1880s Antique Victorian Dolman Mantle
Designed to be worn over the fashionable bustle dresses of the 1870s and 1880s, dolmans were intended for warmth in the out of doors. Trimmed with thick silk chenille around the collar, front opening, sleeves and hemline while the body is decorated with heavy black cord worked in a floral design across the front, sleeves and at center back. The main fabric is an aqua silk plush with the chenille being dyed a slightly darker green/blue shade. Black silk quilted lining. The back hemline is designed to accommodate a full bustle skirt.
Condition is very good with some loss to the chenille trim and an area of discoloration on the back left at approximately elbow height. The front may have been hemmed up approximately 2 to 3 inches but does not appear to have been cut so could be returned to its original length if desired. This adjustment was probably done for the original wearer and is not a new alteration.
Measures approximately 40" across the bust line, 13" across the back of the shoulders with a 25" length at center back and 50" at center front from neckline to hem.
