Item Specifics:
• Era: 1930s-1940s (WWII Era)
• Material: 100% Wool Felt / Grosgrain Ribbon
• Color: Solid Black
• Style: Tilt Hat / Cocktail Hat / Doll Hat
• Provenance: Paramount Studios Wardrobe Department
• Theme: Hollywood Golden Age / Film Noir
Description:
Direct from the legendary Paramount Studios Costume Department, this authentic piece of Hollywood history is a stunning example of late 1930s to early 1940s millinery.
This black wool felt Tilt Hat features a sculptural, asymmetrical crown that was designed to be worn perched at an angle. It is accented with three unique, hand-folded grosgrain ribbon "pom-pom" tassels that dangle elegantly from the side. My mannequin’s hairstyle and size made it difficult to place the hat properly, it should be tilted a little more.
Authenticity & Construction:
• Includes the original Paramount Studios wardrobe label/stamp (see photos).
• Constructed of high-quality, stiffened wool felt with a grosgrain ribbon inner band.
• Hand-finished details typical of studio-made or studio-altered costume pieces.
Condition:
Excellent vintage condition. The felt remains deep black and holds its shape beautifully. No major holes, odors, or significant wear to the ribbon accents. Please note that as a "Tilt" style, this is a small-form hat meant to sit atop the head rather than fit over the crown.
Approximate Measurements: One size fits most
Background on Collection
About 17 years ago Paramount Studios decided to liquidate a great deal of their wardrobe department. Pieces that had been in their collection since their inception in 1912 were being sold off. We acquired as much as we could. Some had actresses names sewn in them, others we were able to identify from watching Paramount films, but they were all unique and special because of their heritage. You can see pics of some of the items we discovered below. We sold a few (the Vera-Ellen hat from the movie White Christmas now sits in the Rosemary Clooney museum in Augusta, Kentucky) but most we have kept in climate-controlled storage. It has come time to part with some of them so we have decided to put some of the vintage hats up for sale on eBay. These hats are amazing, most in very good condition and date from the 1910s to the 1950s (possibly older). These hats have all the style and high fashion you would expect from vintage Hollywood. They aren't just film noir style hats, they were probably actually used in a film noir movie. Some are famous Hollywood designer created hats with their labels, others could have been made in-house by Paramount designers. Some hats we have been able to identify who wore them, but most we were not. Keep in mind, studios only supplied wardrobe to principle players, others had to bring their own clothes. We do also know that they would often re-use wardrobe in multiple films as we have found pieces worn by different actresses in different movies. CHECK OUT MY OTHER LISTINGS.
About the Paramount stamp/markings
Paramount Pictures Hollywood, U.S.A. - gold/blue stamp, one of the originals found on older items
Property of Paramount Pictures Corp. Ladies Wardrobe - gold/blue stamp, one of the originals found on older items
Sewn Paramount label - was used more often in wardrobe than hats
PARAMOUNT - a stamp that seems to appear more in the 50s and on, an older item could still have this stamp if it was re-stamped.
PAR - handwritten in black ink
BB - handwritten in black ink (not sure of significance)