TOPIC:

Any thoughts on this slouch hat, one of two nearly identical examples I recently acquired? Thanks for any thoughts. The "pug" band has been loosely tacked back on but is clearly of the same material as the edge trim and the sweatband is long gone.

Sorry Jerry but I do not think that this is a uniform style cap......

Could have been a civilian had worn at the period but I have not seen one before......

Mike

Hi Mike,

Thanks very much for taking the time to comment and as I know you have studied the period for far longer than I have your opinion carries a lot of weight IMO, that said, I wonder on what you base your answer? Its khaki green in colour and has no air vents or poppers/press studs for holding up the brim as is typical for early military examples, though I know that does not prove anything. I spent some time examining as many period photos of troops wearing slouch hats and most do not have enough detail to show the features I would need to see to confirm them on this example, though cloth edge trim was used as were narrow pug bands of herring bone canvas tape. Also both have the upturned brim seen on the earliest examples which is not matched by the later versions which tend to sit more like Aussie Digger hats from then and on into the modern period I knew this would be hard to get any "proof" that it was an old military example but apart from Scouts I can't think what else it might have been, as no one else would wear the "sh#tty" green colour, though in this day and age hats and other clothing in the military style are worn and no doubt the same was the case in the past.

Thanks again.

Jerry

I will continue to try and discover the true nature of it, what ever that was as the two examples are obviously of some age and not modern.

Hi Jerry.....

Yes I am sure that it is from the change of the century period and up until the 20's and 30's...... But fashion as you know ebbs and changes...... Take a look at some of the pictures of the great white hunters, the discoverers of King Tut's tomb and farmers in western Canada and I am sure other countries where they wore broad brim hats to keep the sun off...... I have seen similar hats or hat being worn by Hemmingway when hunting in Africa......

Here is a photo of a Stetson made hat, true in perfect condition but very close......

Mike

Picture courtesy of C and T Auctions

Described as:

Rare Boer War Imperial Yeomanry Slouch Hat, light tan felt slouch hat with brass IY on green / maroon ribbon pagri badge to the side flap. Cloth fold pagri to the centre. Three small eyelet vent holes. Brown leather chinstrap but the leather sweatband now absent. Stamped to the inside crown ‘R H – 18328’, third letter not clear. Shows wear and fading but an extremely rare item of Boer War headdress. See lot – for Boer War Imperial Yeomanry tunic

Estimate: £1,200 - £1,800