circa 1958. Folio, 343 manuscript pages, all but a few illustrated with a mounted original b&w silver photograph, each approximately 2 3/4 x 4 inches or the reverse. Cloth over boards with a chipped paper label affixed to the upper board. Finger soiling and glue staining, moderate wear to the board tips, otherwise good. Item #51208

A unique salesman's sample book from an unnamed Spanish or possibly Argentinean design house illustrating women's hats available for sale, July 1957 - May 1958. The manuscript notations in Spanish list the basic hat and the variations in feathers, ribbons, veils, etc., with the price of these options, as well as the wholesale price in code, and the retail price in an unknown currency. At the top of many of the sample pages is the name of a notable French house of design, i.e., Legroux, Colombier, Rose Valois, Christian Dior, Lanvin, St. Cyr, , et al. It is possible that these top couture houses were represented by this manufacturer, but it is more plausible that this is a sample book of inexpensive knockoffs, among original designs, to be sold in department stores and other retail settings.

Price: $3,500.00