1860s cap and evening headdress

This is an 1860s dressy cap from the collection of the Lackawanna Historical Society. I believe it is for day wear, although I find it difficult to differentiate between day and evening caps for this period. 

This cap is made of very fine black silk netting and lace, horsehair-like ecru edging, and purple silk ribbons mounted on a wire frame. 

The ecru edging and the lace and netting are extremely fragile and are crumbling into dust. I wonder if the color combination indicates 2nd mourning, or coming out of mourning.

Provenance unknown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another 1860 headdress from the collection of the Lackawanna Historical Society. This would be for ball wear. 

Fine tan colored silk taffeta ribbon is pleated over a wire frame and accented with faceted black glass beads. They probably sparkled when new! Attached behind the center front are three embroidered cotton medallions.

Provenance unknown.