vintage 1940s ladies Panama hat Gage Brothers Chicago NY millinery
Tropical/ Panama style woven straw hat in cream, by Gage Brothers of New York and Chicago, circa early 1940s vintage. Curved, 3/4 sickle moon brim with three color (sage green, cream, and burnt orange) twisted grosgrain ribbon banding and knotted bow detail at back center. Lightweight and fairly fine straw/ raffia with varied woven patterning throughout the crown and brim. Feels coated/ plasticized, with no losses- almost as if there would be some water repellency. Marked "Genuine Panama"on the interior grosgrain ribbon band, along the Gage label, as shown. Optional black elastic.
Condition is very good- exterior is quite clean save for a couple of tiny specks on the ribbon band. Some darkening to the interior ribbon band, some loss of elasticity to the strap. Really fine considering age and material- I can just see this on a lady adventurer!
Measurements:
Size not marked- interior band measures to approximately 21.5" around- I'm a 22 with no issues and many of the hats from this estate were in the 22- 23 size range, 2.5" front brim depth, approximately 4" depth