This is the earliest style Orioles hat that exists from their very first two seasons having moved to Baltimore from St.Louis. Following are details:
Logo Design: Sewn on Bird Patch, Orange and Black.
Material of cap: Cotton Wool.
Manufacture: Tim McAuliffe
Manufacture Tag: This is the 2 1/4" long tag, 24 Lincoln Ave Boston address.
Number of Panels: 6
Bill Thread Count: 8
Color Description Body: Black
Color Description Brim: Black
Color Description Button: Orange
Band: Tan Leather
Players Size: None
Size Applied: Missing as half the leather band is gone.
Player Uniform Number: None
Players Name: None
Description of Wear Outside Body: Clean and near mint.
Description of Wear Inside Body: Toning to inside crown.
Description of Wear to Inside Bill: Near Mint.
Description of Wear to Inside Headband; The tan leather band is about 40% intact with chaffing and some pulling away.
Autographed: No
Provenance: No
In examining two caps from the era, we found this style consistent with the Lou Kretlow example who only played with them in 1954-55. The other cap examined from the four year 1954-57 style had subtle differences. The other cap has the sewn patch with the small 1 1/4" blue tag and lettering with a 7 thread bill. The earliest player documented of the two different styles used between 1954-57.
Collection of MEARS staff. MEARS auction LOA. 000231