CONDITION: some pins have light rusting on the steel shaft otherwise good vintage condition
APPROXIMATE DATE: late 19th – early 20th century
MATERIALS: metal, cut steel, cord
DESCRIPTION:
A pair of hatpins from the late 19th or early 20th centuries.
#1 cut steel hatpin measures 8 ins h x 1¼ (20 x 3 cm)
#2 fancy cord hat pin measures 7½ ins h x 2 ins w (19 x 5 cm)
The collage picture shows the huge hats of the period which these accessories were designed to ornament and secure.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Hatpins reached a peak of popularity between the 1890s and 1920s. Music hall actresses like Lillian Russell and Lillian Langtry fueled the popularity of large elaborate hats which were often ornately decorated with bows, ribbons and feathers. Having originated in the 1850s to secure straw hats, hatpins became longer and more ornate over time. 1910 was the height of hatpin length, with the stems alone reaching 10 to 12 inches.
From a utilitarian beginning the hatpin developed into an object of great artistry and beauty. Many high end hatpins were made by jewelers of brass, copper, sterling silver, gold, or gold or silver wash. Those in the Art Nouveau style or matched pairs are particularly valued by todays collectors.