This marvellous bonnet must have been so snug to wear. Have you ever seen such a padded example? Despite the condition, I bought this because I have never seen one before.
of mid blue fine silk with four huge puffs filled with swansdown, the front with a double gathered frill, the back puff with a split cane support, the crown with a flat section with rouleau trim surrounded by a puff, ribbon trim, inside original very narrow ribbons and lined with black cotton, back to front 10 in or 26 cm.
As you should be able to see from the photos the bonnet is quite patchy and faded.The ribbons are fragile and need a little love and attention.
The closest reference to this type of bonnet is in Nancy Bradfield's Costume in Detail, p 106 which features a black silk calash which is not wadded but seems to be of similar shape.
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