A particulary quaint handkerchief with lots of stories to tell. This applique is unusual, in that it covers not only the fine machine made net around the edges, but over the fine fabric as well. The fabric center is extremely fine and translucent, and appears to be well-used and much loved. The center folds cracked decades -- perhaps a century -- ago, and the fabric has been carefully darned many many times over. Would provide a beautiful display. The mends, however, would make it a particularly meaningful "something old" handkerchief for a new bride. It demonstrates that beautiful things are worth holding together, keeping and saving, juat as love, attention, patience, and a deft hand are especially useful in holding a family together. Handkerchief about 14 inches square overall. Lace at corners about 5 inches deep; about 2 1/4 in. deep at the sides. More images and details are shown below. Please click on images to enlarge. EH-PB2-1$85.00 Detail of mended fabricYears and years of ironing and folding, folding and ironing have taken their toll, and the handkerchief years ago cracked on the center folds. There are many many carefully worked mends and darns in the extremely delicate, translucent fabric. Please click on image to enlarge. Detail of laceBrussels and English Honiton bobbin laces both use some very similar motifs, especially the segmented leaf with raised edges, often called a leaf with taps, and the basic little round flowers. We are calling this lace Brussels because of the little needle made insertions in the flower centers, which are more typical of Belgian Brussels lace. Honiton more likely would use little wheatears or petal-shaped tallies in the flower centers. Please click on image to enlarge.