Rare 18th Century Silk Brocade
& Metallic Lace Infant's Cap

Dating to the mid 1700s, this lovely silk brocade baby bonnet features two different floral brocades woven with metallic thread and is trimmed with delicate metallic lace. Lined in linen it is edged in silk ribbon and appears to have its original silk ribbon ties intact.

Though it is difficult to determine the gender of the original wearer, it is hypothesized by textile scholar Linda Baumgarten in her book What Clothes Reveal, that cap ribbons are an indication of a female child. So it seems quite possible that this hat was originally worn by a baby girl.

The cap is in amazing condition with only a few broken metallic threads noted. There is no shattering or other deterioration of the silk brocade. Minor fraying to the silk binding. The ribbon ties are more delicate and do have some staining but this in no way detracts from this rare and wonderful memento of early childhood!

Front to Back ~ 7"

Right to Left ~ 9"