WELCOME to HAPPY TO BE...This is a blog about my love of Antiques, My family, humor, as humor keeps us laughing and my every Day life...I hope you enjoy your visit...Please leave me a comment to let me know you Came by so I can visit with you Thank You !!...Hugs and Smiles, Gl♥ria

February 8, 2010

~HATS OFF~

Hey girls...Get your coffee or favorite drink of choice while I bore you once again with yet another collection....These might look like just little hat boxes to you....But they are Gift Certificate's....Yes you hear me right....I started collecting these about 15 years ago I just thought they were the cutest little things.... BRIEF HISTORY:
In the good old days, when a man wasn't considered dressed without a hat, it made a great gift for Dad, Grandpa, Great Uncle, or any other man in your life. But Mom wouldn't pick out the hat Dad would actually wear, any more than she would trust him to pick out HER chapeau. She would go to the haberdashery (a fancy word for a men's clothing store) and select the brand, type and price level of his gift. She paid for the gift certificate, and went home with a darling little hat in a darling little hatbox, and wrapped it up for Father's Day...or Christmas/Hanukah/Kwanza...or his Birthday. Having received his gift, Dad then had the pleasure of visiting the haberdasher to be fitted for his personal selection of headgear, handing over the certificate to complete the purchase. The darling little mini-hat in the darling little mini-hatbox, might end up in the kids' toy box, to be worn by a favorite doll or Teddy bear, or it might just be put away in a drawer. (Needless to say, collectors pray for the latter, since those can turn up in mint condition.)Most often, the certificate would be for a specific brand of hat, not for just any hat in the store. Hat manufacturers competed to offer their merchandise in miniature. minis from Adam, Biltmore, Cavanagh, Champ, Churchill, Dobbs, Evans, Kennedy, Knox, Lee, Mallory, Resistol and Stetson. . The heyday of Gift Certificate Premiums seems to have been from the 1930's to the 1950's.








This is one of my favorite Stetson hats....It came with a little gift card for Dad....This hat is Green felt and with a Red feather on it...

Is this not the cutest little Christmas hat box


A Grey bowler hat with box from Knox Hats....



See you could write on the top of these to give as gifts....


This one reminds me of a Pilgrims box...but the Hat is Brown felt....




This is the only ceramic one I have found so far...Love it top Hat

This is the inside of the Hat....Pretty fancy



Now this reminds me of BJ of "Sweet Nothings" as her son is a hat maker and makes these kind of hats...A cowboy Hat



Oh and don't forget my Bing Crosby Hat ha ha!! this one is straw


This is a plastic one

Another cowboy hat....

Here's my whole collection to date of mini hats and boxes...I have 15 in all the last one I bought was in 1999 as I really have ran out of room here....also it's hard to find them in good condition any more without paying top $$ for them....
Now if I haven't bore you too much I would like to ask a question is there anything you would like to see in the way of Antiques ??? Crocks, Kitchen stuff, furniture, bed pans, condoms from world war 1, (yes I do have those not used of course ha ha) men's shaving and women's beauty items, slots machines, Rubber tire ashtrays, I really would love to show you what I do have and give you a brief history on them...I have many collections...but I need you to tell me what you would like to see...So please leave a comment and let me know what you would like to see and I will try my best to show it to you...Or if you don't want to see anymore Please tell me to Stop with the Antiques, it's up to you....
Thanks for coming by and letting me be silly again with my stuff....
Until next time from my mountain to yours,



49 comments:

The Muse said...

Gloria...I have never seen those...!
What a truly unique collection...:)
I bet the hunt for them is part of the fun ... !

Glenda/MidSouth said...

Great collection! You have really been able to get some in great shape. I enjoy seeing your collections. Share what you want to share with us.
Glenda

Anonymous said...

Hi Gloria. Cool collection. I'd never heard of such a thing. I do know you couldn't catch my grandpa going anywhere without a hat, even into the 1980's when he passed away. I'd like to see some Victorian old dresses. Ladies hats would be cool, too, if you have any. My great grandma was still wearing the long Victorian dresses into the 1960's. Thanks for asking, but you've been showing stuff I never heard of before, and I've been thrilled with it. Take care, Rosie

Teresa @ Grammy Girlfriend said...

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Teresa

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Tardevil said...

What a cool collection, Gloria! I've never seen one of those. If you collect glassware, I'd love to see that.

shanemoma said...

I want to see everything!! I'm living in Germany right now and am going to start going to some of the antique stores on the economy. I have no idea what to look for or what is really valuable so I just buy what I love. I'm learning so much from your blog. Please share it all!!

Sue said...

I have never seen these...they are so cute...I almost hope I don't see one for sale...I would want it!

Sue

ksarra said...

Hi Happy, this collection is fascinating! I think you should pick what you will show. I LOVED seeing this, and would never have thought to ask to see it since I didn't even know there was such a thing. Thanks for sharing your home and your heart with us! Today's post brought back such wonderful memories of my sweet PawPaw and his "Sunday" hat!!!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Good Morning Gloria,
what a wonderful post! I love the hat boxes and I bet they are quite expensive now. I love all your posts and would love to see everything you listed, especially the condom collection! hehe. Hugs, Cindy

Unknown said...

Incredible! What a darling collection. I have never seen these before. Thank you so much for sharing and telling! How fun!

Have a great day!

~Liz

onlymehere said...

Condoms from WWI? You give a person new things to think about that's for sure, lol! I've never seen such things as these cute mini hats! You have an amazing collection of everything. I've decided if I can't find something anywhere else I can certainly find it here!

Madeline's Album said...

This is the most unusual and interesting post. I have never heard of gift certificates for men's hats in this most unique way. I truly did enjoy this post. Have a blessed day and continue your showing us your antiques maybe something in vintage womens clothing.

The Stylish House said...

Gloria,
This is an absolutely fascinating post! I love learning about interesting things like this, thank you for sharing!
Cathy

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Gloria, I just want to see everything. It is all so fascinating.
Now for the little hat boxes, I have never seen them before and didn't know they even existed, but I absolutely adore them all. My dad always wore a hat and it was always definitely a Stetson. This was such a fun post. Thanks. Hugs, Marty

Carrie said...

What a unique collection...I too have never heard of these. Thanks for sharing them. The photos are great!

Kathysue said...

gloria these are amazing I have never seen or heard of these before, You have so many unique collections and you are a wealth of information. Love this post. I love the stetson box. My grandfather was a Marshall/Sherrif in a little town in Arkansas and he wore a white Stetson, He was a tall good looking man so the Stetson made him look pretty impressive. Thanks for sharing your wealth of information. I like information about items used in Victorian times that are no longer used or needed, especially table setting pieces or the pickle containers, would love to know more about those and the condiment holder. Loved this post,Kathysue

Jan said...

Oh Gloria,

What a charming collection! I always like to learn something new, thank you for sharing the history.
It was truly an interesting post.

Have a blessed day!

Blessings,
Jan

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Never ever heard of this! My grandpa wore hats all the time...but never knew this...
It is fine Gloria to keep showing your antiques. I just will get my prescription refilled and I will be fine with the hysteria...really I will!

Justine said...

Well gee, what would I like to see out of the list you gave us. Hmmmm... I can't imagine...

CONDOMS!!!!!!!!!!

I have never heard of these little gc hat boxes but what a perfect idea for the then-well-dressed man!!! I remember my grandfather always wore a hat... at least back in the 70s. It would be a neat trend to come back, don't you think?

Justine :o )

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

Hi Gloria, What a neat post! I love old hats and use to collect them back in the early nineties, when they were much cheaper! I didn't know about the boxes being gift certificates! I enjoyed this post!!! :) ~hugs, Rhonda


PS...Love your collection, too!

Terry said...

Don't change a thing. I love to see your collections!!! Since I have been in love with antiques ever since I was a little girl, your blog shows me things I never ran across in all my "treasure hunts".

Carole Burant said...

Well I've learned something new today because I'd never heard of these little boxes with hats, how very fascinating!! How very special that you even have some from the days your own dad received them. I remember my own dad always wearing his hat whenever he went out:-) I have a few pictures of him wearing it, I should take them out one day and post them on my blog.

I could never get tired of seeing your antique collections, I so love things like that. You show whatever you want to show, I'll be only too happy to admire them:-) xoxo

bj said...

O, Gloria...I have never, in my whole entire long life, seen or even heard of these. They are just precious! A wonderful collection.
So glad you posted them...and YES..I want to see more of your collections. AND where you store or display things like these little hats and boxes...:)
xo bj

Heidi said...

Hi Gloria,
Oh you made me smile today. I have never seen anything at all like that hat collection. I love it, those hats are adorable, and the boxes are so cute.You explained the collection really well, it as very interesting! Please don't stop showing the antiques. I'd love to see more. The women's beauty products sound kind of cool,...but I'm sure whatever you've got will be good!
XO
Heidi - Heart and Home

Heather said...

wow, i love these hats and boxes! what a fun collection.
i want to see all your collections! i think you should continue to show us something new each week :)

Gypsy Heart said...

These are darling! Of course, Stetson and Resistol are very well known in Texas ~ especially around Ft. Worth, "Cowtown". :-) Love seeing a well dressed cowboy with a knock out hat.

Share what you want to my friend. I'd love to see kitchen items as I love to cook.

Much love * healing sent your way,

Dawn said...

Gloria, this is something I've never seen! I especially love the Stetson boxes and cowboy hats. Hubby always wore a cowboy hat when he was younger. He wears a baseball cap nowdays and there are still people who will come up and say "I didn't recognize you without your cowboy hat".

I would love to see your crocks and I know hubby would love to see the slots. We've got some crocks from the Merced Pottery Company from the 1920's.
Hugs,
Dawn

9405018--Pat said...

Gloria, great collection ..I've never seen hat boxes, like this absolutely wonderful....thanks for sharing...Pat H

Unknown said...

Oh, gosh!, Gloria ~ I do remember the men with hats on at all times. Beautiful collection!

I still have my g'pas shaving soap in his mug ... hard as a rock now, tho.

Isn't it fun owning these things?

Love your memories.

Happy Valentine's
Have a beautiful week!
Hugs, Marydon

Manuela@A Cultivated Nest said...

I can always count on you to teach me something new! I had no idea! What a charming way to present a gift. What a wonderful collection - you have the neatest things!

Manuela

Anonymous said...

Hi Gloria! Oh, these are just the cutest things! I've never seen this before. I love seeing anything you want to show, Gloria! You have so many pretties! Hope you're feeling better.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Gloria,

I adore your hat collection and the boxes ~ how wonderful.
I love seeing any of your Antique collection, all very interesting and great to see, thank you.

Hugs
Carolyn

Melissa Miller said...

Those are so cool! I have never heard of this before. I'll have to show Alex this post. Precious!

Melissa Miller said...

How do you store everything in your home? Are you worried about damage from the air or sunlight to the antiques?

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Hi ya cutie, how ya doing? Has your ear healed up from being on the phone the other night? lol... girl I have never seen anything like these. What treasures! These are just as cute as they can be. Can you imagine receiving one when they were sent??? hugs darling... ~lynne~

PAT said...

Gloria this is the neatest collection! I love it!

Lottie said...

You asked the question of what I would like to see??? I am trying to furnish a house built in 1907. It is not Victorian, but more Romanesque? My ceilings are 14 ft high with picture rails and plaster walls. What type of furniture would go with that time period?

Thank you, Lottie
PS A picture of the homeplace I am trying to restore is on my blog
http://mybluecottage.blogspot.com

Cottage Rose said...

Hi Gloria: Gosh I love seeing all your wonderful collection,, and would never ask you to stop... I am a nut over vintage old ladies hand bags dress'y or every day... so if you have any I would love to see and hear about them...... love the hats, I have never come across any, loved the history behind them...

Hugs;
Alaura

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

You never bore me with your posts!! These mini hat boxes are soooo neat, I've never seen them before! Thanks to telling us all about them!

Keep coming with your great collections, I enjoy them so!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Katherine

xinex said...

Hi Gloria! Keep showing us your antiques. I really enjoy them and I learn so much from your posts. Do you have any flow blue dinnerware? Your hat and boxes are such a neat collection. I remember my dad having a Stetson hat in a box and when I went to IL. to see my sister, I asked her if she has it but we could not find it. I wanted to have it. Thanks for stopping by and for the congratulatory note. Mom and baby are doing fine. I just posted pics on my blog....Christine

Cass @ That Old House said...

Oh Gloria, those little hat and hatboxes are amazing. I have never seen anything like them! I can't believe what wonderful condition they are in; clearly the Dads and husbands who got those "gift certificates" treasured them. How wonderful.

My grandfather got a new Stetson straw boater hat every May!

And I would love to see anything you have collected! As for the antique condom collection, bring it on!

I hope you are well -- I'm doing OK, watching our latest snow storm wind down. Beautiful, but I'm ready for spring, for many reasons.

Cass

Dawn said...

Thanks for the sweet comments at Mona's, Gloria. You gals all had me crying. Amazing what friendships can be formed through blogging. I'm so grateful for all of you!
Hugs,
Dawn

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Oh my goodness Gloria, I am taking a walk down memory lane right now.
My Mom used to buy my Dad hats and shoes. And, the men's store would always give her one of those little boxes. Did you know there are some with shoes too? I'm sure you do. I wish I would have saved his. Darn.
I love your collection. And, I say show us whatever makes you happy and I know you will hit the spot.

hugs
Sissie

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Mornin' Sis...

Just read your note, Darlin'! Ohhh no...I was so hoping that you were feeling better by now! I'm so sorry to hear that you're still feeling bad! Girl, I caught this nasty chest cold that Russell has had...I'm feeling pretty rough! I had to pull out the nebulizer and start treatments! Please pray for me and I'll do the same for you, Sweetie!!!

Well now...on to a cheerier subject! Hehe! Girlfriend, I just stand in awe at your fabulous antique collections...seriously!!! I have never, ever...seen these darling little hat coupon boxes with the miniature hats! I've never seen or heard of them before and they are soooo awesome!!! They would be so fun to collect...certainly can see why you enjoy collecting them! They are soooo cute! First of all, I just adore those little boxes...love how they are decorated! Do you have them out somewhere...to use as decoration in your house? Ohhh...and I love, love, LOVE all those adorable little hats!!! You know the first one that you showed of the green felt hat with the red feather? Hehe...Russell bought a green felt hat just like that when we were in Switzerland! He looks too cute in it! Hehe! When he's worn it...I always kid him about needing to get his "yodel" on! Hehe! Anyway...this was just so much fun and sooo very interesting...your hat box and hat collection!!! You know...I want to be just like you when I grow up! And...I AM learning so much!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your fabulous collections with us and writing all about them! I love, love, LOVE reading the history!!! Keep up the good work, sweet friend...I'm loving every minute of it!!!

Now...you were asking for everyone to tell you what they would like to see and hear about...Gloria, I love it all! I'm not picky! Hehe! Just keep it comin', Girl!!! Well Darlin'...you get to feeling better!!! I'm sending you all my love and prayers, dear sweet lady!!!

Love ya,
Chari

Phyllis @Around the House said...

Hi sweetie...I would love it if you would show some depression glass, I have some, not much from my mom in pink yellow and green, fostoria glass is also a favorite or mine, I remember many many years age shopping thrift stores with my mom and looking at glass pieces and she would say "oh thats just that ole fostoria glass" like it was trash, I do love it though, wonder why she always said that..years later she stopped saying that and started collecting that...I love all of your collections and I am never bored and I don't think anyone else is babe, we just keep comin back..take care my friend...Phyllis

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

Good grief, sweet friend of mine!!! Your collections are amazing (I know I've said that before..BUT THEY ARE!) HOW I love hats..and I do have a few hat boxes but not old and wonderful like that!
I think I will take a pic. of me in my COWBOY hat and send it to you..LOL It's my whim hat!!

ONE of these days, I am coming up there to see your home for real! It has to be fantastic. Please take a fontal outdoor picture so we can see! I keep trying to imagine. The inside is fantastic!!
Actually, my outside looks like ..heck. The inside does too..but hey, it's colorful! LOL
Love and hugs!
Mona

More?? :):)

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

What a fascinating collection you have there. It's most unique.

You have a terrifically blessed day sweet one!!!

(Ms.) Shon B. Miller, The Mad Hatter's Tea Party said...

Love your site and am thrilled to see that you correctly describe gift certificate premiums, when most people think of them as salesman samples. If anyone is interested, I'm a vintage clothing dealer--specializing in hats--and in addition to a couple of thousand regular-people sized hats from the 1850's thru the 1970's, I have about 500 of the little ones.
Very best regards,
S.B. Miller

Shon B. Miller, The Mad Hatter's Tea Party Vintage said...

Your blog is delightful. I'm glad to see you know the difference between 'gift certificate premiums' and 'salesman samples'--most people confuse them.
I'm a vintage clothing dealer, specializing in hats, and have a couple of thousand for real size people and about 500 of the little guys.