Mourning Bonnet, ca. 1888

This rare Victorian mourning bonnet, dating to the late 19th century, is a poignant and beautifully preserved example of historic widow’s attire, crafted from crinkly “crape anglaise” fabric—a textile specifically reserved for mourning garments, with its distinctive spelling (“crape” rather than “crepe”) denoting its solemn purpose.

Intended for second mourning, this bonnet is made entirely of black mourning crape, softened by a single decorative flower and a crape bow at the front—details that reflect the gradual easing of mourning conventions while maintaining respectful restraint. In excellent condition, it shows only minimal signs of age and use, with its original structure and symbolism intact. Please note: decorative items shown in some images are not included.

This rare Victorian second mourning bonnet is ideal for collectors of antique headwear, mourning memorabilia, or museum-quality fashion artifacts, offering a tangible link to the rituals, craftsmanship, and emotional nuance of 19th-century mourning culture.