Antique Victorian Crocker at 375 Fifth Ave NY Specialty Mourning Hat Trim/Collar

THIS IS FROM A SMALL COLLECTION OF TEXTILES I HAVE FROM A PROMINENT SIOUX CITY, IOWA FAMILY (Dr Smith). I believe these items I’ll be listing date from 1850’s-1890’s.

MY DESCRIPTION:

When first looked at this particular piece I thought it was a collar or women’s mourning jabot, but when I saw the label and looked it up, it occurred to me it could be an exquisite mourning hat band. The size works as the lining silk band part is 22” long. Total it is 44” long. I guess it could be either a decorative hat band or a collar.

What a beauty with the amazing silk tulle ruffles and the sweet balls hanging from both sides.

CONDITION:

The condition is quite amazing considering the age. There are very few tiny holes in the tulle. See pictures. There are no adverse smells and it’s from a smoke and pet free home.

INFO ON CROCKER AT FIFTH AVE NY:

Crocker at 375 Fifth Avenue in New York City was a high-end "Mourning Specialty House" that sold specialized mourning apparel, hats, and accessories during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

History of Crocker on Fifth Avenue Specialty Business:

The Metropolitan Museum of Art catalogs the design house as being active from circa 1880 to circa 1930, with retail pieces appearing in luxury market trade as early as 1891. The shop was known for exclusive, high-class mourning designs and imported materials, though it also sold non-mourning black and white hats. Relocation: After a fire damaged the store at No. 375 Fifth Avenue in 1917, the firm relocated next door to The Childs Restaurant Building at No. 377 Fifth Avenue. Artifacts: Surviving vintage items from the establishment, such as mourning purses and Edwardian hats, occasionally surface in antique collections and are preserved in institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art.