Dating from the 1880s, this capelet is made of black silk, lavishly embroidered in Ottoman style with bugle and seed beads in floral & arabesque designs.

A long, swishy 8.5-inch fringe lines the V of the yoke in alternating groups of four strands of short bugle & seed beads. They make a wonderful striping effect, especially in lamplight and candlelight. I set up a candle in front so you can get some of the feel for how that looks.

I have to say, this piece is marvelous. If she doesn't go soon, I may keep her and restore her myself. You NEVER see so much intact bead fringe ... It's very heavy and can be hard on silk.

I lightened some photos dramatically to show off the beadwork.

Measurements
shoulder to shoulder: 16 inches
center back: 12.5 inches long plus 8.5 inches of beaded fringe

Condition is overall fair to good. She would need some work (mostly a new lining) to become wearable. For careful safekeeping, she's ready.

This genteel old lady has seen some years --140 of them. And you know what happens as silk ages. So although she is marvelous *for her age*, she has some flaws:
- the lining is shattering and is almost gone
- there are shattering patches beginning on the front
- minor bead loss (very minor--the beads on the fringes seem to be all there, which is incredible!
- there are missing/ detaching closures in the front
-the inner collar separating/shattering, mostly on the front left side.

That sounds like a very long list, but in fact this piece presents well. Again, she would need stabilizing before wearing--I recommend relining in fresh black silk to give her a strong foundation and help the silk hold up under all those beads. I'd do that even before displaying, just in case. BUT it is rare to see a piece like this with the amazing beadwork and fringe so well intact--she is a FIND!

My home is nonsmoking and pet-loving, but the cats are not allowed near the treasures.

Thank you for looking, and feel free to ask questions! I have plenty more photos and video.

This item is sold from a vintage boutique in Virginia.