Chinese Silk Lady's Hat circa 1930s This is a circa 1930-1935 era Chinese silk lady's hat which has been framed. I purchased this at the estate auction of J.C. (Shorty) Schilletter, who I'm told was a professor at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa.

You see this beautiful piece the way I purchased it, already framed. I'm making the assumption that the Professor had this framed for preservation purposes, as it is in really nice shape for its age.

The only damages that I can see, as I have not removed the backing to check further, is along the top scalloped edge which is trimmed in a lilac silk binding. There are damages mostly in the V area of the scallop to the right and another to the left side about half way down the left, all on the binding.

The approximate measurements are 17 inches at the bottom in the widest area by 9 inches at the top in the scallop area by 10.5 from top to bottom.

The frame measures 20.25 x 14.75 x 1.5. The label on the back states that it was framed at Carlson of 111 E. Front Street, Wheaton, Illinois, in business since 1915.

The embroidery work is detailed and very professionally done. I
 

Mola with Bird Motif This is a vintage Mola with a beautiful bird motif. This came from the estate of a gentleman by the name of Everett Lee Davenport and it belonged to his brother, Randall R. Davenport. They were from the Diagonal, Iowa area.

Randall lived from 1943-1977 and passed in Los Angeles, California. He worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad as a diesel mechanic from 1968-1976. He most likely acquired this in that time frame, while working on the Railway.

The piece has lovely color for its age. There are blue, green, red and oranges mostly on a black background, with a beautiful bird motif.

I purchased this piece as you see it, already framed, and I am making the assumption that it was done for preservation. There is a note on the back which reads: Cloth from South America Framed by Randall Davenport.

The mola measures approximately 15 by 20 inches and the frame measures approximately 19 by 25 inches.