Late 19th/Early 20th C. European Millinery Hat Stretcher C.1890-1920

ABOUT

An original wooden hat stretcher with iron screw mechanism dating from the late 19th/early 20th century. It is made in two halves, with an adjustable screw to either push apart or pull together the two halves.

CREATOR Unknown. Europe.
DATE OF MANUFACTURE c.1890-1920.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES Wood, Iron.
CONDITION Good. Wear consistent with age and use. The two halves are slightly loose.
DIMENSIONS H 12 in. W 12 in. D 7 in.

HISTORY

In millinery, ‘blocking’ is the process of shaping material onto a mold to form the body of the hat. Hat blocks are the molds used in this process. They are usually carved from wood, but you can also find aluminum and poly