Description
I am very pleased to offer this very unusual pair of children’s white, hand knotted fingerless mitts, dating from around the 1860s — perhaps a little earlier or later. Made in fine silk thread, the pair shows three distinct design patterns in the knitting, displaying the maker’s refined skill and eye for detail. Each mitt is fitted with a small silk drawstring to gently adjust the fit at the wrist.
Sized for a young child, likely about five or six years of age, the measurements are as follows:
Length: 4 inches
Width across palm: 1¾ inches
Thumb length: 1 inch
Cuff circumference: approximately 4 inches
Length: 4 inches
Width across palm: 1¾ inches
Thumb length: 1 inch
Cuff circumference: approximately 4 inches
Condition: There is light wear and some holes in the knitting at the cuff area of both mitts, and a small hole near the lower thumb of one. Still, they remain a remarkable survivor of their era — very decent for the age, and rarely found in any condition.
This pair was deaccessioned years ago from a small Ohio museum collection, where they were part of a group of early children’s clothing artifacts. Their presence in that collection, along with their construction and materials, confirms their authenticity and rarity.
A rare opportunity to own a true textile treasure from the early Victorian period — a delicate echo of childhood in another century.
Note. I have photographed the mitt on a very large doll so perhaps will give you an idea of size.
