Charlie Chaplin - Charlie Chaplin's Iconic Hat Up For Auction

The silent film star wore the iconic black hat from 1909 while developing his famous character, the Tramp, and in early movies.

Now fans have been given a chance to own a piece of movie history when the hat goes up for auction in New York on Tuesday (13Dec11).

A spokesperson for Sotheby's says, "Chaplin wore it when he was in England and when he toured America."

In his later years, Chaplin gave the accessory to fellow actor Bert Bailey, whose note of provenance will also be included in the sale.