-->
  • Brooch and Earring Set, about 1870

    Brooch and Earring Set, about 1870

    Coral was a popular material in jewelry making for many years.This particular piece incorporates coral with fairly inexpensive gold plated silver.Bigger brooches and long earrings were popular in the second half of the 19th century, until they fell out of favor because they could easily rip the lace collars and bodices that became popular in the 1880's.

  • Tortoise Shell and Pique Brooch, about 1865

    Tortoise Shell and Pique Brooch, about 1865

    Tortoise shell was a much used material in small decorative accessories for many years.It is quite malleable when heated, and carefully chosen, the stock can have interesting color and mottling.In addition, it is easily carved and fine patterns can be created from it.Pique work infuses gold into the soft tortoiseshell, very much like inlay.Pique pose lays strips of gold in the surface and pique point, which this piece includes, has fine rods of gold embedded in it.Fine pique work was created in …

  • Bonnet, 1885-1895

    Bonnet, 1885-1895

    This shape of bonnet is referred to as a "Poke" bonnet. Poke bonnets were popular in the late 18th to mid 19th century and are characterized by a flat crown and deep, projecting brim only in the front.The wide silk ribbon was likely onlydecorative and not used as a closure. There are remnants of an elastic strap stitched in to the hat lining. This elastic strap was encased in fabric and would have been worn under the chin, securing the hat on the wearers head. It was likely worn for formal after…

  • Quilted Petticoat, about 1845-1895

    Quilted Petticoat, about 1845-1895

    Twill lining appears to be unevenly hand-woven.Interior seams joining the sateen andties at waist appear to be machine sewn hence the late date of the petticoat. There are more pleats near the slit at center back rendering a slight bustled affect.Lancaster, Pennsylvania area location is per dealer.This particular petticoat would have been used during the winter months for warmth.

  • Watch Chain, about 1900

    Watch Chain, about 1900

    The watch chain and good luck charm appear to be from circa 1900.The attached fob/plaque engraved "J.W.D. 1823" does not appear to be that early but may well be circa 1860, perhaps a fortieth or fiftieth birthday present to J.W.D. The plaque was likely added to the chain many years after it was initially presented.Such chains also included a watch, of course, which rested in the waistcoat pocket.It is unknown what White Brothers and Company of Boston manufactured."Willow Calf" may refer to calf …