Mystery Leather Peaked Hat

[eniksleestack]

Here's an odd thrift store find I'm hoping some one might have some idea about its origin.

It's made of leather -- but it's very old leather, the hat is stiff and the strap is somewhat brittle...

It seems to be somewhat like a campaign hat with a smaller peak. The strap inserts into holes in the brim.

I'm guessing its Mexican based on the design elements around the brim.

In the first pic you can see there also seems to be a crude badge mount on the front. Anyone know if this is military or police item or something more decorative like for a costume?

Thanks in advance for your expertise!

 

[Dinerman]

hippies?

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Looks distinctly Spanish or Latin American, like something Sancho Panza would have worn.

.

 

[Edward]

I can understand the reference to military wear; the overall shape of the hat and the chinstrap have the suggestion of something a military man or similar might be issued. That said, the detailing on the brim looks rather too fancy for something intended to be churned out to a price point and for utilitarian military use. Dinerman's 'hippies' comment might be close to the mark; what I have seen of much hippy fashion from the 60s often has military overtones in the styling.

ETA: And yes, to my untrained eye at least, it certainly says 'South America'.

 

[scotrace]

hippies?

Yep. 1970's. Woman's hat.

 

[Chuck Bobuck]

Talkin' 'bout my g-g-generation and it doesn't look familiar to me. Does have a more feminine look to it I think.

 

["Skeet" McD]

While writing from the other side of the continent and concerning an issue for which I'm anything but a specialist....I VERY much doubt this is 1970s (yes, sadly "my" generation as well ) nor a uniform item, and somewhat doubtful it will turn out to be truly Mexican...

My guess (and I feel pretty strongly about it) is that it is woman's hat for "picturesque outdoors" activities (or the semblance thereof: see also higher-grade tourist item) from the period 1915-1935, probably right in the middle.

It will be interesting to see how far off-base I might be

"Skeet"

 

[scotrace]

(Also my generation)

Let's see some inside shots please?

 

[awest84532]

I'd think anyone in the military issued that hat would go awol/ua upon receipt. Very interesting acquisition.

 

[eniksleestack]

(Also my generation)

Let's see some inside shots please?

Thanks for the suggestions. I was thinking "hippie" at first too -- but the look, feel (stiff with some brittleness on the strap), and the older smell of the leather seems to me to pre-date the 60s/ 70s. I was actually thinking teens or twenties as well.

 

[Chinaski]

This was a helmet worn by the Ejército Nacional de Colombia, otherwise known as the Columbian Army, circa 1915.

Wait a minute, I just made that up - I have no idea! I would certainly be interested in the origin of this hat/helmet.

 

[Chuck Bobuck]

This was a helmet worn by the Ejército Nacional de Colombia, otherwise known as the Columbian Army, circa 1915.

Wait a minute, I just made that up - I have no idea! I would certainly be interested in the origin of this hat/helmet.

lol lol lol Had me fooled. That could of been the end of this thread, mystery solved.

 

[J.T.Marcus]

I have a feeling that somebody at "The National Geographic Society" could identify this specimen, in a heartbeat.

 

[eniksleestack]

This was a helmet worn by the Ejército Nacional de Colombia, otherwise known as the Columbian Army, circa 1915.

Wait a minute, I just made that up - I have no idea! I would certainly be interested in the origin of this hat/helmet.

I almost did a google/ wikipedia search on that until I read your next paragraph. Your dissembling certainly has the air of authenticity.

 

[Chinaski]

Just having a bit of fun with everyone! I started out actually searching for the origin of that leather helmet/hat, and after a couple hours with no fruition, I gave up. I'd really like to know where it comes from.

 

[Warbaby]

I think Skeet McD is spot-on with his assessment. I've seen old photos of ladies of the period wearing hats like that. Think 1920s ads for vacations in the Rockies or on dude ranches. I'll go through my files of vintage photos and graphics to see if I have any.

Definitely not hippie. I was there.

 

[cookie]

The stitching is too elaborate for the 70s...I go for 20s or so.