Millinery Appraisal

Harrods Millinery Styles 1909 Decorative Tin

This item is an octagonal-shaped decorative tin, likely made of tinplate or a similar light metal, featuring a historical fashion illustration on its lid. The predominant colors are a muted green for the border and a cream/light beige for the central illustration area. The illustration depicts a woman in profile wearing a large, elaborate hat, indicative of early 20th-century millinery styles. Her hair appears reddish-brown, and she is adorned in a blue garment with a patterned back. Text on the lid reads "Millinery Styles" at the top, "1909" to the left of the woman's shoulder, and "Harrods Knightsbridge" at the bottom, identifying the retailer and suggesting the tin commemorates a specific era or event. The border of the lid features an intricate, somewhat ornate pattern, adding to its decorative appeal. The overall condition appears to be good for its age, though some slight wear or patina might be present on the edges and surface, consistent with an older item. Specifically, there are minor scuffs and some discoloration, particularly visible on the green border and the corner edges, but no major dents or significant damage are discernible from the image. The tin would have originally served as packaging for confectioneries, biscuits, or other goods sold at Harrods, a renowned department store. Its design reflects the Art Nouveau or Edwardian aesthetic popular around the stated year of 1909. The craftsmanship appears to be typical of mass-produced decorative tins from that period, relying on lithography for the detailed image and a basic metal construction for its form. It possesses a nostalgic charm and serves as a historical artifact related to fashion and retail history.