Police Custodians Helmet

 The police Custodians helmets were first worn 1863 replacing the Top Hat worn before

Originally made of cork and balanced on the head they provided none or limited protection. It wasn't until the 1970's that a proper padding, safety style harness, chin straps and hard shells were gradually added.

This helmet is the crest style of custodians helmet, purchased without its badge on the front. Helmets with badges are sold for much more money as the badges are collectable.

One other note the custodian helmet is the helmet worn by male police officers

The photo below is from a reenactment of the Battle of Orgreave, a violent confrontation between picketer and police during the miner's strike.

Too Small for Me

 This coonskin hat is too small for my head. 

If I pull really hard the brim will stretch on but within a few minutes it contracts and springs up leaving it precariously balanced.

Not my hat but part of our crew kit, never seen anyone wear it, so might be something to pass on to a worthy smaller head.

Hat Gone Wrong

 Spot the problem the corded knot around the base of crown is normally on the side occasional on the front.

At first, I thought I must have worn it wrong and so went back to check and the knot is at the back of the hat. Perhaps a manufacturing error or particular regional quirk, it still looks OK, hats certainly don't follow any hard and fast rules.

This hat is also a bit more Fedora than Tyrolean hat the brim is the same width all around and not rolled up at rear or tyrolean hats also have a bit lower slightly more rounded crown.

Hatman Comic Cover