ROYAL Felt Cape, from the estate of Duchess Maria Immakulata of Württemberg, born Archduchess of Austria, 1900

Ladies' cape made of ecru-colored felt fabric, ca. 1900, lined on the inside with golden yellow silk. Two inside pockets. Collar decorated with velvet. Outside darts indicating a pocket and emphasizing the edge of the hem. Hook and eye closure.  Capes of this type were designed to keep out rainwater, but also to keep warm. They were often worn over street clothes, but were also occasionally worn for hunting. In very good condition. A small tear in the lining silk. 

This cape came from Maria Immakulata, born Archduchess of Austria and Duke Robert of Württemberg. Maria was a sister-in-law of Marie-Valerie (a daughter of Empress Sisi/Elisabeth of Austria), a great-great-great-granddaughter of Emperor Leopold II of Austria and a great-great-great-granddaughter of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. On October 29, 1900, Maria married Duke Robert von Württemberg, five years her senior and a son of Duke Philipp von Württemberg and Marie Theresa of Austria, in Vienna. On the occasion of this royal wedding, a whole trousseau was made, probably including this cape.

The jewels of Maria Immaculata were auctioned for millions of euros at Sotheby's in Geneva in November 2023.

We acquired this cape, along with other wonderful and rare pieces, from the estate of Dr. Alexander Eugen Duke of Württemberg (1933-2024). 

Biographical details: 
Maria Immakulata of Austria (full name: Maria Immakulata Rainera Josepha Ferdinande Theresia Leopoldine Antoinette Henriette Franziska Karoline Aloysia Januaria Christine Philomena Rosalia; * September 3, 1878 in Baden (Lower Austria); † November 25, 1968 at Altshausen Castle, Altshausen, Baden-Württemberg) was a born Archduchess of Austria as well as Princess of Tuscany and by marriage Duchess of Württemberg.
Maria Immakulata was descended from the House of Habsburg. She was the seventh child and fourth daughter of Archduke Karl Salvator of Austria-Tuscany and his wife Maria Immaculata of Naples-Sicily. Maria Immaculata died in 1968 at the age of 90 at Altshausen Castle in Württemberg, where she was also buried.

Length: ~ 52 cm