My Favorite Old Hat

DressUP

DressUP

Registered Guest
Well I was recently at an auction and picked up this little hat.
http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/DressUP1278/DSCN0969.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/DressUP1278/DSCN0971.jpg

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/DressUP1278/DSCN0970.jpg

It's black velvet not blue like the pictures make it appear. It has lots of ruffles made out of some light fluttery material. It has a strap that ties under the chin but it is disconnected at the one side. The ENTIRE thing seems to be handsewn. Here's a pic of the interior:

http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/DressUP1278/DSCN0972.jpg

(that's a pretty bad pic of the handstitches)

Here's a somewhat aerial view...


http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb164/DressUP1278/DSCN0976.jpg

I think it's pretty old. It was at an auction with some pretty victorian pieces from 2 lifetime antique collectors. Any help with dating or any info would be appreciated. :)

*SAM*

p.s. sorry there are links not pictures, but I messed up the whole photobucket thing again...
 
DSCN0969.jpg


DSCN0971.jpg


DSCN0970.jpg


It's black velvet not blue like the pictures make it appear. It has lots of ruffles made out of some light fluttery material. It has a strap that ties under the chin but it is disconnected at the one side. The ENTIRE thing seems to be handsewn. Here's a pic of the interior:

DSCN0972.jpg


(that's a pretty bad pic of the handstitches)

Here's a somewhat aerial view...

DSCN0976.jpg
 
Don't suppose you have a head to strap it to, do you? Might read better that way. The chin strap is what's getting me, and why start with blue velvet if you're going to cover it up with organza (I'm speculating on the fabric)?

Veerrryy Intahresting!
 
Looks like an 1880s Victorian silk velvet bonnet to me. It should sit toward the back of the head rather than square on top. It's likely either a mourning bonnet or an older womens bonnet.

Hollis
 
Thank you all for the responses!! I have another little question. The strap is broken, what would be the best way to fix it?? I will do what's best for the hat and the hat's value. Any feedback would be appreciated. Normally I would just stitch it in but I never deal with hats this old and do not want to mess it up.
Thanks, *SAM* :hiya:
 
If the entire tie ribbon is there, but just detached, stitch it back in in the same manner as the other side. If it's torn off lower down, I would leave it alone.

Hollis
 
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