A small cocktail hat from the late 1940s, made to sit forward on the head at a slight angle. The base is black felt, shaped by hand over a block and finished with a soft bow of the same black. From its edge falls a veil of fine net, dotted here and there, that stops just below the eyes. The veil changes everything: it softens the face and makes the eyes the center of it. It is held in place by a thin elastic that hides under the hair. Wear it with a dark coat to the theater, or to a wedding in winter.
Black cocktail hat with net veil, 1940s
Example piece.
A small late-1940s cocktail hat in black felt with a soft bow and a veil of dotted net that stops just below the eyes.
The story
Details
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Decade | |
| Material | Wool |
| Color | Black |
| Condition | Very good |
| Condition notes | The veil has one tiny mended hole near the left edge, invisible when worn. The veil is delicate: it must not be steamed. |
| Estimated modern fit | About a modern S; fits most heads (approximate) |
| Inside circumference | Sits on the crown, with an elastic |
| Width of the hat | 6 in (15 cm) |
| Veil length | 7 in (18 cm) |
| Fit notes | Sits on the crown and is held by a thin elastic. |
| Label | None |
| Construction | Wool felt base, blocked by hand. Felt bow. Dotted net veil. Thin hat elastic. |
How we measure
Hats are measured around the inside band, where the hat sits on the head; the brim and crown in inches with centimetres.
The condition scale
Excellent: worn or used with care; no flaws we can see.
Very good: light signs of age, each one named in the details and shown in the photos.
Good: visible wear or an old repair, named and photographed; still ready to wear or use.
Fair: clear flaws or a repair it needs, named and photographed; chosen for its beauty or its history.
Shipping and returns
Shipping and returns details will be published before the store opens.







