Possible Victorian or Edwardian Mantle?

[furwise]

This may be my most prized goody of the day. At least I am sure it is the oldest.

It is black with a mandarin collar, black beads that click on my teeth like glass, and hook/eye closures.

Can you please tell me if a mantle is the correct term for this piece, if the beads could be black jet, and if it is Victorian or Edwardian?

Thank you all, Caryn

 

[Jonathan]

Its 1880s, the beads are glass, and the collar is a 'cadet' collar, not a mandarin collar (they look similar but a 'cadet' is what a standing collar is called in the 1880s).

 

[furwise]

Jonathan, Thank you so much. Is this called a mantle or maybe a bodice? There were more where I got this but I was afraid to buy them because once just rested over the shoulders and the other was like a cream opera coat.

I will go back tomorrow and buy them I think.

Thanks again, Caryn