Old Rags

Mourning ensemble, ca 1870 US, the Metropolitan Museum of Art

Black mourning dress reached its peak during the reign of Queen Victoria (1819-1901) of the United Kingdom in the second half of the 19th century. Queen Victoria wore mourning from the death of her husband, Prince Albert (1819-1861), until her own death. With these standards in place, it was considered a social requisite to don black from anywhere between three months to two and a half years while grieving for a loved one or monarch. The stringent social custom existed for all classes and was available at all price points. Those who could not afford the change of dress often altered and dyed their regular garments black. The amount of black to be worn was dictated by several different phases of mourning; full mourning ensembles were solid black while half mourning allowed the wearer to add a small amount of white or purple. Mourning clothing tended to follow the fashionable silhouette of the period, much like this exquisitely finished full mourning dress. This dress shows typical high style 1870s touches such as asymmetry, the bustle back and decorative hem details. The refined details are worked in black crinkled crepe, a common textile used for mourning attire, which indicates that the owner may have had the garment produced for a special occasion.

(Source: metmuseum.org)

Half bonnet of green velvet, ca 1870 US, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

A half bonnet of green velvet, front edge with point in center, covered with gathered matching velvet, rosette bow of green satin ribbon on top, two sets of ties, one green satin, one green velvet.

6 months ago
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photo headwear US victorian bustle 1860's 1870's 19th century 1869 1870 1871

Bergère, 19th century US (probably ca 1871-72 if it’s really 19th century), the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Woman’s “Bergere” hat(a), shoulder cape(b), and cap(c). Each of white satin-weave silk with a simple curved leafy spring repeating in close over-turned staggered rows. B and C with affixed paper tags having the name “Mrs. S.J. Rae or (Ral). A: stained, some missing fabric repaired or leaving cardboard underform visible. B: slightly stained. C: good condition.

Shown here with a matching shoulder cape and cap:

A Treat for her Pet by Guillaume Dubufe, 1871 France, private collection

I really want a bird but I’ll never have one because I’ll always have a cat. :(

Men’s livery, ca 1870 France

Click to go to the absentee bidding page. This Kerry Taylor auction will end October 16th at 2:00 PM GMT (9:00 AM EST). You will need to register to bid ahead of time.

Medici cage crinoline “with improver”, late 1860’s-early 1870’s

Does anyone know what a Medici cage crinoline is? Is it maybe a brand or model name?

Click to go to the absentee bidding page. This Kerry Taylor auction will end October 16th at 10:30 AM GMT (5:30 AM EST). You will need to register to bid ahead of time.