Edwardian Wide Brim Brown Velvet Merry Widow Picture Hat - 1900s Merry Widow Hat - 1900s Gibson Girl Hat - Antique Edwardian Wide Brim Hat

Absolutely stunning and in incredible condition. Professionally design and constructed, with no labels present. The hat is styled as a wide brim Merry Widow picture hat done in gorgeous rich brown silk velvet featuring all original large ostrich feather plumes in complementary shades of brown and a large cut glass stone brooch on top. The hat is styled as an iconic Merry Widow with a low profile, wide crown and massive wide brim. The intended fit is as shown at the top crown of the head. The interior circumference for this style of hat is wider for ease of wear with the hairstyles of the day. Hat pins may be used to help secure the hat in place.

Presenting condition is impressively excellent with only minor notes of handling and some very minor wear to the velvet pile around the outer edge of the brim. The silk shows no signs of damage or shattering and the feathers only show minimal notes of mussing and age. The interior of the hat does not have a substantial lining, it may have at one time, there is a bit of a crude liner and some visible stitches around the interior circumference - this does not present when the hat is worn and does not deter from proper function or structural integrity. Overall absolutely exquisite presentation and such an incredible, dramatic piece of millinery history.

Brim Dimensions 17 1/2 x 16 1/2
Interior Circumference 23
Crown Height 5 inches

This item is sold from an excellent, highly rated vintage boutique.