Girl's Bonnet
MillinerMade by
Unknown
Date1852-1863
MediumHand-stitched of bias-woven strips of white horsehair, a strip of braided straw or grass, and a paper lining
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 13 1/8 x 6 x 8 1/2in. (33.3 x 15.2 x 21.6cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mariette Newman Fitch
Object number1952.69.37
DescriptionGirl's spoon bonnet of white horsehair with a paper lining. The bonnet is constructed of strips of bias-woven horsehair that are approximately 3/8 inch wide. It is shaped to flare up and away from the face of the wearer, with the brim and crown creating a smooth line to the back of the head. The brim, measuring 2 1/8 inches wide at the center top, is decorated with two rows of horsehair braided in a decorative pattern. These strips alternate with the bias ones, with a bias strip placed at the edge of the brim. The brim measures 28 1/2 inches around the face, ending at each side with narrow points that extend well below the back of the bonnet. The crown measures six inches at the center top, narrowing along the sides. The back circle measures approximately four inches in diameter. The depth of the crown at the bottom, or back of the neck, measures 1 1/4 inches. This bottom edge, including the inside curve of each brim point, is bound on the outside with a bias strip of horsehair. On the inside, it is reinforced with a strip of braided straw or grass. A piece of lightweight paper, approximately five inches wide, is stitched to the inside of the crown at the seam line with the brim. It is then folded back and left as a lining. Apparently, this bonnet form was never used.
NotesHistorical Notes: According to museum records, this bonnet sold for three dollars.Status
Not on view
