ONE OF A KIND JACK MCCONNELL WIDE BRIM GRAY FELT HAT + LARGE FEATHER WINGS

This is a ONE OF A KIND Jack McConnell wide brim hat made of beautiful dove gray felt. The brim is designed so it stands up at one side. There are two large feather wings in creme and tan colors. A band made of the same tan feathers adorns the round crown. This is one of his own creations proven by the red feather attached to the bottom of the label. Jack McConnell (1916-2007) Pursued acting career in New York City - he specialized in southern accents for radio shows. He served three years in the Coast Guard during World War II. While stationed at Staten Island, he was dating a woman who was a hat designer. He decided to try making a hat himself and succeeded. He went into millinery designing and learned by making model hats for Laddie Northridge, an acclaimed milliner. At one time he was referred to as the "King of Millinery". He designed hats for movie stars such as Joan Crawford and Lana Turner. If a hat bears the label "Styled by Jack McConnell New York" it is a one of a kind McConnell original, designed by Jack McConnell. A red feather would have been pinned under these labels. This hat is ONE OF A KIND!! This is an authentic piece of fashion history! This hat is in wonderful vintage condition & has been lovingly preserved among over 1300 vintage hats we have collected for 40+ years. Feathers, straw, flowers & veils are fragile, given their age. Mannequin not for sale.