This frilly little baby bonnet is quite pretty and I am sure was used for a Christening. Dates from the early part of the 1800's - 1850's. In examining the bonnet, I feel it may have been worn by a more than one generation.  Of course, as lovely as it is, wouldn't it have been fitting to honor an ancestor from a prior generation or generations?  This would not have been uncommon or even to do a bit of updating to a garment, which I think was done.

As you notice the main part of the bonnet is made of beautiful tiny small, some raised, stitches of whitework embroidery. It seems decidedly different than the  muslin embroidery and fabric around the face area.  Although beautifully blended, in my opinion a little different in age.  The same with the gorgeous lace ruffle being added with the chin ties. All are hand stitched and it appears to me the lace is hand made.  Possibly the updates 1870's to later Victorian. 

Measurement:  13" around the face area, not including the wide ruffle.  10-1/2" from one side to the other at the neck line.  Width of the lace at the face is 2" wide.  At the neck it is 1" wide.  

Condition:  It is just as found, meaning it has not been cleaned.  Although somewhat yellowed from time, it does not have any spots.  I notice a very tiny area that had a bit of fray to the muslin otherwise very nice.  

A 19th Century baby children garment of the past.