The "Mouse Hat"

[N.C. Wyeth]

So . . . some time ago, I promised to reveal the mystery behind why this cap was bestowed the title, "The Mouse Hat". It has been told to me, that Bob Hritz turned this one up, long ago - and I assume that is where the title may have originated. The cap was once shown here, in another topic I started - where Bob was also kind enough to comment about it:

http://dev.wehrmacht-awards.com/foru...edical+officer

As promised, here are some new photos - that hopefully, will finally bring the mystery to an end . . .

[N.C. Wyeth]

One of the unique features to this cap, is the addition of a custom band . . . one that actually covers the velvet.
My take on this, is whomever wore the cap - really wanted to protect that velvet underneath . . .
If you look closely in a couple of the photos, the velvet cloth can be seen - barely peeking though.

[N.C. Wyeth]

Here you can see the way the band was attached - at the rear of the cap . . .

[N.C. Wyeth]

One other unique feature to the cap - is the additional stitching placed into the chin-cord - perhaps meant to hold it in place, and keep it from self-adjusting?

[N.C. Wyeth]

And now . . . the mystery revealed!

If you hadn't noticed already in one of the earlier photos, there is an entry-hole [or maybe an exit-hole?] at the crown of the cap - where some little critter dug away at the thing. This happened long before I got it - and maybe Bob will see this topic some day, and let us all know what he recalls about this specimen?

[N.C. Wyeth]

The work that critter performed - can be seen, magnified on the inside.

[N.C. Wyeth]

So that's it - the mystery behind how the title, "The Mouse Hat" - may have been bestowed upon this cap, has finally been revealed.

Hope you enjoyed!

[BenVK]

The addition of the band cover is a really interesting feature. Is it elasticated?

Not sure I buy the theory that it was put there to protect the velvet from damage.
I wonder if perhaps the original owner was an Officer candidate and therefore not strictly allowed to have a velvet band on his service cap. We will never know for sure but it's fun to speculate!

Pity about the rodent damage but I guess it could have been a lot worse..

If only my cat Jazzy had been around at the time.
He's a mouse mass murderer!

[solo]

It was a pitty for the mouse ,incredil cap
Carlo

[N.C. Wyeth]

The addition of the band cover is a really interesting feature. Is it elasticated?

Not sure I buy the theory that it was put there to protect the velvet from damage.
I wonder if perhaps the original owner was an Officer candidate and therefore not strictly allowed to have a velvet band on his service cap. We will never know for sure but it's fun to speculate!

Pity about the rodent damage but I guess it could have been a lot worse..

If only my cat Jazzy had been around at the time.
He's a mouse mass murderer!

Yeah - the material is "elastic", or "expandable" - to some degree. Like you say, who knows why it's there?

You're right again, Ben - if only Jazzy had been on duty that day!

[JR.]

My take on this, is whomever wore the cap - really wanted to protect that velvet underneath . . .




Protect the velvet underneath?

For what reason, in case his ole lady wanted to make thong out of it later?

[N.C. Wyeth]

Everyone tells me you tripped the Pond . . .

My take on this, is whomever wore the cap - really wanted to protect that velvet underneath . . .




Protect the velvet underneath?

For what reason, in case his ole lady wanted to make thong out of it later?

JR - Next time you see Bob Hritz . . . ask him about it.

He has this cap in hand - and could teach you a thing or two, I'm sure.

[wolfslair]

To Mauschwitz you are condemned 👎