Handmade 1860's style Spoon Bonnet.
The bonnet is covered in a silk-look polyester decorated with rows of self-fabric ruffles and matching flat pink cotton lace. I should be worn as a "best bonnet" to wear to church services or afternoon visits. The interior of the brim is lined with sheer white 100% cotton, the ruffled edges are finished with scalloped edged white floral ruffled lace. The bavolet is made of low luster 7" flower patterned lace with a scalloped edge (sorry the pictures came out a bit beige, but the lace is pure white). The ribbon ties are made of 1 1/2" wide double-faced pink satin ribbon. There are small self-fabric bows attached at each side of the bonnet above the ribbon ties. The bonnet has been completely hand stitched, with the exception of the basting stitches of the interior ruching.
The brim of the bonnet has a wire inside which can be gently shaped and reshaped to be taller or rounder or into the heart shaped Marie Stuart style. Shape the bonnet to flatter your individual face shape.
The bonnet is designed to sit toward the back of the head, as shown on the model. One size fit's most women. It measures 28" around the crown and is 9" deep from the center front to the top of the back. The back is 6" tall.
The veil is vintage 100% silk crepe finished with a narrow-rolled edge. It measures 40" by 72". Typically, it would have been pinned to the brim of the bonnet using straight pins.
The spoon bonnet was introduced in the early 1860's and was one of the most popular women's hats during the Civil War period (1860-65) The 1860 high brim spoon bonnet has a high top that rose straight up from the crown, giving it the shape of a spoon. It was made with short sides which finish at the bottom with a narrow strap where the decorative ribbon ties can be attached to hold the bonnet firmly on the head. The back of the bonnet is cut high to accommodate a decorative bavolet or curtain. The bonnet provided little protection from the sun (hence the necessity of a parasol) but allowed for elaborate decoration inside and outside the tall brim. Examples show ruffle, lace bows, silk flowers and feathers to frame the wearer's face. The spoon bonnet was worn by more prosperous women and young ladies who wanted to wear the "latest fashion."
Please feel free to contact me with any questions, I am a retired Civil War reenactor/sutler and have been making bonnets for almost 40 years.
I am happy to combine shipping on multiple items. Thanks for looking and Happy eBaying.