Antique Hankies

This group of unique hankies come from Button Bettye's lace and fabric collection. These three 12" square pieces are each different. Mom could have told us exactly the origin, style and materials of each one, but I'm somewhat guessing. #1 is a pale apricot color with matching tatting all around. The material is semi-sheer crepe that feels more modern. But the finish-work hems are extraordinary - craftmanship that you don't see today! That said, this one probably isn't as old as the other two, mainly because of how the fabric feels. #2 is an off-white simple hanky probably made of linen but could be cotton. The fabric is almost see-through and the tatting is more complex than the apricot hankie. The tatting seems more modern vs. ancient, so I'm gonna guess an early 20th century date. #3 is likely the oldest piece, decorated with what I believe is called "drawn thread" or "pulled thread" embroidery - where the pattern is in the negative space and not the sewing itself. This example is an amazingly fine cloth (almost surely linen) of pure white. The edges are roll-hemmed very nicely. There is a small patch of age discolor in one corner. Because of it's mostly geometric design, I wonder if this one might have been a gentleman's handkerchief or pocket square. This technique was popular in the 1700s - 1800s, but an expert would need to determine this example. These hankies are so delicate and fine, it makes you think that Victorian women's noses were quite sensitive indeed.