Dating some hats

[NinaN]

Hello all,

I bought a few hats at an estate sale and would love your help in dating them. I tried to do the research myself, but honestly got caught up on the first one (red) as I couldn't find a similar style. So after about 2 hours, I decided to come to the experts on here. Thank you in advance. I've attached pictures.

View attachment 61864 View attachment 61865

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Thanks for sharing your hats with us. The red hat is early 1950s. The lace hat looks more mid to late 1950s.

Hard to say on the black hat, as it appears that the turkey feathers were added later (not sure) and I cannot get a good look at it. Can you show the interior? It looks more contemporary than the other 2 hats.

 

[NinaN]

Thank you Rue de la Paix! I appreciate your answer. What is the style of the red hat? I couldn't find anything similar to it online!

I meant to take all the pics of the black hat down as I think I figured that one out, but I'd love a second opinion. It was the only one with tags—New York Creations and I traced that back to 1940's. The feathers are part of the wool (they are actually attached at the base) embellishment, so I don't THINK they were added later.

'll put the pics back up below:

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Thanks for the added photos. You are correct in that the New York Creations label places this hat in the 1940s, or possibly the very early 1950s. But it does have more of a mid to late 1940s appeal. The reason I thought the feathers are either a replacement for the original feathers, or simply an added on trim, is that they just don't look like the variety of feathers or plumes that were used on hats of that time. The turkey feathers just don't look "right" somehow. And the placement of them in center front seems a bit odd, especially since the hat already has that beautiful hand made felt flower ornament. The feathers almost hide it, and I would not think the designer would want to hide that great embellishment.

The red hat does not really fit an exact style, but the shape falls in the category of a Calot.

 

[NinaN]

Barbara,

Over the weekend, I did a lot more research on hats (specifically the book VINTAGE HATS & BONNETS by Susan Langley, and I'm wondering now if I need to reshoot the photos with the red Calot. Is it positioned too far forward on the mannequin's head? The pictures I've seen seem to have the women wearing it further back on the crown. Thoughts? I'm a new store owner on Etsy and I want to be as authentic as possible in my pictures. Thank you.
Oh, and is the white lace/straw hat also a Calot?

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Nina,

Susan is a wonderful person and I love all of her books. Yes, you are right, the calot would have been worn further back on the head. But that particular style of display head will probably not hold it on correctly as "she" was modeled after the Victorian millinery heads which were made to display bonnets. But you can always mention the way to wear it in your description.

The lace hat would fall into the category of a bandeau, and is not a calot.

Best of success in your new venture on Etsy.

 

[NinaN]

Oy! So much to learn! Thanks for aiding in my education, Barbara.

:D
Nina