Hello! I recently acquired this victorian feather capelet, along with a group of other Victorian clothing. The seller told me it was ostrich, but it looks unlike any ostrich feather I've seen. My friend Caryn Schneider Mcgregor kindly referred me to this page for advice. I appreciate your expertise on this. Thanks!
Victorian feather capelet
- Thread starter TSVINTAGE
- Start date
Hi Emily 
,
Glad you posted here. Some of our other members may be able to help but @Rue_de_la_Paix is our millinery specialist and she knows her feathers well. When she logs on, not sure when that will be but when she does hopefully she can help.
, Glad you posted here. Some of our other members may be able to help but @Rue_de_la_Paix is our millinery specialist and she knows her feathers well. When she logs on, not sure when that will be but when she does hopefully she can help.
Rue_de_la_Paix
VFG Member
That is a very interesting garment. It is not ostrich. From the photos, and without handling it, I would say it is a mix of 2 types of feathers. The more slender shinier feathers appear to be hackles, which are feathers from a rooster. The others look like a domestic fowl such as turkey, or perhaps duck or goose. They do look most like turkey to me.
Could you show us the reverse side of this? I am curious to see how it is made on the back. Also, how long/wide is it? I am not seeing Victorian in this, but perhaps it could be. I have never seen Victorians use these types of feathers in clothing, as a rule. They tended to use a more exotic feather or plume. But it could be a specialty item.
Could you show us the reverse side of this? I am curious to see how it is made on the back. Also, how long/wide is it? I am not seeing Victorian in this, but perhaps it could be. I have never seen Victorians use these types of feathers in clothing, as a rule. They tended to use a more exotic feather or plume. But it could be a specialty item.
Thank you Barbara and Caryn! I based the victorian date on the the context of the buy as well as the capes' backing, which is a shredding (sadly) blend of what feels like silk or an early silk/synthetic blend. There was one early 20s dress in the group as well, so perhaps a bit later? I purchased this lot from a contact who does cleanouts and was told it all came from an attic trunk (..of course it could have been tossed in the trunk later, you never know). I took some photos. The cape is about 13" high and just over 30" at its longest. Would love your thoughts!
