BONNET Reproduction 1860 Civil War Victorian Black Moiré Handmade 1/2 Mourning

Description

Hand made 1860's style Spoon Bonnet. It is covered with heavy black
taffeta
moiré
(also known as "watered silk" with a white cotton interior. It is suitable for later stages of mourning, or as your bet Sunday bonnet.  It can be worn with or without a veil.
The bonnet is covered in black
moiré
. The interior of the brim is lined with ruched or gathered white 100% cotton.
The exterior is decorated with  three rows of 1/2" wide black gimp braid rayon silk-look trim.  The same gimp covers the bottom edge of the bonnet. The bavolet is made of low luster, very fine black lace. It is 6 3/4" wide with floral and geometric deigns and a scalloped edge. The ties  are luxurious 2 1/2" wide black satin double faced ribbon. The bonnet has as 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 into a taller or rounder shape and well at the heart shaped Marie Stuart 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 27" around the crown. and is 8 1/4" deep from the center of the crown to the back.
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.
Thanks for looking and Happy eBaying.