Elaborate 1880s Evening Toque Bonnet

This elaborate confection dates to the late 1880s or early 1890s. It is an evening bonnet that would have been perched atop an upswept hairstyle and meant to be more decoration than a purposeful head covering.

Made on a wired base covered with netting, horsehair braid and almost every manner of decoration imaginable. Pink and white silk roses with leaves are a foil for beaded and sequined wings. A spray of white feathers peeks jauntily from behind one wing and ruffled white chiffon emphasis's the delicacy of the roses. Centered on the crown is a black glass, jet ornament. The bonnet is finished with black velvet ribbon ties.

Label sewn to the inside reads, Walker, Tremont Street, Boston.   You may also want to view a Walker day bonnet that is listed separately.

Overall, the condition is excellent with no noted rips, holes, repairs or stains. There may have been an inner lining at one time which would have been centered over the label but there is no longer any evidence of it having been there.

Measures 6" from front to back and 16.5" in circumference.