Gentlemen's smoking caps were created out of a need to satiate a Victorian social mores of not smelling of smoke around ladies. They were most popular from 1840s-1880s, often in soft luxurious fabrics, and topped with a tassel. Many were made by the gentleman's fiancé or wife as a gift usually, heavily embroidered. 

This lot includes five men's smoking caps.

THE FIRST
Green silk velvet cap with gathered top and gold-tone metal thread braided tassel and Greek Key motif on sides, lined in light yellow silk damask. 
Unlabeled
Mary D. Doering Archive No.: HEM.005.1850
 
Approximate Measurements:
Circumference: 22" 

THE SECOND
Black silk velvet cap with red and white floral embroidery and lined in brown taffeta. There is an initialed ribbon tape inside the crown.  
Unlabeled 
Mary D. Doering Archive No.: N/A
 
Approximate Measurements:
Circumference: 20" 

THE THIRD
Navy silk velvet with floral embroidery along sides and top of cap, lined in quilted black satin with pink stitching.
Unlabeled
Mary D. Doering Archive No.: N/A
 
Approximate Measurements:
Circumference: 22" 

THE FOURTH
Tan wool with corded striped fabric cap, trimmed with blue looped braid, a fabric flower, and lined in quilted green silk satin.
Label: Stamped in gold-tone ink, but illegible.
Mary D. Doering Archive No.: N/A
 
Approximate Measurements:
Circumference: 18.5" 

THE FIFTH
Red wool felt cap with golden yellow and black braid trim with top button and braided tassels, faced in red leather and lined in quilted white silk.
Unlabeled 
Mary D. Doering Archive No.: HEM.004.1850
 
Approximate Measurements:
Circumference: 21"