Black crape mourning bonnet with attached veil, c. 1870-1900, from the Texas Civil War Museum collection. Classically styled, the close-fitting bonnet with a small wired brim may have been worn at any time during the date range. The bonnet is completely covered with black mourning crape, a particular type of sheer silk fabric with a pronounced diagonal crimp, used only for mourning clothing and millinery worn during the initial period of bereavement. A wide band of crape pleated into soft folds encircles the base of the crown where it meets the brim. The center of a black crape mourning veil, 32" wide x 104" long, is attached to the top of the bonnet beneath the pleated band and hangs over the shoulders and back, ending mid-lower calf on most wearers. Each narrow end of the veil is finished with a 3" hem. The bonnet is lined in black silk. A label with the words “Haute Mode, Ida Sallement, Provins” is sewn to the lining. The style of the words on the label indicates the bonnet may have been created in the latter years of the estimated date range.

Condition: Good. The bonnet would benefit from steaming and re-shaping. The silk crape is soft and intact, without holes or rears.  [cs][ph:L]

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