Leather Kepi

 This black leather Kepi was donated.

Leather is not a material usually associated with Kepi's at least ones wanting to be historically accurate, this one, however, was purchased by Larper so the need to authentic was not as important as the look it provided.

Not a very British hat, although they were worn by male uniformed British Rail workers in 1960 to 70;s perhaps we envied French rail at the time. 

Kepi history and facts have been covered in my blog previously, so I won't add any more today other than what's above.

A robust functional leather version of a Kepi.

Cloth Cap

 I have a few flat caps, this is one of my favourites.

Not sure what makes it a favourite, maybe the brown colour works well with other clothing or maybe its just a comfortable hat.

I have posted so many flat caps before so not much new to say, an old cap that still fashionable in today's world.

Librarian's hat

This style of hat I like to call a Librarian's hat, since I see it worn by some sort medieval scholar or portrait painter, although it's not specific to anyone of that sort in reality.

Made of wool fabric sewn to form the shape.

Ideal for reenactor, theatre or larp use, will suit a multitude of characters

If looking for a hat of this style online look for a medieval wool crown hat

Red & brown nightcaps

I've already posted photos of one of this set of 8 nightcaps, the 2 in the photos below are the other jersey fabric's used in the set

Part of Ebenezer Scrooges wardrobe. 

Used to keep you head warm in the British Isle and other colder regions of Europe before central heating.

The long train of fabric forming the crown was used to wrap around the neck and act as a scarf.

Novelty Police Helmet

 Unlike the previous post, this is not a genuine police helmet.

A novelty helmet for a fancy dress made from that compressed paper mache felt substance that make the basic structure for a lot of novelty hats.

The size is also smaller than the real thing making it look almost comedic on my head.

This one does have a badge though.

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Originally made of cork and balanced on the head they provided none or limited protection.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.