How do you grade vintage condition?

We use a standard condition scale: Fair, Good, Very Good, and Mint. Most pieces fall in the Very Good range, showing only minor wear from age and careful use. Each product description includes detailed notes.

What are your shipping and return policies?

Orders ship within five business days. International buyers are responsible for duties and taxes. Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery—please notify us within 10 days of receipt. Buyer pays return shipping, and we do not charge a restocking fee. Full details appear on our Shipping & Returns page.

How can I shop more vintage items like this?

You can browse more items from this same category directly on our website. Every piece is authentic and one-of-a-kind.

How can I hear about new arrivals and special offers?

Join our list for $10 off your next purchase, plus first notice of new vintage finds, sales, and styling tips from Madge’s Hatbox.

What was Smith & Welton?

Smith & Welton was a Virginia department store chain headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia. Founded in 1890 as Lawrence & Welton in Portsmouth, the company became known for fashion, accessories, and quality service. Its downtown Norfolk flagship store, opened in 1917, served generations of shoppers before the chain closed in 1991.

Vintage Smith Welton Hatbox

With its crisp green trim, elegant script logo, and braided cord handle, this vintage Smith & Welton hatbox offers a charming piece of Southern retail history and the golden age of department store millinery.

Hat Box Details

Vintage Smith & Welton Hatbox from the famed Norfolk, Virginia. department store chain.
Shiny cream paperboard with glossy green trim, matching lid, and green silk rope handle.
A handsome piece of mid-century retail ephemera, likely dating to the 1950s. Use it for hat storage, vanity organization, craft supplies, scarves, jewelry, or simply as fabulous decorative storage with vintage department store charm.
Matching vinyl strap.
Perfect for a small or tall hat.
Works great for storing wigs.

VINTAGE CONDITION

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ABOUT SMITH & WELTON

This vintage Smith & Welton hatbox comes from the famed Virginia department store chain headquartered in Norfolk. Founded as Lawrence & Welton in Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1890, the company expanded into one of southeastern Virginia’s best-known department store retailers. Renamed Smith & Welton in the 1890s, the business moved its flagship store to downtown Norfolk in 1917, where it became a longtime shopping destination for fashion, accessories, and home goods. Additional stores opened across Virginia before the chain ultimately closed in 1991 following several difficult financial years.

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.