. 

This capelette will bring awe to anyone who loves antique textiles. Typically, when one finds silk articles of clothing from this era, they are filled with splits or tiny pin holes. This is so nearly perfect. Simply hold it up to a bright light and you will see nothing more than the shadows of exquisite embroidery. There are two very small dark spots likely created by the original owner. These actually appear to be tiny stains caused by something such as candle wax on a fingertip. This small discoloration is less than 1/4 inch or 1/2 centimeter wide and is found only on the interior lining, near the neck. The pin head sized dot is next to it. Aside from what was mentioned already, this c. 1862 cape is in extraordinarily rare and magnificent perfect condition. It is destined only for the most discerning collector.... 

The silk shows no signs of degradation.  The capelette's design was created in a simple half circle. It measures approximately 10.25 inches or 26 cm around the neckline. It is approximately 63 inches or 160 cm in length. Shoulder width is 12.5 inches or 32 cm. Mid back length (not counting fringe length) is approximately 21.5 inches or 54.5 cm. The secondary layer is approximately 7 inches or 13 cm measuring at the back, again not counting fringe length. The silk hand-knotted fringe is approximately 4.5 inches or 11.5 cm in length overall. 

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.