Beautiful fine nursing shawl from the turn of the nineteenth to twentieth century. Originally used to wrap baby close to mother ( or father ) keeping hands free to work or shop and easier and more affordable than a pram in the steep welsh Valleys . Always made from a finer ply than a blanket the Welsh shawl was pressed under hot coals for a smooth finish. Washed often and then passed from mother to daughter it is rare to find an example in perfect condition , this one has some tiny well executed darns and slight damage to the fringe. A lovely historic piece .