ROBERT HEATH Antique Ladys Straw Hat, England, ca. 1899

Robert Heath Antique Ladies’ Straw Hat, England, ca. 1899 – Victorian Era Fashion

This elegant antique ladies’ straw hat, dating to around 1899, is a rare and beautifully preserved example of Victorian fashion accessories from England. Crafted by the prestigious London hatmaker Robert Heath, the hat bears a gold-colored imprint inside reading: “By Royal Warrants To Her Majesty THE QUEEN And The Royal Family – Robert Heath – 37 & 39 Knightsbridge, S.W.”

The reference to “Her Majesty The Queen” indicates Queen Victoria, who passed away in 1901, confirming that this hat was produced and worn during the final years of the Victorian era. As such, it holds significant historical and stylistic value, representing the refined taste of late 19th-century British millinery.

Designed for streetwear or formal outings, this Victorian straw hat features a wide, slightly oval brim and a shallow crown, measuring approximately 40 × 45 cm in diameter, with a head circumference of ~51 cm and a crown height of ~7.5 cm. It is adorned with a black silk ribbon, a classic embellishment that adds contrast and elegance to the natural straw texture.

The hat is in very good original condition, showing minimal signs of age. The straw remains intact and well-shaped, and the silk ribbon retains its color and form. Its preservation makes it a rare find for collectors of antique British fashion, Victorian millinery, or royal warrant accessories.

Robert Heath was a distinguished hatmaker whose shop in Knightsbridge, London catered to the Royal Family and the upper echelons of society. Items bearing his name and royal endorsement are highly collectible, especially when linked to Queen Victoria’s reign.

This hat is more than a fashion item—it is a piece of Edwardian transition history, bridging the ornate elegance of the Victorian period with the emerging modernity of the 20th century. A true gem for anyone passionate about historic costume, royal fashion, or antique millinery design.