Main Index Page

Last updated 25/3/2025

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This page is being used to collect information about the history of the wide variant of The Newspaper Hat that I call The Wide Hat because, in contrast to the original design, the top of the hat is flat rather than pointed.Please contact me if you know any of this information is incorrect or if you have any other information that should be added. Thank you.

Folding the two sides inwards before the brim is folded upwards produces another variant which is recorded under the name of The Airforce Cap.

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In Europe and the Americas

1887

As far as I know The Wide Hat first appears as 'Chapeau de gendarme' in 'Cours de Travail Manuel (Pour les Garcons) - Premiere Partie - Cours Elementaire' by A Planty, which was published by Gedalge Jeune in Paris in 1887.

In the introduction to Chapter 1 the author says 'Everyone is familiar with these folds, because everyone was a child, wore the legendary hat ...'.

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The same design also appears:

1909

As 'Chapeau de Gendarme' in 'Petit Manuel de Travaux d'Amateurs' by H de Graffigny, which was published by Collection A L Guyot in Paris in 1909. The illustration is odd but the description makes it clear that this design is the Newspaper Hat. The text describes it as, roughly, 'the police hat which is worn by apprentice printers and house painters, the latter with the aim of preventing their heads being splashed when they paint ceilings.'

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1910

As 'A Paper Cap' in 'Handicraft in the School', which was issued in four volumes by Gresham Publishing in London in 1910.

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1914

As 'El sombrero de dos picos' (the two cornered hat) in 'El Trabajo Manual en la Escuela' by Félix Martí Alpera, which was published by Libreria de los Sucesores de Hernando in Madrid in 1914.

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1963

As 'Milkmaid's Bonnet' in the second edition of 'Het Grote Vouwboek' by Aart van Breda, which was published by Uitgeverij van Breda in 1963.

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