Rare and Mint 1880s Mourning Bonnet for fashion Small Child, Appears Worn Just Once

Rare due to authenticity, design, construction, and outstanding (nearly unbelievable) condition. This was originally a most costly and extravagant accessory bonnet for a tiny child in mourning. It dates to the 1880s and is an unusual example of Victorian high fashion for babies or tiny toddlers. The bonnet is in immaculate condition and appears to have only been worn once, and very gently at that.

The bonnet is an amazing child-size couture miniature of a fashionable adult woman's mourning bonnet, and it was likely designed to coordinate with her mother's clothing and hat. Again, the bonnet would have been couture and quite costly so that only the most well-to-do family could have afforded this luxurious creation.

The construction is breathtaking in comparison to even most of the adult bonnets from this period. Beautifully woven natural horsehair forms a lacy layer across the silk faced, wired foundation. A plethora of delicate silk flowers cover the back of the bonnet, each hand-cut and fashioned with tiny stamens added to their centers so that they resemble black violets. Violets were the flower that denoted remembrance at the time and commonly used of course for mourning attire.

The black violets are nestled into a sizeable puff of airy black silk chiffon. A pert black silk satin bow trims the base of the hat that would have been tied about the child's chin with lavishly long black silk ribbons. These are approximately 26" or slightly over 66 cm in length. Again, this sumptuous length of ribbon would sometimes extend to the waist in women's bonnet designs as seen in fashion magazines during the mid to late 1880s.

The top of the hat is trimmed to match the long ribbons with large wired silk ribbon "loops" or "ears" as they were sometimes called. The wires are carefully faced; bound in sable-colored silk threads. These hold the silk loops upright, adding balance to the overall design atop the hat with such an immense bow at the neck.

The front of the hat is trimmed with a wide band of rich black velvet that is softly ruched. The interior of the hat is lined with black polished cotton.

I have handled thousands upon thousands of hats in my work and research about the history of the millinery trade over many years. This little bonnet stands out as a true treasure and will make a spectacular addition to any Victorian museum exhibition or discerning clothing and millinery collection.

CONDITION: Mint. It appears as though used only once. The Gilded Griffin received a small group of mourning items from the same family and this was included. All are unusual and once costly items that have been carefully stored away. There is no damage outside of a very small split in the incredibly long silk ribbons at the end of one. This is otherwise unbelievably exceptional. No storage odors, stains, or insect issues. Sadly, I do not know anything at all about the family nor where they originally lived.

MEASUREMENTS: This tender bonnet would likely fashion fit a small-sized little girl aged 12 to 24-months-old. The bonnet is wired and somewhat flexible overall. It measures approximately 7" or 18 cm from the base to the top. It is about 6" or 15.25 cm wide. The interior polished cotton gathered interior section measures 5" or nearly 13 cm both in height and width. The gathers are designed to be adjustable.

Please do not hesitate to ask sizing questions prior to purchase. I will be most pleased to assist!


—————-Thank you!

Please Note: All items in the inventory here at The Gilded Griffin are stored in archival museum storage away from the world and are pristine, and germ-free. We take your health as well as clothing and textile conservation seriously!

All measurements are considered approximate. Alterations may be necessary if you plan on wearing any of these historical pieces. Most importantly, if you have any concerns about sizing or durability for wear, please contact me so that I may advise you!

I work with clients daily in such matters including collectors, museum curators, as well as those in the arts, movie, and theatre industries. I will be very happy to assist in your decisions and your personal information will be kept confidential. If you would like to know more about my education and areas of expertise, please Google www.juliahenriappraiser.com.