c1900 Jet Bead & Silk Evening Coat

This is an astonishing and extremely beautiful and rare, antique textile that is also a superbly finished and still wearable garment. This is an early, turn of the century, coat made of a rich silk matte satin. It has hand applied and custom cut detailing added in a rich, plush velvet on the sleeves, around the collar, down the entire front circling the hem and then extensively throughout the back. The velvet was then accented and hand beaded -all in glossy black, jet beads. Worked within the design are large dots of faceted jet. I don't think I have seen a coat this elaborately worked and in this wonderful a condition from this time period before. Though unlabeled it is absolutely couture level quality and workmanship. Inside it is lined in a fine taupe colored silk and between the exterior and interior is a batting that was added for warmth. It is very heavy because of the wadding and the jet, I would guess it is well over 10lbs and it is very finely, meticulously made. For all it's weight it is surprisingly comfortable once on. The back is slightly longer and has a wide full cut with an astonishing amount of fabric. The sleeves are amazing - wide and full with a curve just above the wrist for extra width! Really a find and a beautiful piece in every way! Museum quality condition and a superb piece!

Shoulders: no defined seam, approx 15.5"
Sleeves: approx 22" long
Bust: 18" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Waist: 22" flat across the back from side seam to side seam
Total length: 52" from back of inside the neck to bottom hem at back

The coat is fully lined in fine taupe tissue silk. It closes with hidden flat metal hook & eye that run along the front. There may be some tiny areas of missing beads here and there but none that I find requires an extra note on. The inside lining is starting to shatter along the neck and there are a couple of watermarks and small spots inside. I made some small repairs along the seam under each arm and had my seamstress stabilize a 2 inch tear that was radiating out from under the arm but it is the original lining and still wearable and basically sound other then the area photoed. Other then these tiny things there are no real flaws to note - the coat is astonishingly strong and beautiful. It is a garment that is over 100 years old so has natural patina and should be treated with love and care when worn and stored please. Note the color is true black. All hand done.

Note that antique and twenties pieces are final sale. They will be packed exceedingly well and we only sell pieces that will stand up to the stress of shipping, however, having pieces potentially shipped multiple times through multiple customs and countries is too hard on garments that are historically important and deserve to be treated with love and care. Please purchase accordingly.

Modern size equivalent: SML-MED

Item# C165

This garment is in sound, clean, as found condition and is odor free. Thoroughly checked over before shipping, it will be ready to wear upon arrival