Hatpins
Unlike most Carnival patterns, there is little known about the provenance of hatpins. Some are found marked with the word "Geschutzt," which I am told means protected or patented in German. Czechoslovakia is also believed to have been the origin for many.

Metal framed hatpins are probably not old, but are very interesting and add interest to the hatpin genre. They appear to have taken some work and imagination in order to bring the finished product to fruition.

See some history of hatpins by Carl Booker at the bottom of this page.

Note: *Asterisked items are from the collection of Carl and Eunice Booker and the photographs and information are courtesy of them.

Hang onto Your Hats with Hatpins article

Newly reported hatpins Kelly Snyder sent me the following group of hatpins in October, 2018.
Cupid.
Bought in 2018 for $70.
Python Head.
Bought in 2018 for $425. Another sold for $500 in 2021.
Moon/Geometric.
Bought in private sale.
Shell.
Bought on eBay for $41.
Moth
Kelly paid $76 for this hatpin.
More newly reported hatpins
Floral and Jewel.
Also known as Orchid. Sold in 2018 for $475. Another brought $850 in 2020.
Four Leaf Clover and Jewel.
The clovers (around the edge) are painted. Sold in 2018 for $225
Nugget.This hatpin in dark glass sold in 2018 for $120. Others sold in 2019 for $110 and in 2021 for $140. Scarab. This miniature hatpin was listed as Victorian when it sold in 2018 for $110. Snake Head and Flowers This lavender hatpin sold in 2018 for $400. Pyramid and Fine Beads.
From the collection of Carl and Eunice Booker.
Triangle Black Beetle. 1 1/2 inches long: another version is 1 inch long. Sold in 2019 for $25. Four Leaf Clover
Blue, rhinestone center. Sold in 2019 for $500.
Longitude & Lines,
$200 (2020)
Pinwheel & Beads,
$400 (2020)
Rosebud, in red opaque, $220 (2020) Sombrerro, sold in 2020 for $350
Pretty
That's the name given to this one when it sold in 2021 for $160.
Three Flowers with Ribbon
Copper colored iridescence. $275 in 2021.
Stars and Waves. $220 in 2022. Round Horsefly
$3,900 in 2022.
Good Luck
$50 in 2022.

   Hatpin Listing
Banded Berry Cluster. Known by several other names including Grape Cluster. Found mostly in lavender. One sold in 2010 for $135, another in 2011 for $90. One sold for $55 in 2015. In 2018, another brought $160. Banded Criss Cross or just Criss Cross. In purple, one sold in 2012 for $110, another in 2014 for $90. In 2015 one brought $100. In 2018 an example sold for $70. In 2019 one brought $70.In 2020 one sold for $90. Banded Flower. One in amber brought $50 in 2012. In 2016 another in amber, lightly iridized, brought $80 and one in lavender sold for $120. In 2017, an amber pin sold for $65. Another lavender sold in 2020 for $40. Bars and Beads. Sell in the $35 to $60 range. In 2018, a dark example sold for $75. In 2019, two sold for $65 and $70. In 2021 sold for $30, $45, $50 and $130. In 2022, a dark pin sold for $30, Basketflower or Sunflower Basket. Has bluish irides- cence: $25, $40, $55, $85 (all 2012), $55, $75 (both 2014), $55 (2015), $75, $80 (both 2016), $35 (2017), $45 (2019), $40, $45 & $95 (2021), $30, 2022. Basketweave. One brought $125 in 2015 and one sold for $185 in 2016. In 2018 one sold for $110. In 2019 one sold for $40. In 2021, one brought $250.
Beaded Clover. This pretty hatpin is in the collection of Carl and Eunice Booker. Beaded Pinwheel. Also in the collection of Carl and Eunice Booker. One sold in 2011 for $160. Beaded Spiral. Yet another in the collection of Carl and Eunice Booker. Bee on Flower. Known only in dark or purple glass, two sold in 1995 and 1997 for $600 each. Bee on Honeycomb. Not all are iridized. In amber: $75 (2007). Marigold, $85 (2006), blue, $110 (2005), celeste, $65 (2007), sapphire blue, $140 (2006), blue, $75 (2010). Belle. $225 (2017)
$190 (2018).
$155, $250 (2019)
$195, $200 (2020), $45, $90 and $125 (2021)
Big Butterfly, also called Egyptian Butterfly. One of the most common. $25 to $50. Bird of Paradise. An exotic and very desirable hatpin. One sold for $2,000 in 2001 and another in 2016 for $3,300. Bird on Wheat. May have a different name, but this is what it was named in the Jerry Reynolds book. Black glass,
1 7/8 inches long and 7/8 inches wide. Booker collection.*
Border Path. Often called Squares and Triangles: $50 (2013), $55 (2014), $120 (2015), $55 (2016), $80 (2017). $110 (2019), $50, $60, $80. (2020.)
$25, $35, (2021)
Border Path variant. Similar to Border Path. One sold for $120 in 2015. In 2018, one sold for $95. $70 in 2020. In 2021 one sold for $60. In 2022 they brought $20 and $60. Bubbles. This one sold for $450 in 1995. One brought $75 in 2016 and another $75 in 2017.
Butler's Mirror. Some call it Greek Key because of the pattern around the edge. In 2018, one sold for $60. In 2020, two sold for $10 and $15. In 2021 they solld for $20 an $30. Cane. This example was photographed while in a private collection. The only sale I have reported was for $325 in 2001. Cherries. Quite scarce and very desirable. Sold in 2011 for $350 and 2013 for $300. In 2017 one sold for $300. In 2019 two sold for $100 each. In 2021, $300. In 2022, $425. Circle Delight. In 2018 two sold for $65 and $105. In 2020 a blue iriidized pin sold for $90 and a green iridized for $120. In 2021, a dark example sold for $70. Concentric Circles. These are said not to be iridized. In 2006, an amber brought $225. And in 2007, one in green sold for $30. In 2018, a lavender sold for $50. Coolie Hat. When viewed from the side these look like the shapes of the traditional Chinese hats. $20 to $40.
Cupid (metal framed). This pin is 1 1/2 inches in diameter. The figure (Cupid) is mounted on a disk of gold iridescent material. Booker collection.* Daybreak. Similar to Sun's Up, but smaller. Sold in 2003 for $500. in 2021 one in black and gold sold for $60. In 2922, one sold for $15. Deep Cut Twist. On black glass and measures 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Brilliant iridescence with many facets. Age questionable. Booker collection.* Diamond Backed Beetle. This hatpin, with a small chip on the side, sold for $775 in 2016. Another brought $550 in 2017. In 2021, one brought $3,500. Diamond and Oval. This pattern has a diamond superimposed over an oval base. It's in a private collection. Dimples and Brilliants. A dark dimpled center surrounded by rhinestones: prices vary widely but tend to be between $90 and $160. A moonstone sold for $350 in 2021.
Dinner Ring. Named after a simi- lar button pattern. This one brought $550 in 2003 though another brought just $155 the same year. One sold for $100 in 2011 and another in 2017 for $275. Another sold in 2021 for $60. Dogwood. There are several similar designs called Dogwood. This one has gold decoration: $35 (2007), $95 (2010), $190 (2014), $200 (2015). $225 (2018). $275 (2020.) Dots and Panels (not sure about this name). Dark with beautiful blue iridescense. Sold for $105 in 2014. In 2020, one sold for $365. Double Crown. These brownish hatpins are worth $40 to $60. Dragonflies. An intriguing design but very common. Sell for between $30 and $60 though three sold for $75, $120 and $225 in 2021. In 2022, one brought $60.

Hartung Book Eight: Bumblebees.

Dragonfly. Appears to be newer due to its bright blue finish. The dragonfly is quite nice and clear. On black glass and measures 1 1/8 nch in diameter. Booker collection.*
Elegance. There are two sizes, the largest 1 5/8 inch diameter. $70 (2010), $45 (2012), $100 (2014), $30, $200 (2015). $110, 130, 275 (both 2018), $140 (2019), $65, $225 (2020). $225, $250 (both 2021) Embroidered Circles. Named for the circular rings: $90 (2003), $95 (2006), $140 (2014). $160 (2018), $250 (2019). $300 (2022). Faceted Butterfly. One of these sold for $475 in 2003. In 2009, an example brought $300. In 2016, one sold for $600. In 2018 one sold for $350. Faceted Circle. This one sold in 2014 for $45. Faceted Dome. Average availability, desirability. Two sold for $15 and $30 in 2012. In 2018, one sold for $80. In 2019 one brought $65. $50 and $85, 2020. $30 and $40 in 2021. Faceted Oval. Rather simple design; one sold for $75 in 2006. One on milk glass sold in $40 in 2007. In 2017 one sold for $40. In 2018, a dark example sold for $75.
Faceted six-sided dome. This pin has a domed, faceted center surrounded by a double circle with a six-sided base. Nice iridescence, on black glass, and is 1 1/4 inches in diameter. Booker collection.* Faceted Squares. This multi-colored pin is on black glass and 1 inch diam- eter. It is covered with squares, thus the name. Booker collection.* One of these sold in 2020 for $70, another in 2021 for $35. Faceted Three-ring Dome. This faceted pin, on black glass, is 1 1/2 inches in diam- eter. The outer ring has no facets, the middle ring has rectangular facets, and the center ring is domed with triangular facets. Booker collection.* Faceted Tiny Prism. This pin is on black glass and is only 7/8 of an inch in diameter. It has a 1/4-inch dome shape with a plain band around the base. Booker collection.* Faceted Triangles. This pin is on black glass and is 1 1/8 inches in diameter. It has good irides- cence. Booker collection.* Faceted with Band. This pin is on clear glass and is only 5/8 inches in diameter. It has a round form with a band around it with many facets, thus the name. It has good iridescence. Booker collection.*
Fancy Beetle. Highly desirable. One sold for $1,000 in 2003 and one for $306 on eBay in 2006. In 2016, an example sold for $475 and in 2017 another sold for $475. In 2019 one sold for $750 Fancy Starburst. This pin appears to be of newer make. It is named for the center pattern. The outer band is quite detailed. On black glass and is 1 1/2 inches by 1 1/4 inches. Booker collection.* One sold in 2018 for $115. Ferris Wheel. This one sold for $500 in 1995. Filigree Flower (metal framed). This pin is 1 1/4 inches in diameter. The metal patterned flower and vine or branch is superimposed over a disk of iridescent material. Booker collection.* One sold in 2021 for $325. Flower Arc. Also called Garden Path. These tend to sell for between $50 and $100.. Flower in Clover. This extraordinary hatpin, in purple and with bright teal iridescense, sold in 2014 for $80. One without specified color sold in 2020 for $425.
Flowered Daisy. In amber, this hatpin sold for $60 in 2016. One in lavender sold for $55 in 2020. Another amber for $275 in 2021. Amber in 2022 for $35. Floral Multicolor (metal framed). This pin measures 1 1/4 inches in diameter. The iridescent disk is mounted in a metal border frame with a flower design. Booker collection.* Floral Spray. Called Two Flowers at the 1993 auction where is brought $235. Another, by the name of Floral Spray, sold in 1998 for $125. Flying Bat. One of the most interesting hatpins with a striking shape: Sell for a wide range of prices but tend to fall mostly between $100 and $200.

Hartung Book Eight: Flying Bat.

Framed Rainbow (metal framed style). This pin is 1 1/4 inches in diam- eter. It has a plain iridescent disk mounted in a metal frame. Booker collection.* Fuchsia Basket. This is the only one of these I've seen. It sold for $2,100 in 1995. Another in blue sold for $775 in 2016). In 2019 one in blue sold for $850. The Bookers own one in green.
Grape. A lavender hatpin called Grape Clusters sold in 2010 for $70. One in green sold for $225 in 2011. In 2017 green brought $600 and lavender $475. Hearts and Cross. Also known as Four of Hearts: $85 (2014), $190 (2016), $110 (2017). In 2019, one brought $275. In 2020, $70 and $90. In 2021, $50 & $80. In 2022, $40. Horsefly. The only example I've seen, it sold for $1,200 in 2003. Another brought $2,600 in 2021. Jeweled Bug. In red, this pin was given this name at the 2003 auction where it brought $650. Jute Braid. Sometimes called Basketweave variant: $85 (2001), $90 (2002), $275 (2003). $130 (2018).
$110 (2020),
$65 and $130 (2021)
Laurel & Jewel. A rare hatpin in the collection of Carl and Eunice Booker. One sold for $75 in 2021.
Leaf and Veil. A highly desirable hatpin, these often bring between $600 and $750. In 2018, one sold for $325. In 2019, one sold for $575. Lizzard. Owned by Duane and Norma Uusitalo. One of two known. One of these, with a nick on the front, sold for $250 in 2016 and another for $375 the same year. Looped Buckle. This example sold for $200 at a 2003 auction. Lots of Diamonds. One of these sold for $60 at a 2002 auction. Marvelous. A petal center with a ring of rhinestones. This one sold for $500 in 1995. Metal Framed. A flat iridized disk with metal design over that. Five similar pieces sold as a lot for $105 each in 1995. In 1998, five others sold for $10 to $25.
Moire Beetle. Sometimes called Moire Taffeta. Moire is pronounced "mor-ray." Sell in the $30 to $60 range. Nautical. This one had no name when it sold in 1993 for $235. As it has a rope and anchor theme, I've sug- gested this name. The color was described as clambroth. Newt. This small pin appears to be a newer make. It shows what might be a "Newt," thus the name. It is on black glass and is 7/8 of an inch in diameter. Booker collection.* Orchid. Also called Flower and Jewel. One sold in 1994 for $850, another in 1997 for $550. Oval Crisscross Flowers. This pin is in the embroidery style, on black glass, and is 1 1/2 by
1 inch. It may be a new pin, but this is only speculation. Booker collection.*
Oval Prisms. Sold in 2016 for $150.

A similar item, called Faceted Spear Point, sold in 2020 for $160.

Hartung Book Eight: Honeycomb Hatpin.

Owl, Golden.
Blue, $1,600 (2002)
Blue, pastel, $2,800 (2022), Green, $1,100 (1994), $1,200 (2013), Lavender, $900-$1,200, Marigold, $2,100 (1995), Purple, $1,100 (2004 & 2012); $365 (2016). Lime green, $900 (2018). Known in amber and pink.
Owl, Horned. One of these listed as the only one known sold in 1997 for $1,800. Two more sales of the same name were in 2006 for $850 and 2010 for $625. Owl, Horned, Tufted. The beak has two sections and extends almost to the bottom of the pin. It is surrounded by rhinestones and has a metal back. Eyes and beak are painted gold. Courtesy of Sherry Cyza. Owl, Horned, in Metal Frame. This blue owl is in a metal frame. Photographed while in the collection of the late John Britt. Petal-Eyed Owl. This owl hatpin sold for $1,150 in 2012. In 2017 an amber example sold for $1,700. An example listed as dark sold in 2017 for $1,450. Ohters sold for $1,900 and $3,500 in 2021 Owl, Tiny. Less than an inch in diameter, this example sold in 1995 for $350. Another brought $110 in 2007 and in 2020 one sold for $140. In 2021, one brought $225.
Owl in Window. Supposedly a one-of-a-kind piece, this one sold in 2003 for $2,000, but in 2006, a lightly iridized example brought $400. In 2017, a dark example brought $600. Pegasus. This hatpin sold at a Mickey Reichel auction in 2013 for $220. Penstar. Usually with this attractive blue iridescence. In 2007, one brought $140; in 2014 one sold for $130, and in 2015 another sold for $110. In 2019, one sold for $130. $120, 2020. $110 and $180 in 2021. Piazza. A rather busy design that brings $225 to $400 at auction. One sold in 2018 for $275. In 2019, one sold for $275. In 2020, one brought $600. Pinecone and Needles. This pin is on black glass and is 1 1/4 inches in diameter. It has a rather high dome in the center with the height reaching a quarter of an inch. A busy hatpin with nice iridescent colors. Booker collection.* Pinwheel. Appears to be a double square that shows eight points. A beaded background behind the double squares. On black glass, 1 1/4 inches in diameter. Booker collection.*, $25 (2020), $220 (2021)
Pinwheel. Listed as dark, this hatpin sold for $225 in 2017. Pith Helmet. Sold in 2007 for $850. Another, with gold decoration, brought $160 in 2018. Plumes and Buckle. This dark hatpin with blue iridescense was listed as unknown when it sold in 2014, so I've given it this name. It brought $45. In 2017, 2018, 2019, these sold for $250, but $300 in 2020. Propeller. This pin sold at a 1995 auction for $700. In 2018, one by this name sold for $400. In 2019, another sold for $375. In 2020, one brought $315. Rainbow (metal framed). This is a smaller pin meas- uring only 7/8 of an inch in diameter. The iridescent disk is clamped to the metal backing and shows multicolored irides- cence. Booker collection.* Rectangular Diamonds. From the collection of Carl and Eunice Booker. One of these, listed at Faceted Rectangle, sold in 2021 for $450.
Ribbon Triangle.
I have two shown in my database. One sold for $400 in 1996, another for $475 in 2003.
Rooster. Found in a variety of colors and paint themes. Not all will be iridized.
Amber, $25, $125 (2020), $45, $60 (2021), Amethyst, $35 (2001), $50 (2015), $60 & $85 (2020), $50 (2021)
Aqua, $55 (2004), $60 (2021)
Blue, $25-$50,
Celeste, $30-$60
Cobalt, $25, $60 in 2020, $35 in (2021), $20 (2022).
Rooster. Green, black trim, $35 (2014), $25 (2017), $35,
Green, red comb, $35 (2011), Ice blue, $95 (2001), $55 (2020). Lavender, $25-$50
Pink, $10 (2020, Red, $40-$70
Teal, $85 (2007), $110 (2012), $85 (2020)
White, $35-$60.
Scarab Shell. This Scarab Shell hatpin is on dark glass and has a golden metal- lic iridescent finish. It is 1 3/8 inches long and 1 inch wide. Amethyst, $450 (2020)

Hartung Book Eight: Beetle Hatpin.

Scarab Shell. This Scarab Shell hatpin is on green glass and has a light multi-colored iridescent finish. In 2019, an amber sold for $120 and a blue for $375, both with minor damage. Scarab, Stylized. Found in amethyst and green. Either color sells for between $80 and $150 thought green sold for $250 in 2020..
Scarab, True. As with most insect hatpins, it's very desirable. This example sold for $1,000 in 1995, another sold for $700 in 1997. In 2018, one sold for $750. Scroll and Diamonds. This white hatpin sold for $225 in 2016. Another in white sold in 2018 for $190. Six Plums. Also known as Cattails. A common pin. Some iridized over all, some iridized on the plums, some on other parts. $20 to $40 though one brought $60 in 2022. Snail (front). A small celeste blue pin in the complete form of a snail. It is 3/4 of an inch in diameter. A metal ring holds the snail in place. (Two pictures are shown.) Booker collection.* Snail (side). Booker collection.* Spider. This amber pin sold for $85 in 1993. Ice green sold for $225 and $375 in 1993 and 1994. Marigold for $70 in 1998. Purple for $375 in 1999. In 2017 a light marigold sold for $160. Not all may be iridized. Blue, $75 (2019), Amber, $80, Celeste, $130, Teal, $75, all 2021.
Spider, King. A bit larger than most pins and the spider's legs extend to the edges.
Reent prices:
2016, $1,000
2018, $800
2019, $675
2021r $1.000
Spinner. This marigold on milk glass example sold for $175 in 1993. Spiral Dance. Similar to many other faceted hatpins; this one has the facets arranged in a spiral. They bring $40 to $70 though one sold for $120 in 2021. Star Center. Two sizes known. Of questionable age. One sold at live auction in 2012 for $25, one in 2013 for $95, and one in 2014 for $105. In 2017, two sold for $160 and $350. One listed as blue sold for $120 In 2020, Star of David and Baguettes. Not too often seen, $205 (2001), $250 (2003), $300 (2017), $300, $325 (both 2019) Star of David with Diamonds. This pin is 1 1/16 inches in diameter. It has a Star of David design. The center of the star is plain. One sold in 2019 for $250, one in 2021 for $200.
Starfish with Pebbles. This oval hatpin has four Star- fish around the top, the bottom covered with pebbles. A flat area separates the two halves of the design. This pin measures 3/4 inches wide and one inch high. Booker collection.* Star and Flower. In blue; the only example I've seen. This one sold for $1,000 in 1995. In 2018, an example listed as amber sold for $375. Stork. This rare hatpin has the distinction of being one of the most expensive sold at auction. It brought $2,600 in 1995. Strawberry. A desirable pattern usually seen in green. One of these brought $325 in 2006; another for $375 in 2014. In 2017 one sold for $675. $950 in 2021. Amber sell for $200 to $350 though one brought $475 in 2020. In 2022, one in lavender brought $800. Stubby Beetle. This Loetz hatpin in a metal frame sold for $475 in 2016. Sunflower. The design looks more like a daisy than a sunflower. It is only known in white and brings from $60 to $80.
Sun's Up. A rooster crowing as the sun rises. In 2017 a purple pin brought $150. In 2019, a lavender sold for $100 and in 2020 an amethyst brought $80. In 2020, one in black brought $110. Swirling Hearts. Another hatpin from a 2013 Mickey Reichel auction. It sold for $255. Three Hearts. Sold on eBay in 2005 for $128. In 2019, a dark example sold for $375. Throw Pillow. A large indentation in the center. Throw Pillow hatpins sell in the $25 to $50 range. Top O' The Morning.
.Referred alternately as Pheasant (which is what the bird seems to be). Only known in purple. Sell for $30 to $60 though one brought $180 in 2022.
Tree Bark. This dark hatpin brought $325 in 2017.
Trefoil, Jeweled. Named by Alphonse Tvaryanas in his book on Carnival Glass hatpins. This one sold for $185 at a 2000 auction. Triad. A good pin for starting a collection. Dark Triads sell for $20 to $40. A moonstone example brought $160 in 2012. Tufted Throw Pillow. Readily available and a must for every collection. Sell at auction for between $30 and $50 though one brought $70 in 2021. One brought $25 in 2022. Turban. A relatively common hatpin that sell in the $30 to $50 range though one brought $150 in 2016 and two for $70 and $110 in 2019. Two sold for $65 and $80 in 2021. in 2022, one brought $25. Twin Gators. In 2012, one sold for $220 and another for $650. In 2016, an example with painted gators brought $550 and another with painted gators brought $525 in 2018. In 2019, one listed as dark sold for $575. Two Faces (metal framed). This pin measures 1 1/4 inches in diameter. It shows what appears to be male and female faces back to back. Booker collection.*
Two Flowers. This design is one of several that are called Two Flowers. Usually sell in the $100 to $150 range although one broght $325 in 2018 and another in 2020 sold for $375. Also in 2020, one listed as a variant sold for $300, In 2022, a dark example sold for $800. Two Sunflowers. This is what this dark hatpin was named when it sold at auction in 2014. It brought $95. Ugly Bug. Another very desirable hatpin. This one sold for $1,640 in 1997, another for $1,700 the same year. A third (or one of the others) for $1,200 in 2003. Veiling. Sometimes called Veiling and Beads. It usually brings $40 to $80 at auction., One brought $20 in 2022 Waves. A fine wave pattern covers this pin. Most often in chocolate glass for $60-$100. Blue, $315 (1998), $190 (2017); Green, $120 (2001); Opaque blue, $275 (1995); Opaque green, $160 (2017). Blue, $200 (2019). Purple, $40, $80 (both 2021) Whirligig.This purple hatpin with multi-color iridescense sold in 2014 for $110. Another sold for $375 in 2020.
Whirling Teardrop. Listed as dark, sold in 2017 for $400. Others sold for $95 and $175 in 2020 White Rose. This purple hatpin has clear iridescense. It sold in 2014 for $75. Another sale in 2015 was for $175. Winged Dragon (metal framed). Named for obvious reasons. It measures 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Metal work covers most of the background. One sold in 2021 for $950. Zig Zag. This amber hatpin was photo- graphed while in the collection of the late John Britt. Zodiac.Yet another pin from a 2013
Mickey Reichel auction. Appears to have an image of a pharoh on it. It brought $210. Another sold in 2020 for $350.
There are many hatpins that are not flat but bulbous and hollow. The three shown here are, from the left, Diamond Sphere, Bullet, and Oval Sphere. Diamond Sphere sell for between $60 and $110, Bullet for between $30 and $50, and Oval Sphere for between $50 and $80.

Hartung Book Five: Prism Hat Pin


Hatpins -- Some History
By Carl Booker
In the 1800s hat wear evolved from bonnets with strings or ribbons tied under the chin, to hats without ribbons or strings. As hair-dos became more elaborate, elaborate hats were required to be worn. Now we have big hats on big hairdos. Something was needed to keep those hats in place. What would be better than long pins? Pins had been available since the early 1800s and were being made by hand. As the desire for pins increased, machines were developed to produce them. England and France were producing machine-made pins. As the large hats became fashionable, more pins were needed. Some of the earliest hatpins were fashioned with small glass beads. As popularity arose, more elegant decorations were desired. Hatpins were being developed with heads of metal, gems, and even plastic and paste. Let us not forget bird plumage. Beware the ostrich, heron, egret, and others. Victorian hatpins can be found with any number of decorative devices being used.

It is reported that iridized glass hatpins originated in Europe as early as the late 1800s. Germany was responsible for some of these pins as they can be found today with German imprinting on the back (Geshutzt, meaning protected or patented). The Czech area is credited with the early production of iridized buttons which were interchangeable with hatpins. Most authorities feel that iridized hatpins were never made in America.

As fashions evolved, hair styles changed as did the hats. No longer were long pins required to hold the hats to the lady's head, thus, in the early 1900s the pins went out of style. What now will happen to all of those hatpins? They just seemed to vanish from the market.

Fast forward to the mid-90s. Antique dealers and collectors are re-discovering that beautiful glassware that has been dubbed Carnival Glass. The glass that was sold as box lots at the beginning of sales, was being brought forward as something more desirable. This glass became so desired that the need for printed information was felt. Two ladies decided that it would be of great value to have books written about it along with pictures of the pieces. Thus, books by Marian Hartung and Rose Presznick became reality. More books were written as more pieces of Carnival Glass were bought by collectors. Mrs. Hartung wrote ten paperback books along with some hard back books in color. Mrs. Presznick wrote four paperback books, along with other materials. Now, along with those books there was a need for pricing, so price guides came along with the written pattern book guides.

Our beautiful hatpins were only occasionally to be found in this material. What should be done about that? In 1991 a book appeared on the market by Alphonse Tvaryanas titled Carnival Glass Hatpin Patterns. Mr. Tvaryanas drew his illustrations actual size and wrote descriptions of each pin. Shortly following another book appeared on the market authored by Jerry Reynolds: Iridescent Hatpins and Holders from the Carnival Glass Era. This was in 1994. Mrs. Reynolds used photographs for her illustrations along with written descriptions. She did include some pages in color. Neither of these authors included pricing in their books. These much needed books opened the door to many more collectors who realized the beauty and variety that was available in this genre.

References:

American Hatpin Society, The -- Website

Carwile, Mike -- Encyclopedia of Carnival Glass, 12th edition

Reynolds, Jerry Ferris -- Iridescent Hatpins and Holders from the Carnival Glass Era

Tvaryanas, Alphonse -- Carnival Glass Hatpin Patterns

Updated 11/3/2022