Might this be a Victorian mourning jacket, or are they fancier than this? Or maybe a riding coat? There's not a hint of lace anywhere. I do think it's a woman coat since it appears to be cut to accentuate a woman's figure. Any insight? There appear to be many areas that once had stitching but now doesn't, as though it were altered at some point.
Hello, It is not a jacket, but is a bodice, the top of a 2 piece dress and would likely have had a matching skirt. The buttons may have been replaced over the years (not sure of course) as I would expect shank buttons for this garment (buttons with no through holes in front). Hard to date it exactly as it is laying down flat, but it appears to be late 1880s time period. It certainly could have been worn by a lady while in mourning, but my guess is was not intended strictly for that purpose. People wore a lot of black clothing for all ocassions and purposes. In the close up photo, it looks like silk faille.
Strange left over right opening. Looks like seams overcast by hand. Would this garment have been lined?
I wondered that too, about a lining, or if something was worn under it as it seems it would be very uncomfortable worn as is. Every seam is hand sewn along the fabric edges. Someone paid quite a bit of attention to detail. I am posting more pics. There are two fabric loops sewn inside just along the bottom of the arm opening on both sides and I was wondering what the purpose of them might be.
My guess is the loops are for hanging, but this period is not my area of expertise. Other thoughts, anyone?
Not an expert on this period either, but regarding it not being lined... remember that ladies at that time would have worn a lot more underneath their clothes than we do today, so this wouldn't have been worn on bare skin anyway.
I got another pic of it laying flat. You can see a hint of the sleeve lining on both sides, and the loops along the underside of each arm hole, to give a better idea of where they are situated.
