Vintage 1940s Kepi Straw Hat Genuine Milan Cap w Visor Made in Italy Mens Size 7
$110.00
Brand Poppy's Vintage Clothing
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This is a very interesting “kepi” styled hat made in Italy of genuine Milan straw. The kepi is any flat circular cap with a peak or visor and derives from a military heritage and is often associated with the French military or police, although similar caps with peaks or visors were used during the American Civil War. Exactly who would have worn this hat I’m unsure of, but I guess that it was meant simply for use as a summer hat. The sweatband is stamped “Made in Italy” and “Genuine Milan”. There is also a size tag that reads “58 7 1/4 Made in Italy”. Although it is sized as a 7 1/4, this is more of a US 7 - the sweatband measures 21 1/2” around, so I assume that the straw has somehow shrunk with age. The hat is quite intricately woven in three different colours of straw. It has a decorative rope across the front of the crown. Judging by the appearance of the stampings and tag, I would guess that this dates to the 1940s, maybe early 50s. This is an interesting hat, rarely seen form in straw like this - sure to be noticed!