Vtg ODD FELLOWS Black Ritual HAT Skull Spiked Helmet Old IOOF Order Knight Visor

Description

VINTAGE ODD FELLOWS   FLAMBOYENT BLACK HAT
The
Odd Fellows is a fraternal organization
(although it was one of the first of its kind to accept women). It is focused on improving problems within society and for community outreach. Its
formation dates back to the early 1800s in North America
and much further back in England where it was founded (officially in the 1600s, with its predecessors going back centuries earlier).  Also known as
I.O.O.F.
(Independent Order of Odd Fellows).
This
strange looking
hat was used in many festivities (
rituals, ceremonies, and much fun over the years
).
Believed to be mid-century based on the items it was with (probably from about the
1950's
or so). This would make it
60-70 years old
(although it may be older, as its date cannot be pinned down precisely).
Crazy design
with features from
several famous hats from history and helmets all in one
It starts with a headwear traditionally worn by an
English Bobby
(policeman). It has a high crown with the
bill / brim in the front
and
back
.
It is
black
with felt or
velvet material
over the hat's shell (hard cardboard type material I presume). Instead of a badge in the front, there is a creepy pirates
metal
(silver color)
skull and crossbones
firmly attached.
There is a
visor
as if from
a knight's helmet
(still the same soft material) added to the front, and this
flips up and down
.
To top it off, it has a
metal spike
with an ornamental base
(securely and firmed attached through the crown with a screw fastener). This is the distinctive
design feature
of a German
Kaiser helmet
/ helm (Pickelhaube), made famous during
World War I
.
Hat measures approximately
15 inches in total length
(about 11-3/4" long when the visor is up). It is approximately
10 inches high
(bottom to top of spike, which is itself over 3" in height) and about
7" wide
.
Labeled
7-1/4"
(small tag inside the hat), this is a
large hat size
, and from my research, would be correct for a head approximately 23-3/4" in circumference (when measured with a cloth measuring tape, at about 1/2" above the eyebrows where the hat would normally rest).
Fits firmly on large heads
(tested; stays on securely).
Lots of use
. Thoroughly enjoyed over the years with much wear. That said, it is complete, firmly intact, and fully functional, plus it
displays very nicely
. The
hinges for the knight's visor work well
, although there are couple of splits/tear throughs on a couple of the visor slots (one on each side; small gaps present but still close to the edge, so a glue repair would be pretty easy to do if desired). Underneath there is soft red colored material inside. Has deterioration / flaking of the black material around this opening (but the hat still fits on the head properly). Has a couple of cord/string ends hanging a little bit (used in hat's construction, now loose).
There is a musty odor from storage
. From a smoke free home.
This
vintage
wild and wacky hat
could be used for
display, costume, or party time!
>>>
Please see the photographs for additional design and condition details
<<<
Note: Will weigh about 2 pounds
when carefully packed in a large box with lots of room around the hat to keep it safe.
Due to the weight being over 1 pound, eBay's policy of charging fees on the cost to ship, and recent significant postal rate increases,
the shipping will be on the expensive side unfortunately
(definitely not my doing or choice).
USPS Parcel Select Ground Mail typically takes 4-6 business days to arrive in the contiguous (lower 48) United States
Priority Mail arrives in about 3 business days.
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