Collection of Five Men's Smoking Caps, Mid 19th Century

Gentlemen's smoking caps were created out of a need to satiate a Victorian social mores of not smelling of smoke around ladies. They were most popular from 1840s-1880s, often in soft luxurious fabrics, and topped with a tassel. Many were made by the gentleman's fiancé or wife as a gift usually, heavily embroidered.

This lot includes five men's smoking caps.

THE FIRST
Green silk velvet cap with gathered top and gold-tone metal thread braided tassel and Greek Key motif on sides, lined in light yellow silk damask.
Unlabeled
Mary D. Doering Archive No.: HEM.005.1850

Approximate Measurements:
Circumference: 22"

THE SECOND
Black silk velvet cap with red and white floral embroidery and lined in brown taffeta. There is an initialed ribbon tape inside the crown.
Unlabeled
Mary D. Doering Archive No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
Circumference: 20"

THE THIRD
Navy silk velvet with floral embroidery along sides and top of cap, lined in quilted black satin with pink stitching.
Unlabeled
Mary D. Doering Archive No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
Circumference: 22"

THE FOURTH
Tan wool with corded striped fabric cap, trimmed with blue looped braid, a fabric flower, and lined in quilted green silk satin.
Label: Stamped in gold-tone ink, but illegible.
Mary D. Doering Archive No.: N/A

Approximate Measurements:
Circumference: 18.5"

THE FIFTH
Red wool felt cap with golden yellow and black braid trim with top button and braided tassels, faced in red leather and lined in quilted white silk.
Unlabeled
Mary D. Doering Archive No.: HEM.004.1850

Approximate Measurements:
Circumference: 21"

Property of Mary D. Doering, Falls Church, Virginia

Condition: THE FIRST The overall condition is good though there are several splits throughout the damask lining. There is some crushed velvet pile around the top tip and the metal tassel is and braid has some light aging. THE SECOND The overall condition is good structurally with wear noticeable on the velvet along the seams and folds, small holes and soiled spots in the lining, and worn embroidery throughout. Structurally, the cap is intact. THE THIRD The overall condition is very good though the folded edges have some wear and the black satin lining has a little wear along the edges. The pink stitching has some faded areas inside the crown. THE FOURTH The overall condition is fair with some moderate soiling throughout but mostly in the top of the lining along with a worn hole, several soiled spots on top and holes, likely due to past insect activity. THE FIFTH The overall condition is good structurally though there are some small holes along the sides and the top of the red felt and some overall wear in the lining with some light soiling. Everything is sold 'As Is’. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. The absence of any reference to the condition of a lot does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional working condition photos, please email couturecr@hindmanauctions.com with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Clients must review and agree to the Conditions of Sale before participating in an auction.