Feathers - Hat Accessories

In the next few posts, I'm going to select a few hats that have feather used as decorations.

Starting with this basic wide-brimmed felt hat which has been accessorized with feathers, braiding and nice broach.

By the way, depending on the lighting and background this hat much redder than it appears in most of the photos see the photo below.

Hats were often an indicator of social status, so extra accessories make them look much grander.

 Feathers add volume and height, certain feathers are rare and exotic so indicate wealth.

This particular hat given to me as a gift is intended to be a musketeer style hat from the 17th century.

Railway Conductors Hat

The is railway conductors hat.

What makes this a conductor hat rather than just a military peaked cap is the combination extra height of the crown combined with the peak pointed downwards.

The hat probably would have a had badge on the front with the name of the railway the owner or network it belonged to. 

The pointing down peak perhaps was designed to intimidate or avoid eye contact while checking tickets, pure guesses on my part, similarly pointed down peaked are typical to military drill sergeants.

Quilted Cap

This quilted peaked hat is little unusual as the crown sit quite high, like a baseball for someone with a lot of hair. 

I found this hat in a Sue Ryder charity shop in their retro section, it was with sited female apparel but to me it looks pretty unisex.

The hat sits comfortably and holds its shape well.

Bloodied Bandages

This set of bandages is actually a hat.

What could be better than a blood soak hat made of bandages to instantly make you look like you just survived a battle head injury.

The bandages have been sewn onto simple cotton skull cap and fake blood applied.

This gets a lot of use.