Friday 27 November 2020

Decorated Tricorn

 This tricorn is decorated quite modestly compared to some.




The badge has a medal like an appearance, so it feels like it could be used by some militia or perhaps an officer, not a tricorn for a pirate.


The badge was poorly attached and the ribbon not at all when I got it from a market, so had to sew it back together. 

Tuesday 17 November 2020

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.



Monday 9 November 2020

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.



Sunday 1 November 2020

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



Saturday 24 October 2020

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.




Friday 16 October 2020

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.



Saturday 10 October 2020

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.

Saturday 3 October 2020

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.