1915 Gage Brothers Beaded Hat
The Gage Brothers began making hats in the mid 1850's and continued through at least the 1920's. This wide brim hat dates between 1915 and the early 1920's. The fitted crown is wrapped in brown velvet with elegant folds and seems to foreshadow the flapper cloche that would become fashionable in the 20's. The wide brim is topped with an iridescent silk faille that is embellished with soutache and beaded decorations. Piercing the front of the crown is a faux tortoise ornament with painted floral decoration in an oriental style that also reflects the influence of orientalism on fashion that was found in the late Edwardian era.
The condition is very good with minor edge wear to the velvet on the brim as well as some of the folds on the crown. These are very minor and do not detract at all from this beautiful hat. There is also a padded addition to the inside of the back of the hat that was added for fit, probably by or for the original owner.
