Lot 6735
Kaiser Wilhelm II. – a "Matelot" hat, likely from his time at Huis Doorn
Orders and Military Collectibles until 1918 | A109m | Live auction | 1500 Lots
Description
A finely braided straw hat featuring a straight brim, a flat crown, and a black silk-grosgrain hatband with a bow at the side. It has a fine green leather sweatband and is lined with light cream-colored silk, bearing the gold-embossed cipher “W” beneath an Imperial crown. There is slight soiling due to age and minimal damage to the top of the crown above the forehead; otherwise, it is in excellent condition and was likely crafted to the highest standard by the Ottmar Reich hat factory in the Allgäu region. The Kaiser favored such summer hats—popularly known as “circular saws” (Kreissägen)—particularly during his exile at Huis Doorn.Condition: II Questions about the lot?
