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Lot 329:
Description
Unusual and visually striking late Victorian/Edwardian decorative felt hat featuring elaborate hand-pierced copper metalwork.
The hat is constructed of a black felt body with silk/satin lined interior and gathered crown lining printed with a royal coat of arms motif. The exterior is mounted with two substantial hand-worked copper elements: a domed, openwork crown plate with floral and foliate piercings, and a wide decorative copper band with heart and oval cut-outs, finished with hand-chased detailing. The band is secured at the rear with wire lacing.
The copper band bears a stamped hallmark depicting a crown and lion above “MONTREAL, ” indicating Canadian manufacture. Montreal was an important center for millinery and metal decorative goods production around the turn of the 20th century.
Likely produced as a theatrical, ceremonial, lodge, or novelty fashion piece rather than everyday wear, the hat combines millinery and metalcraft in a distinctive Arts & Crafts/folk aesthetic. A scarce and unusual example of early Canadian decorative headwear.
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