Description

We previously offered this item (just a few pieces) at a winter event over a decade ago, we are now excited to provide an opportunity for our online friends to purchase a  yet new and improved edition of a very practical cold weather item. (this is also a somewhat limited run – will stock more if market indicates) As with our earlier offering, based on an original example we had the privilege of examining attributed to a Rhode Island soldier, this a beautiful rich dark blue multi-piece sewn wool skull cap, with a neck and shoulder cape. There is a small quilt stitched visor and three sided ear covers to allow for hearing access.  Neck and shoulder cape closes on the front with three buttons. The cape can be worn tucked under the chin or over it for added warmth. The sewn in lining is  blue cotton with round holes cut under the ear flap. This particular pattern type is seen in numerous pre-war and wartime adverts for winter and inclement weather gear and even occasionally seen attached onto the top and collar of such outer garments. The style actually dates in military use back to medieval periods as a protective covering and worn under armor helmets. The US Army experimented with the item for many years and in the immediate post war period actually did adopt a pattern very similar to this for troops stationed in more extreme climes. (we have included a couple photos of period advertising illustrations as well as a few pictures of the cover on our store mannequin to see the overall effect, and an illustration of the later Army issue item) The original had a single Rhode Island button at the chin and two general issue small buttons below. We have made the item available with either plain brown colored gutta percha/hard rubber buttons, or small general issue eagle buttons. As seen on the mannequin photo the cover can be worn under the hat as well. Label bears the name of a documented pre-war and wartime RI maker of winter caps who also held US Govt. military contracts. Available in two sizes and marked inside numbers 1 and 2. (Corresponding hat/head sizes are as follows: Size 1 will fit up to and including 7 1/4, Size 2 will fit 7 3/8 up to and including 7 1/2. Sorry, we currently have nothing larger. Buttons can be moved to allow for some more room under chin and around shoulder yoke)