ROMANTIC ERA STRAW LEGHORN BONNET WITH ORIGINAL BANDBOX / HATBOX, a stunning example, having finely plaited leghorn straw that undulates around the face and head with large scale wired brim faced with contrasting straw braid; original wooden bandbox/hatbox, hand-sewn blue, green, gold, and deep ivory paper-covered cardboard, period inventory number marked in sepia ink on base. Considered very scarce. Circa 1827. Approximately 10" H, 12 1/2" W, 13 1/2" D; approximate hat size 22"; bandbox 11 3/8" H, 17" x 12 1/2".
Bonnet is in fine to near excellent, condition with a few splits to seams on the back alongside a small dent and chip at base, also a few tiny chips and one slightly larger chip to front of the brim, silk mesh foundational interior lining intact; bandbox in good condition with soiled lid and body, water-stained, little to no loss of decorative paper, edges separated at the base whereas lid remains structurally intact with obvious hand-stitching; both items marked with matching museum accession/inventory numbers, the bonnet marked on interior in light graphite, the box boldly marked on the exterior in black ink.
Provenance: From the collection of the late Irene Sarnelle, Staunton, VA.
Catalogue Note: Information provided by consignor states that this bonnet and bandbox belonged to Anna Moore Dawson (1804-?), married April 21, 1832, to James S. Dawson (abt. 1804-?) of Allegany County, Maryland.

Bonnet is in fine to near excellent, condition with a few splits to seams on the back alongside a small dent and chip at base, also a few tiny chips and one slightly larger chip to front of the brim, silk mesh foundational interior lining intact; bandbox in good condition with soiled lid and body, water-stained, little to no loss of decorative paper, edges separated at the base whereas lid remains structurally intact with obvious hand-stitching; both items marked with matching museum accession/inventory numbers, the bonnet marked on interior in light graphite, the box boldly marked on the exterior in black ink.