Archival Anecdotes: Whatever hat pins, hat pins

Hat pins were once a commonly used tool that was both beautiful in design and strategic in function. The pins usually measured eight inches in length or more, and fulfilled one purpose­- to secure a hat onto a woman's head.

It was a useful and necessary tool, especially as hats increased in size, weight and texture. The way they worked was simple, passing through the hat and catching in a bu...