Group of Five Vintage Hats, 1940-60s

Sold to benefit the Art Acquisition Fund at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfield.

Group of five vintage hats made of straw and fabric. Descriptions below are in the order the hats appear in the first group image.

THE FIRST
Red and white long hair felt trimmed with a band of red felt at the back hem and finished with two goldtone thread hat pins and a red veil.
Label: Beatrice-Martin / New York
Printed label on Felt: Flechet / Made in France

Approximate Measurements:
Sweatband Circumference: 17.5"

THE SECOND
Black and white plaid hat wrapped into a loose knot on the top of the crown. The hat is underlined with paper to provide shape. The hat is dated to the 1940s, which suggests the use of paper was in place of more standard hat-making materials which were in short supply due to the restrictions of WWII.
No label. Appears homemade
Hat retains museum accession number.

Approximate Measurements:
Sweatband Circumference: 20.5"

THE THIRD
Brown knit hat made of a brim only, with the opening filled with a green/brown fishnet formed into large bow at center back. The underside of the brim is embellished with brown/red feathers. The hat has two hat pins secured into the brim.
No label

Approximate Measurements:
Sweatband Circumference: 19.25"

THE FOURTH
Small cap of brown mink gathered on the top of the crown and finished with purple felt bow and five felt and mink flowers on the right side.
Label: The Wm. H. Block Co. Indianapolis, Ind.

Approximate Measurements:
Sweatband Circumference: 13.5"

THE FIFTH
This hat is identical in shape to the first red and white hat, but in blue and white and does not have a veil.

Approximate Measurements:
Sweatband Circumference: 18.5"

Condition:

THE FIRST
The overall condition is good with the net veil detached from the back right brim of the hat.

THE SECOND
The overall condition is good though the paper lining has some creasing and a couple of tears.

THE THIRD
The overall condition is good though there is noticeable wear throughout.

THE FOURTH
The overall condition is good with some minor shape distortion.

THE FIFTH
The overall condition is good with some minor wear noticeable on the grosgrain ribbon sweatband.

Everything is sold 'As Is’. The stated overall condition of the lot is based on the assumption that the wear is consistent with age and use. All other condition issues are stated above. To request additional condition photos, please use the INQUIRE button or email [email protected] with the lot number. Condition is a matter of opinion of the evaluator and should not be treated as a statement of fact.

The physical condition of lots in our auctions can vary due to age, normal wear and tear, previous damage, and restoration/repair. All lots are sold "AS IS," in the condition they are in at the time of the auction, and we and the seller make no representation or warranty and assume no liability of any kind as to a lot's condition. Any reference to condition in a catalogue description or a condition report shall not amount to a full accounting of condition. Condition reports prepared by Freeman's staff are provided as a convenience and may be requested from the Department prior to bidding.

The absence of a posted condition report on the Freeman's website or in our catalogues should not be interpreted as commentary on an item's condition. Prospective buyers are responsible for inspecting a lot or sending their agent or conservator to inspect the lot on their behalf, and for ensuring that they have requested, received and understood any condition report provided by Freeman's.

Please email for any additional information or questions you may have regarding this lot.

Timothy Long

Director, Senior Specialist, Couture & Luxury Accessories

[email protected]312.334.4222

Mr. Long has nearly 20 years of experience as a curator of fashion and decorative arts in museums including the Museum of London, the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, and the Chicago History Museum. At Hindman, he works with individual clients, collectors, dealers, and museums to bring to auction collections of couture and luxury accessories. Mr. Long’s recent publications include Charles James: Designer in Detail and a chapter on the same designer in London Couture: British Luxury 1923–1975, both published by V&A Publishing.

Michael Hall

Cataloguer, Couture & Luxury Accessories

[email protected]312 280 1212

Beatrice Levine

Account Executive

[email protected]312 280 1212

Summer Fashion and Accessories

Group of Five Vintage Hats, 1940-60s

Sold to benefit the Art Acquisition Fund at the Indianapolis Museum of Art at Newfield.

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