RARE 1930s 1940s HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD CAPTAINS HAT WHITE TOP KHAKI WING SUPERB

Description

RARE 1930s 1940s HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD CAPTAINS HAT WHITE TOP KHAKI WING SUPERB
RARE 1930s 1940s HARLEY DAVIDSON ROAD CAPTAINS HAT WHITE TOP KHAKI WING SUPERB
Description
Presented for the advanced collector of vintage Harley-Davidson memorabilia or collector of Americana is this superb Harley-Davidson so-called "road captain's cap" that dates from the 1930s or 1940s in my estimation. This cap is in untouched, uncleaned, as-found condition and is near perfect. I acquired this along with some other fabulous material from an estate picker from western New York. Everything this fellow had was late Victorian through WWII. I got some great stuff from this guy and this cap was in the mix. I couldn't pass it. While I've had many of the H-D wings and promotional pins over the years and some vintage accessories, I don't collect H-D and credible information of the genre is somewhat lacking. In evaluating this cap I am going off of experience gained in looking at similar specimens of caps from the era. We have all seen the rather chintzy black H-D caps with the thin black or white visors with the embroidered H-D wing sewn to the front. The wings on these caps are embroidered on a black background. This cap is in an entirely different class and is an actual cap of substance that won't fall apart in the rain. The band of the cap is made of a thick herringbone cotton band with a black mohair overlay stitched in place. The real leather sweatband is in perfect condition. The front peak of the cap is created by a black stiffener that is probably reinforced with wire. The removable cap body is made of a white twill and has a simple wire stiffener in the crown. I suppose they made it this way in order to be able to wash the cap itself. Of interest is the fact that the Union label and paper size tag (size 7) are still present. The Union label reads "UNITED HATTERS, CAP, & MILLINERY WORKERS INTL UNION." This Union was formed in 1934 and corresponds with the dating of this cap to the 1930s or 1940s. The peaked crown/white cover is very clean with only minor soiling. Of note is the Harley-Davidson wing sewn to this specimen which is on a KHAKI background and not the usual black. The small spot on the left wing tip is a BEFORE manufacture discrepancy in the base cloth.  The wings were embroidered over it.  The "patent" or "enameled" visor and chin strap are still glossy with only the slightest of crackling or wrinkling. The underside of the visor is of a green varnished linen. This cap presents a SUPERB appearance and is a full head and shoulders above any other vintage piece of H-D headgear I have seen. This specimen would be exceedingly difficult to upgrade and would be the centerpiece in a Harley-Davidson memorabilia collection. Admittedly, vintage H-D gear is out of my wheelhouse, but if I haven't seen one of these in 30 years, well, this is one exceptional cap! Rare Americana from Brother Rabbit's hutch!
Payment
Please tender payment within 24 hours of the close of the auction or contact me for other arrangements.
Shipping
Shipping will be accomplished via USPS Priority Mail.  I will combine shipping on multiple purchases.
Terms of Sale
Please tender payment within 24 hours of the close of the auction.  Once you have won the item I will consider it yours.  Once payment is received your package will be shipped the next business day.  Please ask any questions or explore any concerns BEFORE the auction ends and within an appropriate timeframe to place a bid if you so choose.  I endeavor to describe items accurately and provide accurate photos.  Condition assessments are subjective; thus, I would invite you to study the photos and ask any questions you may have in order to make your own assessment of condition before bidding.  Thank you.
About Us
I take pride in offering a diverse assemblage of material from estates and old collections in addition to conducting all of my auctions in a NO RESERVE format with a low opening bid.  Thus, everyone has an opportunity to participate and win in an unbiased setting.
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