Name of this Civil War jacket:?

Question

Does anyone remember what this kind of women's jacket is called?

It has a sloped neck, is fitted, w/ pagoda sleeves, and it flares out at the end. I see it a lot at reenactments. The name is either Spanish or French.

Answer 1

I worked in a costume museum, although I had an idea that is was called a "basque" I didn't know for certain. I like the old costumes very much, some of the needle work is so intricate, they were really skilled with a needle and thread. We have as a family heirloom a ladies" mourning" dress, from it has been passed down and dated 1839. It has an 18" waist, and the colour is deep purple, with a black lace trim, so this would be from the next stage of mourning, all black is the first 6 months to a year and then after a year the colour changed to purple, if that's what the ladies preferred.