This drawn bonnet was found at an estate sale in Perry, NY, by a friend of my mom’s. Holding it in hand, it is surprisingly solid with a bit of weight compared to the straw bonnets I usually handle.
The top of the crown has a low rise to the brim with a bit of curve that may be original or from age. The front edge of the brim has a hint of the curve found in “spoon bonnets.” From the front, the brim edge is more of a vertical oval currently. Though, the front wires feel as though it spend some time stored on one side.
The construction is a basic wire & buckram foundation with shot brown silk drawn over cane. Feeling along the brim, I suspect wire supports running front to back bent or collapsed inside. (I suddenly wish I could xray a bonnet like this some time.) This may be responsible for the dip in the area of the front most cane and flounce.
One tie remains. The matching satin ribbon is 2 1/2″ wide.
The crown tip is an oval. It is slightly concaved in the photo. I was able to reshape it after taking the photo. The crown tip foundation was originally shaped. At the base of the crown tip is a self fabric bow with a gathered dot-like center.


















It’s in beautiful condition!