This is a black feather hat with a half-veil, circa 1940s-1960s, in excellent condition for its age. According to the labels inside it was "styled by" Juli-Kay of Chicago, one of the best known upscale milliners the city had to offer in that era. Occasion-wise its color would make it appropriate for funerals, but it would also fit in at other formal or semi-formal events -- graduations, garden parties, walking the red carpet at one's premier gala, etc.
It should be noted there are two types of feathers employed in its construction. The crown appears to be covered with deep-black rook or raven-type feathers, while the rest is buy composed of long, downy feathers, perhaps dyed ostrich. The whole thing reads as "black" under natural and incandescent light; under bright studio lights a hint of gold can be seen in the ostrich (see images).
Size information is somewhat immaterial, as it was clearly meant to sit atop one's hairdo -- it comes, in fact, with two little combs inside for holding it in place. That said, in a resting state it is about 5.25" in diameter in any direction. It is possible that the brim might fit a fashionable young person, but our suspicion is the hat was originally intended for an adult.
As mentioned above, this hat is in extraordinary condition for its age -- no tears or snags are noted in the half-veil, and it holds its form well. It has obviously been cared for extremely well, to the point where one imagines it may have been packed away after a few uses and never used again.
This hat came to us as part of a wardrobe that was collected over many years, with most pieces having been excellently cared for and showing little wear. All pieces were contemporary to the era in which they were acquired -- there were no "retro" reproductions in the group. Take a look at our other hats and accessories and be aware that total combined products totaling more than $35 from our shop on a single order get free shipping.
Product code: Vintage 1940s-1950s Woman's buy Black Feather Hat with Half-Veil