Mourning cape

Victorian mourning traditions were complex and circumscribed. Full mourning, with its proscribed all-black clothing, lasted a year and a day, while second mourning, which followed, lasted six to nine months and allowed for some use of trim and small jewelry. Half-mourning lasted three to six months and allowed for more elaborate fabrics and jewelry. This cape is an example of a half-mourning evening garment. It was purchased at Abraham & Straus by Brooklyn resident Florence Madden Adriance (1878-1915), who was the grandmother of the donors.

Founded in 1865 as Wechsler & Abraham by Abraham Abraham (1843-1911) and Joseph Wechsler (ca. 1837-n.d.), Abraham & Straus became the largest department in store in Brooklyn during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.