Can you tell if this 50s hat is velvet or fur felt?

furwise

furwise

VFG Vice President
VFG Past President
Hi, I think this hat is velvet but I know that some fur felt hats feel like velvet. Can you please take a look and let me know if you know?

Also, being I am learning if you can confirm or correct me please? I think this is a 50s pancake hat. Am I correct?

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Thank you in advance, Caryn
 
Thanks so much. I thought it was velvet but being I have thought that fur felt felt like velvet I wanted to check to be sure. I was upset about the watermarks too because the hat is really pretty. :(

Is there any way to get water marks out?

Caryn
 
You could try steaming them but once damaged, velvet is tricky.

I agree with early '50s and would not call it a pancake hat, which I think is floppier without the stiff brim. I always associate these hats with Dior's New Look as they compliment the suits so nicely. Hopefully Barbara will pop along and enlighten us about it's true style.

Nicole
 
Thanks Nicole, I also thought there was a possibility it could be called a cartwheel hat but the brims I have seen on cartwheel hats have been wider.

Caryn
 
Hi,

Yes velvet for sure. No real way to remove the marks, but a steaming while the hat is placed upside down might help a bit, (watch for spitting steamers) then brush it lightly with another piece of old velvet after it is dry, to raise the nap. Don't hold it in your hands while steaming it as it can leave a mark. You might trim it with a feather or flower which will cover the marks, or let the new owner know they can do that too. the flaw is not too bad to me, it is still a very nice hat.

To be honest, the style fits the bill to be called a sailor, or to be really technical, a modified (or stylized) wide brim sailor. Milliners had a lot of leeway in what they called a hat, kind of like artistic license for hat makers. It is also a small platter hat, but the crown is slightly too high for that term. It is really best to call it what you think will catch the eye or ear of the prospective buyer. Look at the basic shape, and think of how the brim or crown (or both) were changed, shortened, enlarged, altered, etc. But look for the basic shape and go from there. That is my best advice on what to call a hat.

B:hiya:
 
Great information and advice Barbara. I happen to have some black ostrich plumes that I can add to this hat however I am not sure if black on black will look look good. I will try it.

I can also steam it. After being burned by my steamer a few times we are not very good friends. :USEGUN:

I take from what you said that what I call the type of hat is not so technically important but rather more important to call it what may appeal to potential buyers.

Plate hat and platter hat both sound good. I will check completed listings to find the best title in this case.

I will steam first and see how that works out and add the trim after if needed. If I add the trim perhaps I will post a photo after.

Thank you, Caryn
 
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