Collection of Seven Vintage Hats, 1880-1960s - Including Bes-Ben

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

This lot includes seven hats.

THE FIRST
1880's yellow silk velvet hat with pleated brim lined in silk.
Unlabeled

Approximate Measurements:
Sweatband Circumference: 14”

THE SECOND
Blue silk velvet hat with grosgrain ribbon bows, velvet balls, and net veil.
Unlabeled

Approximate Measurements:
Sweatband Circumference: 21.5”

THE THIRD
Mauve fur felt hat with cord and bow detail at brim, and net veil.
Label: Blum's Vogue / Chicago

Approximate Measurements:
Sweatband Circumference: 20”

THE FOURTH
Dark brown felt hat.
Label: Brosalion Italian

Approximate Measurements:
Sweatband Circumference: 20.25”

THE FIFTH
Dark blue straw hat with ruffled layer detail on brim and net veil.
Label: Blum's Vogue / Chicago
Size Label:

Approximate Measurements:
Sweatband Circumference: 20”

THE SIXTH
Navy fur felt crown hat with shaped front bow and net veil.
Label: Bes-Ben

Approximate Measurements:
Sweatband Circumference: 16.5”

THE SEVENTH
Black fur felt hat with peacock feather brim.
Label: Bes-Ben

Approximate Measurements:
Sweatband Circumference: 19.25”

Condition:

THE FIRST
The overall condition is poor, there are exposed stitches, an orange stain at center back, and the lining is splitting.

THE SECOND
The overall condition is fair; the velvet ball detail is coming loose on the front right brim, and a hole in the front of the net veil.

THE THIRD
The overall condition is good structurally though there are two holes in the net veil where it attaches to hat, some light soiling on the top,

THE FOURTH
The overall condition is good though there are pinhead sized circular indentations at center back along brim and two on top.

THE FIFTH
The overall condition is very good structurally though there are a couple of broken veil threads throughout.

THE SIXTH
The overall condition is very good for the shaped hat structure though the veil is torn away on the left crown with several holes.

THE SEVENTH
The overall condition is good structurally, however there are a few broken and missing feathers.

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

Collection of Seven Vintage Hats, 1880-1960s - Including Bes-Ben

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