Empress Elisabeth of Austria – a black mourning cape, after 1889 Black silk damask interwoven with a delicate floral pattern. The shoulders embellished with continuous wavy, appliquéd borders of small, black, glass beads, surrounded by black sequins. Below which six en suite floral ornaments with faceted, black glass beads in the middle. The collar trimmed with ruched, black silk (minor defects and losses to the fabric) and a wide border of fine lace. Approximately one third of the cape fastening with a black silk ribbon at the throat and four hooks beneath it. The hem also trimmed with black lace, the seam covered with a wide velvet ribbon. Black silk linen lining, also under the lace at the hem. A black label with the crowned monogram "E" in black embroidery sewn into the neck. Overall in beautiful condition. Provenance: Hermann Historica, 21st Auction in November 1989, lot 2681. Thereafter in a private German collection. Condition: II -