Old West & Native American Auction
Lot 1399:
Description
This substantial, wide-brimmed felt hat is a classic example of early to mid-20th century Western headwear, often referred to as a “campaign” or “cowboy” hat due to its high, creased crown and extremely broad brim, a style widely adopted in both military and civilian frontier life. The felt is a natural tan or khaki color, and the crown displays the distinctive ‘Montana crease’ or ‘Garrison crease,’ giving it a commanding silhouette. A narrow leather or suede band wraps the crown, secured with a decorative, cut-out knot. A striking feature is an enamel-colored star-in-wreath insignia pinned to the brim, which, while resembling military auxiliary devices, is also a common motif in Texas and Western-themed civilian attire. Inside the crown, faint pencil markings read “18 RKS,” likely the original owner’s initials and a size reference. The hat is in well-used, vintage condition, consistent with decades of wear. There is noticeable soiling and staining across the felt, and the brim has the natural shaping and dips characteristic of a worn, beloved piece of gear. The felt material remains mostly intact. H 6″, W 16″, D 15″. From the Western display in Donley’s Wild West Town.
Share this lot:
