This charming straw hat of the late 1930s or early 1940s will undoubtedly win you the best hat prize at your next Kentucky Derby party. Tilt topper style hat of fine straw is accented with a yellow velvet band and half bow in back. The brim is sprinkled with yellow millinery flowers with three strategically placed bouquets. Velvet covered C shaped wire on each side of the inside of the hat, hold this hat on one’s head.

I have experienced some confusion selling this style of hat on the internets. Particularly this one. It is not meant to fit down on your head like a stocking cap, but rather to perch over one’s brow, at a jaunty tilt.

Measurements

This is a non head sized hat (although it is marked a 22) that will fit any head size at any angle of your choice or straight on (if you’re a weirdo). My milliner friend calls them doll or toy hats…

Length of hat 12 inches

Width of hat 13 inches

Height of crown 1.5 inches

If you are accustomed to using centimeters, I suggest you use a conversion chart. I like this one:

http://www.manuelsweb.com/in_cm.htm

Condition

Very good to excellent vintage condition. There is a little soiling to the inside on the grosgrain ribbon near the front. Presumably it is makeup from sitting on one’s forehead.

Charming World War Two era tilt topper hat fresh from my personal collection. Navy and white straw on a faille fabric lined base. Unique upside down bow front and center. The creativity of this hat extends into the pattern on the veil. A thick grosgrain ribbon with an elastic connection hold this chapeau jauntily upon the wearer’s head.

I have experienced some confusion with these hats on eBay. They are not meant to fit down on your head like a stocking cap, but rather to perch over one’s brow, at a jaunty tilt.

Measurements

This is a non head sized hat that will fit any head size at any angle of your choice or straight on (if you’re a weirdo). My milliner friend calls them doll or toy hats…

Length of hat 10 inches

Width of hat 9 inches

Height of hat 4 inches

Veil falls 10 inches from center brim

Inside circumference of hat is 19 inches

If you are accustomed to using centimeters, I suggest you use a conversion chart. I like this one:

http://www.manuelsweb.com/in_cm.htm

Condition

Very good to excellent vintage condition. Besides the pancake makeup spot on the inside of the hat, this hat in in great shape. No breaks in the veil. There is a little dust in some of the nooks and crannies. I can also see a few loose threads inside and I just noticed a very small spot on the grosgrain ribbon band that holds the hat to ones head.

Charming 1940s navy blue genuine cordé purse has a unique U shape.  Cordé is also creatively displayed on both sides with scalloping squiggles outlined with a more geometric shape.  Strap and inside of purse are lined in faille fabric.  Large key ring is attached to zipper pull.  Marked GENUINE CORDE on inside tag.

Mesurements

Purse is 5.75 inches tall by 7 inches at it’s widest.

Wrist strap drops just over 5 inches.

Condition

There are two spots where the corde is pulling away from the handle very slightly.  There is slight soiling near one edge.  Some spotting to lining.  All are shown in photos.

Grade:  Very Good

This belt is the Bee’s Knees!  It’s just the thing to let fly at your drop waist while you Charleston the night away…

Swanky Art Deco belt of marbled green celluloid links that alternates pressed metal rectangles with a scrolling floral Art Nouveau motif.  Round ball bearing clasp exemplifies the industrial machine age.   Further proof that one era doesn’t come to a screeching halt as soon as the next one arrives.  They often gently overlap one another.  This belt can be worn higher up on a larger waist or lower on a more moderate hip, as it was originally intended.  Links can easily be removed to adjust length.

Measurements

Belt adjusts from 40 to 45.5 inches in wearable length.

Celluloid links are 1.5 inches wide and .5 inches tall.

Celluloid medallions are 2 5/8 inches by 2 inches.

Small stamped metal links measure 1.25 inches by .75 inches.

Large stamped metal links are 1.75 inches by 1 inch.

Condition

Minor surface scratching throughout.  There may have originally been some extra ornamentation on the medallions as they have metal rivets at the top and bottom.  One connecting link is slightly bent.  There are two extra connecting links.  One on the clasp and one on the rings the clasp connects to.

Grade: Very Good

Absolutely fabulous Victorian era hatpin.  It appears to be topped with some sort of thread or braid wrapped around the head of the pin.  Beaded accents are very lightweight and irregularly shaped.  They may be some type of nut.

Measurements

Entire hat pin is 7.25 inches long.

Decorated top of pin is 1.25 inches wide and 2.5 inches long.

Condition

One side is slightly dented and there are a few loose threads.

Grade: Very Good (Excellent if age is taken into account)

Phenomenal 1940s (it could possibly extend into the early 1950s) Navy colored straw hat by Leslie James originally sold at H.P. Wasson and Co. in Indianapolis. Trimmed with navy grosgrain ribbon that is tied in a knot, creating a little visual interest in the reverse of this hat.  Upturned brim has a single silk chiffon rose in pink and green with greenish-yellow velvet leaves and stems of green bias cut fabric.  This hat can be worn at a variety of angles, creating a different look every time it is worn.  I prefer it low on one side and high on the other.

1960s Pink rhinestone necklace by Vendome is from my personal collection and is not for sale.  Consider it show and tell of one of my favorite designers.

Measurements
Length of hat… 12 inches
Width of hat… 18 inches
Crown is 3.5 inches tall
Inside circumference of hat is 21 inches

If you are accustomed to using centimeters, I suggest you use a conversion chart.  I like this one:

http://www.manuelsweb.com/in_cm.htm

Condition

Very good vintage condition.  One side of the stitching where the brim is tacked, is a little loose.  There are also loose stitches where the edge is attached in the back near the grosgrain knot.  There is a small stain on one of the flower petals that I have not tried to treat.  None of this is noticeable while wearing.

Does the fan make the woman beautiful and alluring, or the other way around?  It’s hard to say, but easy to see that they both exhibit such qualities.  This folding fan is comprised of very soft and downy white feathers.  I believe they are ostrich plume femme wings.  Two feathers are attached to each side of the 26 thin, carved ivory sticks.  I determined they are ivory due to the wood grain pattern that indicates elephant ivory.  A brass pin holds the sticks and U shaped celluloid piece together.  A tassel with glass beads falls from hinged U.  I think the tassel may be a later addition.

Measurements

Ivory sticks are 8.5 inches tall and are .5 inches at the thickest point.

Feathers are 8 inches long and 4.5 inches wide.

Fan is 13 tall and 21 inches at it’s widest point when unfolded.

Condition

Feathers are not shedding and are still quite nicely colored with no yellowing.  There is a little corrosion on and about the pin holding the sticks together.

Grade: Very Good