Kentucky Derby 26 Days Away
Source: Library of Congress, “….back view of well-dressed women wearing hats, one holding an umbrella, seated in bleachers at Kentucky Derby race course.” Photo by Toni Frissell, May 1954.
From the stage, my aunt was easy to spot in the audience.
The occasion was my high school graduation, and Aunt May was the only woman wearing a hat. It was a big, floppy black one that she’d paired with Mom’s (May’s older sister) high school prom dress. As usual, May wore sky-high heels with her retro ensemble. She was about 27 years old, and I knew for certain that May hung the moon.
Aunt May in her hat…it’s one of my favorite memories of her.
Kentucky Derby Hats and Such
With the need for Easter bonnets wrapped up, I’ve been thinking about Kentucky Derby hats.
This year’s derby – the 152nd running – is on May 2. (It’s always held the first Saturday in May.)
For resellers and artists, the Kentucky Derby presents a variety of opportunities. Think derby parties with mint juleps, horse-themed decor, or even burgoo (stew with beef, chicken and pork).
There’s also hats. Lots of hats.
When I searched Etsy for Kentucky Derby hat, plenty of listings came up. One that I found especially lovely is offered by PLCCollections.
The price for this vintage pillbox hat from the 1950s is $38 plus shipping. Understated elegance…Kentucky Derby hat perfection.
Source: Etsy/ PLCCollections
Hats at Auction
When I checked HiBid for upcoming auctions of Kentucky Derby hats, only one listing popped up. Kudos to Taylor Auction in West City, IL, for using “Kentucky Derby hat” in their description of this elegant white-and-silver head topper.
It’s Lot# 1874. As of press time, there were no bids. Opening bid is $2.50. The auction starts closing at 5:00 pm on April 16. Broker’s premium is 18%.
Source: HiBid/ Taylor Auction (West City, IL)
Pilgrim Hats, But Not Those Kind
The next three pics are from Silver Key Auction Solutions in Meyersdale, PA.
They’re offering this oh-so-cool vintage Pilgrim hat box with six vintage hats (Lot#175). We’re pretty far out from the auction date, but I was surprised to see no bids at press time. Whaaat?
You can open bidding for just $1. Auction starts closing at 7:00 pm on April 22, and the broker’s fee is 14%.
If that timing doesn’t work for this year’s Kentucky Derby resales, there appears to be a steady demand for vintage women’s hats.
It’s good to know there are Aunt Mays carrying on the fabulousness of hat wearing….
Source: HiBid/ Silver Key Auction Solutions (Meyersdale, PA)
Source: HiBid/ Silver Key Auction Solutions (Meyersdale, PA)
Source: HiBid/ Silver Key Auction Solutions (Meyersdale, PA)
NOTE: Sellers/ businesses mentioned here are selected by me. They have something that interests me and, hopefully, interests my readers. Etta’s Etceteras does not accept requests to be featured and does not accept revenue from advertising, affiliate links, etc.
I’d be honored if you drop by my Etsy vintage goods shop at http://www.EttasEtceteras.Etsy.com.
As always, thanks for reading.
Etta's Etceteras 