Need Info and Value on Mint NWT Dior Hat

[Randi Sue Iggulden]

I have been collecting hats since I was about 12 years old and frankly I think I got this one in a box of hats purchased at a garage sale. I pulled it out as I was looking for a costume for my daughter to wear - she's 15 and - I had forgotten all about this one!

It is in mint mint condition with all tags present including the $58.95 price tag that says SOLEIL on it from Garfinkle & Co. Department store in Washington DC. Made in France. Does the M.T.Z with the three rabbits stand for Mitzah Bricard?

I don't know what it is made of - almost feels like fur but I think it's just heavily brushed swede. It's just so classic and lovely. Symmetrical design with elastic strap. Does anyone have an age for it - and value? Any info is appreciated.

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Hi Randi Sue, and welcome to the VFG.

It looks like an early '60s fur felt hat - this is a type of wool felt that has a very furry appearance. It's a nice, and smart hat: well done!

We can't offer values here, as there are too many variables to take into account - please see our forum terms here - but if you search for Dior '60s hats online (ebay, shops etc) you will get an idea of prices. Keep in mind that what someone is asking for an item isn't necessarily what someone will pay, so if you search closed ebay auctions it will give a clearer idea than current auctions which might not attract any bidding.

Many people like their vintage new and unworn, so having the tags with an item adds value, but how much varies - I generally add about 10-20% depending on what it is and how much demand there is.

Vintage hats are often on the small side, so the size of your hat will also affect demand. I've stopped buying small vintage hats as they don't fit modern heads but your style looks like it would sit on top of your hair, so size may not be so much of an issue.

 

[thespectrum]

The rabbits most likely indicate that the fur in the felt is angora.
That would be the logo of the maker of the hat body.

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Hello,

First, you have a great find. Not your everyday Dior hat. From the photos, and the label shots, I would date your hat to the early side of the 1950s. It is made of a type of fur felt (not wool) and I agree that the rabbits indicate the logo of the European maker of the felt body that was used to create the hat.

While we do not give appraisals or values, I feel comfortable telling you that you have a Dior hat that is on the more valuable side of the scale. As a life long hat collector, researcher and millinery historian, in my educated opinion your hat is very desirable to collectors. It is an early Dior, that label is not one that comes to market very often. On line research of shops will not come up with very many hats to compare as far as price, if at all. Your hat is early Dior New York, which is a much harder to find label in hat hunting, and!! even better is a Dior NY hat that was actually made in France. So it is right from the beginning of that label line. Later Dior hats would not be made in France nor would they bear that red/blue/white label. You have a treasure!

Although Nicole's advice above is correct and usually can tell a bit about a hat's value, a price comparison to the Dior hats on the markets now like Ebay and Etsy, etc, will not be a fair way to judge your hat's value, as those hats will probably all bear the later "Christian Dior Chapeau" label. Your hat is 1 in 1000. And as Nicole has pointed out, it has the original price tag and has probably never been worn.

Again, you have a fabulous find. Do some research before you decide to part with it.

Thank you for sharing your wonderful treasure with us here on the VFG!

 

[Circa Vintage Clothing]

Thanks Barbara! I learn something from you almost every time you post. I didn't know that fur felt wasn't wool! I'm going to have another look at my fur felt hats now.