Bonnet
MillinerMade by
Unknown
Date1858-1868
MediumHand-stitched black braided straw with silk, lace, cotton lining, and wire.
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 8 3/8 x 8 1/4 x 7 1/8in. (21.3 x 21 x 18.1cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of D. F. Alvord
Object number1951.23.8
DescriptionWoman's bonnet made entirely of black materials, suggesting a mourning bonnet. The bonnet is made of black braided straw, trimmed with black ribbon, lace and silk faille. The brim is shaped to angle slightly away from the face, especially at the center top which is 3 3/4 inches wide. The ends of the brim extend to points slightly below the bottom of the crown at the back. The brim is lined with a silk faille for 2 - 2 1/4 inches. This faille is carried over the edge to the top, where it is pleated three times, forming a decorative trim 1 3/8 inches wide. A heavy wire is attached under the faille at the edge of the brim for shape and support. This wire extends around the bottom of the bonnet, above the curtain.
The crown is approximately 3 1/2 inches wide at the center top, and a scant 1 inch at the bottom. The oval back is 6 1/4 inches high and 5 inches wide. A braided straw curtain is attached along the bottom. Lined in the faille, the material is turned to the front creating an edging 5/8 inch wide. Silk ribbon is draped over the intersection between brim and crown. Four bow-loops are folded at the base of the crown, with two ends extending down 9 and 10 inches over the curtain. These wide strips (2 1/2 inches) are cut at a slight diagonal at the ends. Ribbon from this bow extends to the front, being folded and attached to the brim points and made into ties approximately 26 inches in length. Black lace with a scalloped edge, 2 inches wide, is loosely gathered and stitched under the ribbon at the brim and crown intersection towards the back.
The crown is entirely lined with a loosely-woven brown cotton. One piece is cut to line the side; the other is for the back of the bonnet.
The crown is approximately 3 1/2 inches wide at the center top, and a scant 1 inch at the bottom. The oval back is 6 1/4 inches high and 5 inches wide. A braided straw curtain is attached along the bottom. Lined in the faille, the material is turned to the front creating an edging 5/8 inch wide. Silk ribbon is draped over the intersection between brim and crown. Four bow-loops are folded at the base of the crown, with two ends extending down 9 and 10 inches over the curtain. These wide strips (2 1/2 inches) are cut at a slight diagonal at the ends. Ribbon from this bow extends to the front, being folded and attached to the brim points and made into ties approximately 26 inches in length. Black lace with a scalloped edge, 2 inches wide, is loosely gathered and stitched under the ribbon at the brim and crown intersection towards the back.
The crown is entirely lined with a loosely-woven brown cotton. One piece is cut to line the side; the other is for the back of the bonnet.
Status
Not on view
