Very rare Milliner’s head. In the 1850s and 1860s heads like this one were used to decorate bonnets and hats. The milliner would put the bonnet on the head, and pin flowers, feathers and ribbons to it. They would then take the bonnet off and hand sew the decoration. There is a hole at the back of the head that was used to store flowers, ribbons, pins and other items used to make the bonnets and hats. The odd looking lump at the back of the head was made to emulate a bun in the style that was worn by women during these years. This millinery head is made of paper mache, and is painted to resemble a lady, even having wisps of hair around the face. She is in rough shape and I like to believe that she was used to make hundreds of bonnets and hats! Please see all photos for condition and flaws. Listing is for head only, lace table runner not included. My house is also home to our Rosie Dog. I make every effort to make certain there are no Rosie hairs on the products I sell. This item comes to you from a pet friendly, non-smoking home. I make every effort to sell clean, offensive-fragrance free items! My name is Gina and for the past 40 years, I have been an avid collector of antiques. At one point in time, my dream was to have a fabulous fashion museum that housed clothing, underwear, shoes, accessories and various items from the 1830s to the 1930s. My obedience to God is your gain!

Tags: 1850s-1860s, antique, head, mache, making, millinery, paper, victorian