This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/29/2010
What is arguably the finest condition Browns hat to ever surface of this short period two year style, it also has the distinction of having been constructed with hard panels inserted into the body of the hat (not visible) to act as a sort of batting helmet, something introduced in the early 1940's by the Brooklyn Safety Cap co. This stunning hat was manufactured by Rawlings and has the leather band liner. Under the bill is number 17 written in black marker. Ray Coleman wore this number for both seasons with the Brownies. The hat is an 8 panel and aside from some minor leather cracking from sweat and age, the hat remains in near mint condition. All of the hard panels are intact sans any breakage. The panel style hats are next to impossible to find and coupled with a rare two year style hat and one that has remained this past 50 plus years in near mint condition and given that hats were usually destroyed from game wear, this piece belongs in a museum. Collection of MEARS staff. 01029 MEARS LOA.