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Gift of Harriette Harrison, 1960.77.13  © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.
Bonnet
Gift of Harriette Harrison, 1960.77.13 © 2009 The Connecticut Historical Society.

Bonnet

Dateabout 1848-1855
MediumHand-stitched silk satin, stiffened buckram and paper, net lining, wire, and silk ribbons
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 11 x 8 1/2 x 9in. (27.9 x 21.6 x 22.9cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Harriette Harrison
DescriptionWoman's bonnet of black silk satin with self-fabric trim. The brim, approximately five inches deep at the center top, flares out from around the face. It is lined with cream-colored silk satin stitched smoothly around the edge and evenly pleated at the inside seam. The brim measures thirty inches around the face, the ends being very pointed below the chin line. The crown is four inches deep, with a circular diameter of 4 1/2 inches. The seam between the brim and the crown is covered with overlapping folds of the black satin. A second set of more narrow folds encircle the crown at the top. A curtain, lined with brown net, is stitched around the neck of the bonnet, gathered at the top and also stitched securely to the pointed ends of the brim. The curtain (or "bavolet") is also decorated at the bottom with a narrow band of two folds of black satin. The ties are made from 1 1/8 inch-wide silk ribbon, black with white edging, stitched to the points of the brim. The ties are approximately 25 inches long. The crown is lined with a layer of loosely woven fabric over heavily starched buckram. The base or frame for the bonnet appears to be heavily starched paper and buckram. The wire along the brim edge further supports the bonnet's shape.
Object number1960.77.13
Subject Terms
    On View
    Not on view
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