Eclipse Bibs. Established 1876. J.H. White & Co., Bib and Bag Makers. North East, Maryland. [cover title]

“We have entirely done away with the harsh stiffness of the old style bib…”

---

Unrecorded and unusual. An American trade catalogs devoted entirely to baby bibs. Romaine makes no mention of this company nor lists any catalogs mentioning bibs (tho’ baby carriages abound).

Based in North East, Maryland, J.H. White & Co. distinguished theirs from others. Their bibs were a “radical departure from the old style of bibs, being well padded and quilted so as to preserve the soft, fluffy feeling and appearance so desirable in goods of this class. We have entirely done away with the harsh stiffness of the old style bib, and produced one, the large sale of which testifies to the great advance made by us in the manufacture of these serviceable and attractive goods.”

These are not your mid-Victorian-era mother’s bibs. There are thirty-eight bibs (all illustrated) to chose from. They could have a nainsook front, fine Swiss edging, elaborate embroidery, or be made of fine Indian linen or Mechlin or Torchon lace.

An 1878 Maryland directory noted that J.H. White & Co. had removed from Philadelphia to North East where they could “produce and ship to all points of the country immense quantities of patent razor strops, spectacle and eyeglass cases.”

Sold