1880s mourning capelet with intricate beadwork and intact 8.5-inch bead fringe

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, but I would consider re-lining her even to display on a mannequin. The last two photos show spots where the lining has disintegrated. A new lining will help the silk faille hold up the weight of all those beads. 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