Advice on Victorian Garment

S

sharky

Registered Guest
Hello to all,

I'm new to these forums and wanted to say hello.

I also wanted to ask advice about a women's Victorian top/jacket I have that is made of jet-black beads in a netted pattern, with a peplum. It is completely beaded. I'd like to date it accurately and would also appreciate suggestions about the best means for selling an historical piece.

Thanks so much for your expertise!

Regards,
Jenny
 
Thanks, Midge!

Yes, I now have photos and will post a few now. I have more detail shots, if those are helpful too.
 

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Jonathan,

Thanks so much for your answer.
May I ask specifically which elements indicate it's from the 1880s? Is it the beaded netting in itself?
Again, thanks so much for your expertise!

- Jenny
 
It's the shape - tight sleeves and waist with splayed tails to fit over a wide skirt at the hips. If it were later the sleeves would be a bit larger and the tails a bit narrower, if it were earlier, it would be longer and more fitted over the hips. That technique of beaded netting is typical of the 1880s as well. I have seen it used for mantles (capes), and less extravagantly on sleeves of bodices. Your example is very extreme.
 
Thanks so much again, Jonathan, for sharing all your knowledge. Much appreciated!

The only other -- and in fact, more extreme -- garment I've been able to find online that is similar to mine is what I've attached below. I found it on Pinterest and it links back to vintagetextile.com, but the images/description don't seem to live on that site anymore. I'm going to write her to ask. This one is described as a "French bead knitted mantle, c. 1889."

I'm also wondering what its county of origin/maker might might be, if anyone has any ideas. Did these tend to be French?

The story behind my jacket is that I inherited it from a branch of my family that had a prominent publishing empire in Albany, NY, during the Victorian era.
 

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Your piece is a bit more unusual in that is isn't a mantle. The example you found is a wonderful textile in a fairly common shape. I agree with Jonathan on 1880s. No idea on whether it's French manufacture or not. But I wouldn't be surprised if it's European.
 
pastperfect2 -
Thanks so much for your opinion. Greatly appreciated!
Really enjoying this forum. So glad I found this group.
- Jenny
 
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