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A Rare French Carved Milliner’s Head and Shoulders
Sold by Branching Out Antiques
sold SA1190328
Sorry, but this item has been sold.
Branching Out Antiques

Branching Out Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Apr 2022
Browse dealers 78 items
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    Decorative & country house antiques, including art and taxidermy
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Id #SA1190328
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A Rare French Carved Milliner’s Head and Shoulders

1900 - 1920
Sold 18 January 2026 · Branching Out Antiques
This “Rare French Carved Milliner’s Head and Shoulders” found a buyer.

It was listed by Branching Out Antiques. Sold pieces stay on Sellingantiques as a record of what has passed through, and the next one is rarely far away.

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Antique Hat BlockCarved Wooden HeadVintage Hat Display Ask the dealer for something similar
Description

An extremely rare early 20th Century French solid carved elm wood hat forming milliner's head complete with shoulder mount, on which the head can swivel.

superb carving showing the wonderful pattern of the grain of the red elm, and beautifully patinated.

Great proportions with a height of 43cm, and a shoulder width of 35cm.

Physical Dimensions
Height
43cm (16.93")
Width
35cm (13.78")
Depth
20cm (7.87")
Declaration

Branching Out Antiques has dated this Wooden Milliner Mannequin to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1190328
Description
An extremely rare early 20th Century French solid carved elm wood hat forming milliner's head complete with shoulder mount, on which the head can swivel.

superb carving showing the wonderful pattern of the grain of the red elm, and beautifully patinated.

Great proportions with a height of 43cm, and a shoulder width of 35cm.

Height
43cm (16.93")
Width
35cm (13.78")
Depth
20cm (7.87")
Date of Manufacture

Branching Out Antiques has dated this Wooden Milliner Mannequin to the 1920s.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1190328
Branching Out Antiques
Branching Out Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Apr 2022

Decorative & country house antiques, including art and taxidermy

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Branching Out Antiques Profile Page

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A profile view of a carved wooden millinery head and shoulders bust showing natural grain and an oxidised finish. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO
1 / 13
Archive I A profile view of a carved wooden millinery head and shoulders bust showing natural grain and an oxidised finish. SOLD6+ MONTHS AGO

A Rare French Carved Milliner’s Head and Shoulders

Archive II A profile view of a carved wooden millinery head and shoulders bust showing natural grain and an oxidised finish. View II
Archive III A profile view of a carved wooden millinery head and shoulders bust showing natural grain and an oxidised finish. View III
Archive IV A profile view of a carved wooden millinery head and shoulders bust showing natural grain and an oxidised finish. View IV
Archive V A profile view of a carved wooden millinery head and shoulders bust showing natural grain and an oxidised finish. View V
Archive VI A profile view of a carved wooden millinery head and shoulders bust showing natural grain and an oxidised finish. View VI
Archive VII A profile view of a carved wooden millinery head and shoulders bust showing natural grain and an oxidised finish. View VII
Archive VIII A profile view of a carved wooden millinery head and shoulders bust showing natural grain and an oxidised finish. View VIII
Archive IX A profile view of a carved wooden millinery head and shoulders bust showing natural grain and an oxidised finish. View IX
Archive X A profile view of a carved wooden millinery head and shoulders bust showing natural grain and an oxidised finish. View X
Archive XI A profile view of a carved wooden millinery head and shoulders bust showing natural grain and an oxidised finish. View XI
Archive XII A profile view of a carved wooden millinery head and shoulders bust showing natural grain and an oxidised finish. View XII
Archive XIII A profile view of a carved wooden millinery head and shoulders bust showing natural grain and an oxidised finish. View XIII
Enlarged Archival View
Branching Out Antiques

Branching Out Antiques
Telephone 07742 117815
Location
Kent
United Kingdom

By appointment only.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/branchingout
Verified Since Apr 2022
Items For Sale 78
Items Sold 380
Branching Out Antiques
Branching Out Antiques
Verified Since Apr 2022
View Dealer Info
Location: Kent, United Kingdom, , By appointment only.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/branchingout
Verified
Apr 2022
For Sale
78
Sold
380
A profile view of a carved wooden millinery head and shoulders bust showing natural grain and an oxidised finish.
A RARE FRENCH CARVED MILLINER’S HEAD AND SHOULDERS
Ref: SA1190328
A profile view of a carved wooden millinery head and shoulders bust showing natural grain and an oxidised finish.
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Archival Detail

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Cataloguer’s note

Written by Sellingantiques from the dealer’s photographs and listing
  • ObjectDisplay Busts
  • Period1900 - 1920
  • StyleFrench Country
  • MaterialHardwood
  • ColourWarm Brown
  • MotifsHand-carved facial profile, Two-piece joined construction, Sleek contoured shoulders
  • SizeH 43 cm (17 in) x W 35 cm (14 in) x D 20 cm (8 in)

FAQs

Milliner display heads and hat blocks have been utilised by hat makers and couturiers for centuries to shape, store, and display millinery. Historically carved from timber or moulded from papier-mache, these pieces served both a functional workshop purpose and later as aesthetic objects in retail shop windows.

Traditional milliner blocks and display busts were predominantly crafted from dense hardwoods such as beech, elm, or fruitwood to withstand the insertion of pins. Some examples also utilised cork, composition materials, or layered papier-mache over wooden armatures.

Authentic pieces typically exhibit tool marks from hand-carving, minor dents and pinholes from active workshop use, and a dry, oxidised patination acquired over decades. Construction methods, such as multi-piece turned and joined timber sections, also indicate period craftsmanship.

These sculptural objects integrate well into contemporary spaces by placing them on bookshelves, sideboards, or mantelpieces to add height, texture, and historical interest. They can be displayed on their own as abstract art or used functionally to hold vintage hats, scarves, or headphones.

To preserve antique wood, keep the piece out of direct sunlight and away from extreme temperature fluctuations that can cause timber to split. Dust gently with a dry cloth and periodically treat with a neutral microcrystalline wax to nourish the surface without altering the historic patina.
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