Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1462a:
Description
Pairing of an original poke bonnet with a period photographic portrait of a woman wearing a nearly identical style—a snapshot of history you can literally hold and wear. This bonnet is characteristic of the drab color palette and construction popular from the 1850s to the 1870s, featuring a deep back crown, stiffened brim, and delicate gathering/ruffles typical of the Civil War era. The fabric is a fine weave, likely cotton or linen, with a subtle textured stripe or quilting stitch on the brim for structure. The included oval portrait, a large ambrotype, showing a stern, older woman wearing a similar day cap or bonnet, providing a wonderful context to the textile artifact. The bonnet shows expected age and wear, including significant creasing, minor soiling, and fading consistent with an item of its vintage. The photographic piece is unfortunately chipped on the bottom edge of its backing, and the image itself exhibits some expected light fading and spotting. Bonnet: H 11″, W 8″, D 11”. Photo: 10”x 8”.
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