Naval officer's hat

[Capt Coxetter]

Does anyone know where I can purchase a Confederate naval officer's hat? I'm portraying a privateer, so it need not have any regulation insignia: just needs to be a correct style.

Capt. Coxetter

[texascavcadet]

Good Sir,

Scroll down to the bottom of this page there is something that you might be intriested in.


http://www.mercurysutler.com/hats.htm


good luck!

[johan_steele]

http://www.clearwaterhats.com/

http://www.dirtybillyshats.com/

Might find what you are looking for at either of these vendors. Good Luck

[samgrant]

Did not some naval types wear some sort of straw hat?

[Capt Coxetter]

Originally Posted by samgrant

Did not some naval types wear some sort of straw hat?

Aye! In fact, William Morrison Robinson's THE CONFEDERATE PRIVATEERS mentions all sort of hats for crew members. But I'm looking for one suitable for a privateering captain.

Capt. Coxetter

[samgrant]

Were not the privateers independant agents, and so would they not wear any hat they felt comfortable with?

[Capt Coxetter]

Originally Posted by samgrant

Were not the privateers independant agents, and so would they not wear any hat they felt comfortable with?

Privateers were indeed "independent contractors" rather than Naval personnel, so could have dressed any way they wished. But, trades and occupations do tend to follow customs and practice in their sartorial style. Most privateering officers were probably merchant marine officers before the Conflict started, so would have continued to dress in the fashion - including hats - of merchant officers of their day.

Also, I would like to have on something that grabs passersby with the thought "Oh, that guy's playing some kind of sailor", and a hat is one of the most impression-making parts of any impression.

Though I admit that on a hot and sunny afternoon, a wide-brimmed straw's going to be on my noggin!

Capt. Coxetter