Go full Kate Winslet in Titanic in this opulent antique Merry Widow hat.
Vintage Edwardian Hat Details
- Another one of our extraordinary Paris flea market finds.
- Circa 1907 Edwardian hat
- This style is dubbed as “The Merry Widow” from the popular operetta by Music by Franz Lehár starring Ethel Jackson
- Wide gray straw brim.
- Voluminous Gray fabric crown.
- Brown hatband, bow, and over-veiling.
- Large ostrich plumes complete the look.
- The rich brown and gray make this hat truly special.
- A one-of-a-kind collector’s item.
- Please see the condition report above. Minor holes on the back of the brim are shown in the final hat photo.

WHAT IS A MERRY WIDOW HAT
A Merry Widow hat is a large, dramatic, wide-brimmed hat that became a sensation in the Edwardian era, around 1907–1912. It takes its name from the 1905 operetta The Merry Widow by Franz Lehár, which inspired a fashion craze after the musical’s leading lady appeared wearing an enormous picture hat trimmed with feathers.
The hat, a fashion sensation of the Edwardian era around 1907 to 1912, was characterized by its enormous wide brim—often reaching up to eighteen inches—and a slightly upturned or softly drooping shape. Its crown was typically low or moderately high, sometimes domed, and the entire creation was lavishly adorned with ostrich plumes, artificial flowers, lace, ribbons, or layers of tulle. Usually made of straw or felt and sometimes covered in silk or velvet for formal occasions, the hat was designed to be worn tipped forward over the eyes for a dramatic, feminine effect. As the epitome of early twentieth-century extravagance, the Merry Widow hat quickly became both a status symbol and a must-have accessory for fashionable society women.

HOW TO MEASURE YOUR HAT SIZE
HOW TO FIND YOUR HAT SIZE
- Pull a fabric tape measure or length of string around your head just slightly above the ear, across the mid-forehead, completely circling your head.
- Hold the tape firmly, but not too tightly. You are measuring your head exactly where the hat will sit in either inches or centimeters.
- If your measurement falls between sizes, choose the next largest size.
- Then buy a fabulous vintage hat from Madge
SEE OUR HAT SIZING CHART
SHOP MORE VINTAGE HATS
SHIPPING & RETURNS
We ship items within five business days. Occasionally, there might be shipping delays. If this occurs, we will promptly notify you.
Clothing and accessories ship via USPS Priority Mail, UPS, or FedEx, selecting the best option based on price and insurance. Jewelry ships either First Class or Priority. For overseas orders, we use International First Class. Please refer to our Shipping Information for detailed rates.
International buyers are responsible for all customs duties. PLEASE NOTE: Starting July 1, 2021, EU members will incur VAT taxes based on the specific country’s tax rates during importation.
We know you may be wary about buying vintage items. If so, we do offer returns. If you receive vintage pieces and are dissatisfied or if the item doesn’t fit, please inform Madge of your return request within 10 days of receiving the merchandise. You must return the items within 30 days after notifying us.
You can find our complete Return Policy here. If you have further questions after reading, please call or text (404) 850-1757.
SIGN UP FOR SPECIALS & DISCOUNTS
Photos copyright © 2025 Madge’s Hatbox Vintage. Join our Facebook group, Mad About Vintage, for weekly specials.