An unusual black celluloid hair or hat accessory from the Art Deco period

 

CONDITION: good vintage condition with expected wear

 

SIZE: 8 ins h x 3 ins w (23 x 7.5 cm) decorative part 3 ins h (7.5 cm)

 

APPROXIMATE DATE: 1920s- 1930s

 

MATERIALS: celluloid

 

DESCRIPTION:

 

Here is a hair or hat ornament dating from the Art Deco period of the early 20^th century. It is made in black celluloid in a loop shape with a single tine or shaft. This shaft has two small holes which would enable it to be sewn to a hat for use as a “hat flash”

 

FURTHER INFORMATION:

 

A “hat flash” is an ornament designed, as the name implies, to add interest and glamour to a hat. They became popular in the Art Deco period of the early 20^th centuries. Hat flashes are distinct from hat pins by their design. The usually comprise some kind of decorative element, resembling a brooch or barrette, but with a simple pin on the back by which they pierce the fabric of the hat. Hat flashes could also be used in an ornamental way on garments such as coat lapels or sweaters.

 

Some hat adornments appear to be a hybrid form between a hair and hat ornament. For example a single or two pronged ornament which can be worn in the hair in the conventional sense. However the shaft or tines may be provided with small holes by which the ornament may be sewn onto a hat or other garment.

 

The collage picture shows some examples of sitters wearing similar hair accessories and is taken from illustrations of contemporary garments the period.