Mid-1860's through 1870's Fanchon bonnets, also known as a Half-Bonnets or Dinner bonnets. As the popularity of parasols made the full bonnet less of a necessity, a lighter, less bulky cap came into fashion. Fanchon in French means freedom, and the ladies of the era must have felt much lighter and freer wearing this little slip of a bonnet instead of the heavy and enclosing bonnets previously worn. The cap consists of a half-oval brim with an attached  lace bavolet. The bonnet ties under the chin with wide satin ribbons. Unlike the traditional bonnet, this bonnet could also be worn indoors with a nice visiting dress or dinner dress.

The available options: 

GREEN:  The 12" across and 8" deep bonnet is made of brown dyed natural straw.  It is open woven straw edged with loops.  The bavolet is made of ecru colored scalloped lace with floral designs.  The ribbon is 2 1/2" olive green, single faced satin.  It is decorated with a blue and black, and a gold and black butterflies, both are made of hand painted feathers. 

BROWN:   The bonnet is made of light colored natural straw. It is open woven straw edged with loops.  The white Venice lace bavolet is 4" wide with a  somewhat pointed scalloped edge.   The ties are made of chocolate brown 2 1/4" wide double faced satin ribbon.  It is decorated with a bouquet of peach, and yellow roses and blossoms with small fuzzy peach colored fox-tails.

BROWN/PEACH:  The 12" across and 8" deep bonnet is made of peach dyed natural straw.  It is open woven straw edged with loops.  The bavolet is made of sheer ecru colored  net lace with scattered leaf designs, it is edged with tiny, narrow floral lace. The ribbon is chocolate brown colored double faced satin.  The bonnet is decorated with peachy-tan colored chrysanthemums and brown eucalyptus leave sprays.  

RED/POPPIES:  Natural Light colored straw. It is open oven straw edged with loops.  The bavolet is made of low luster cream colored scalloped floral lace.  It is decorated with large fabric poppies in shades of red and maroon accented with two brown ostrich feathers. 

PEACH:  Rosy-peach colored straw, with open woven straw edged with loops.  The white lace bavolet is made of white, low luster scalloped edges.  It is decorated with lovely 2 1/4" wide double faced satin ribbon which is run across the top  of the bonnet to form the ties.  It is decorated with tiny fabric roses in shades of rose and cream with green rose leaves.  The cap is 11" across and 7 1/4" deep.

RUBY ROSES:  Natural rattan woven in an open honey-comb weave. The brim is edged with ruby cotton braid. The extra long bavolet is 12" long floral patterned lace with a scalloped edge. The bonnet is decorated with two ruby colored fabric roses with gold tinged fabric rose leaf. It measure 15" wide and 7 1/44" deep.


THE HAIR NET IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE PURCHASE PRICE. IT IS AVAILABLE. SEE:  CIVIL WAR, VICTORIAN, Hand Crocheted HAIR NET (SNOOD) 100% COTTON Many Color


These are new items, made by a retired Civil War sutler. Other colors and style are available. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. I am happy to combine shipping on multiple items. Thanks for looking and Happy eBaying!