Antique Victorian Edwardian Smoking Cap, Black Velvet Gold Embroidered Mens Tassel Hat, c1890s 1900s
Description
A fabulous antique gentleman’s smoking cap in rich black velvet, lavishly decorated with gold-coloured cord embroidery and finished with a wonderfully extravagant gold tassel.
Smoking caps became an important part of Victorian gentleman’s informal dress, traditionally worn at home and particularly associated with the smoking room. This example has the quintessential appearance of the late Victorian to Edwardian period, with its soft velvet construction, elaborate scrolling floral decoration and long silk-style tassel.
The gold cord forms a repeating stylised floral design around the sides and across the crown, centred by a decorative gold boss from which the twisted cord and substantial tassel fall.
An extraordinarily decorative survivor and a fantastic piece for a collector of antique menswear, Victorian fashion, theatrical costume or historic gentleman’s dress.
I would date this cautiously to approximately the late 19th to early 20th century, c.1890–1910.
Features / Details
Antique gentleman’s smoking cap
Late Victorian / Edwardian style
Approximately c.1890–1910
Rich black velvet
Gold-coloured cord embroidery
Stylised floral decoration
Embroidered crown
Long decorative gold tassel
Soft structured construction
Black fabric lining
Unlabelled
Unusual surviving antique menswear accessory
Measurements
Please add:
Internal circumference: 23” inches
Height: 3” inches
Condition
Good antique condition considering its considerable age.
There is age-related wear to the interior lining, including a small worn/damaged area as clearly photographed. The tassel shows some age and separation/fraying to the silk-style threads. The velvet and decorative cordwork present beautifully overall.
These signs of age have been retained rather than restored and form part of the history and character of the piece.
Please examine all photographs carefully before purchasing.
