Victorian "Mourning" Bonnet of Satin order Bows

So what exactly is "Mourning" order attire, and why was it so prevalent in the Victorian age in the 1800's? Well, by the middle of the nineteenth century, family mourning became a very public sign of upper & middle-class social respectability, where 'Etiquette Rules' prevailed. The English Queen Victoria---for whom the Victorian Era was named---was widowed at the age of 45 in 1861, and she proceeded to wear mourning clothes & accessories until her death in 1901. Many other widows and families during the Queens mourning decades, followed her etiquette example, especially those in the upper class & Nouveau Riche in the rising-ranks of the industrial revolution.

The trend eventually was taken-up by the middle class, and seeing this, the manufacturers stepped up as well, capitalizing on the production of dull black mourning wool's, black and white silk mourning crepes which was then made-up by dressmakers and tailors to suit the styles of the ever-growing demand...and eventually expanding to 'ready-made' attire at a better 'price-point' for the middle class.

Oh, what fashion trends folks have followed through the many ERA's!! And believe it or not, there are still some rare examples of these 'mourning' accessories and clothing, a century and a half later!

This lovely bonnet is made of a base-shape of tightly woven raffia and then adorned around the outside with satin bows, afixed all around the hat form; long ties are on either side; the interior of the hat is lined in satin, however with an open crown, and what appears to be, a full lining of a muslim material; and also all along the inside brim, a netting, hand sewn in.

Considering this hat is well over 120-130, or more, years of age (don't know how many that would be in 'HAT YEARS'), it is in EXCELLENT Antique condition, with just some fraying on the satin ties...otherwise, I see no structural damage to the hat or even much wear-signs to the inside fabric or decorative bows atop the hat.

It is STILL a STUNNINGLY BEAUTIFUL Victorian Age hat, able to be worn and loved for even more decades!!

Typical VINTAGE/ANTIQUE Condition and wear.

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