Here's my latest pickup, a satin cap. It seems like most satin jerseys and caps were worn in the 1940s, but I'm guessing this one was made in the early 50s because it has a stiff bill. The Rawlings tag was used around 1950. I have no idea what team wore it, but I'm guessing it was from Wichita, KS.

Gorgeous early Rawlings example Chris! Such an underrated segment of the collecting world. Can’t help but think of Ohio State when I see those colors.

Regardless, that’s a beauty!

This was the First Cap I purchased about 20 years ago from Grey Flannel. When MLB started certifying caps I became much more comfortable buying them. In the middle of a Kitchen Reno so have most stored away. But my focus is on modern 500 HR club. ( With a Trout just because) Displaying them takes up some room but I really like the way they spark up my memorabilia room. And much less expensive than Bats or Jerseys. I will post more in a few weeks if I dont catch too much flak for post war caps..
J

Assuming, and hoping someone here picked up what I think was a pretty early baseball cap that just ended on ebay:)

I know a very disappointed high-underbidder. Will be interesting to see if the winner is someone from this forum. It was a great score for somebody!

Is this the one you're referring to? What is it?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/ANTIQUE-BAS...p2047675.l2557

That's it! I was curious what era it was from? 1890s or earlier?

Got a ton of respect for the seller for not taking what turned out to be low ball offers to pull the auction. I know nothing about the cap.

My caps. The Yankees and Dodgers are vintage New Era. The Reds cap has no identification, but is fairly recent, and I was told was a giveaway at the Great American Ball Park as a promotion. You would not believe how hard it was to find a 1939-40 blue/red Cincinnati Reds cap. No one reproduces it currently. If anyone has a line on how to get one made of wool, please let me know. I have tried all the cap makers with no luck.

Ebbets Field Flannels has made a cap before that looks pretty much like it, and they call it a 1953 "Chorizeros." You might call them up and see if they have one, or could make one for you.

Thanks Chris. Yes the "Chorizos" cap is pretty close, but has red vent holes or grommets. I contacted Ebbets Field Flannels, they said they can't custom make one due to MLB copyright. Another cap maker said the same thing. I really don't get it. 1939 and 40 Reds were pennant winners, and won the WS in 1940. You would think they would be proud of that. I guess I should just be happy with my stadium throwback promotion cap, I am pretty sure that is what it is.

Another option would be to buy a cap without the logo, and put "C" on it later. The original caps were not embroidered, but had a red "C" that was sewn on. This link shows some originals, which have royal blue crowns, and not navy blue crowns like the 1948 Indians.

http://mlbcollectors.com/CINcaps.php

Since I'm a big Reds fan, I might try it myself. I'm no fan of the polyester throwbacks, which seem to have the licensing market cornered.

I can't understand why MLB won't offer a high quality alternative — or let someone else do it. Both Mitchell Ness and Ebbets Field Flannels have made wool prototypes of old MLB caps, but presumably were turned down for licensing.

I have a few game worn hats. This one was worn during the 1971 season by coach Frank Oceak. It’s 50 years old now so I assume that qualifies for vintage?

That's a beauty, Mike...

It's amazing how few of that mustard yellow style turn up. It's a beautiful and unique style. Hard to believe that was 50 years ago!

Does anybody have any idea why someone paid so much for this cap? It went for more than $7,000 in the last Leland's auction. It says it's a 1943 Braves cap, but the logo was only used on the 1942 Braves jersey, and the Rawlings tag appears to come from the late 40s.

Because the sheeple believe everything they see and fail to research these things for themselves. And it wasn't just one person... it took others to run up the price to that absurd level.

Lelands' misrepresentation of things like this is nothing new. It's a shame that some unknowing dupe was taken to the cleaners... but is not the first time (and certainly won't be the last).

I guess it was inevitable that crazy prices would come to the realm of caps. I saw a 1990s Tigers snapback go for $600 a couple days ago, which is more than I paid for any of my 1950s MLB gamers.

I never cease to be amazed by how little research the auction houses do. Just last month, I talked Leland's into pulling a Bob Lemon Indians cap from its auction that was far more likely to be a Jim Lemon minor league cap.

Here's one of the most perplexing caps I've seen lately. Jonstats sold it. When I asked for more details about it, all I got was that it came from a reputable collection. It's a Frankenstein — the bill appears to have come from another cap. The crown looks like it's from the 1969 A's. I have 1969 McAuliffe and KM Pro caps for comparison. Plus, the stitching looks sloppier than any cap I have.

St John's Baseball Team c.1902

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...tjohnbbcap.JPG

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...scapinside.JPG

https://hosting.photobucket.com/imag...llion_1(2).jpg

St. John's Cap and Pin
 

Killer class cap and pin Dan!

Here are a few caps. Maybe I've shown some of them before?
 

1860's-1870's Peck & Snyder cap....

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...922/xPDAaS.jpg

1890's Harvard Pill Box and Boston Style.....

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...922/FPLfsN.jpg

1890's Yale Pill Box.....

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...923/EtrYXQ.jpg

San Francisco Police Department 1890's....

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...922/WN4wii.jpg

Harvard Crew.....

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...923/CTIjXD.jpg

1920's Princeton Short Bill....

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...924/ByLSIW.jpg

1919 Cincinnati Reds Sherry Magee....

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...923/DAEikQ.jpg

1931 Eddie Roush Reds Road.....Note the holes in the bill for sun glasses..

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...923/LYB0bP.jpg

1934 Reds Road....

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...923/zhgpz8.jpg

1940 Bucky Walters Reds WS Home....

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1...923/ccI29F.jpg

Go Redlegs! Those four Cincinnati caps are off the charts. Who made them?

Great!

John:

All of those Reds Caps are to die for... obviously! Jaw-droppers for sure...

But yours is the first example I have seen of the early Cap with the "star" at the top. I've seen these intriguing Caps in early photos and in period Catalogs. But never an actual example. Can you tell us what material the brim is made of? It looks really unique, whatever it is.

Incredible stuff!

Reds Cap's Manufacturer's
 

All but the 34 road were made by Goldsmith. The 34 road was made by Spalding.

"Star Cap"
 

Mark- The bill is a fiber material....I'm not sure how it would have fared in the rain?
Cool thing is it has a small write-up from the family! Name of the team and player that used it...

John, it is astounding how you have been able to assemble such significant collections of so many varied baseball categories. My favorite is the Peck and Snyder cap. Is that a photo of a team wearing a similar cap?

John can you post a picture of the Peck and Snyder label? Great, great hats!!

P&S Label
 

It’s long worn off...I made the assumption based off the advertisements. Not sure what other manufacturers/hat makers there were back in the day?🤪
The interior leather band is still intact for the most part....

P&S Star Cap
 

Hey Bruce,
I have collected some period statues and a few images with individual players and teams with stars on their caps to pair with it. I’ll send you an email later tonight...

John -- Many thanks for posting those photos. Such great caps and accompanying displays. Do you have any Washington Senators caps?

Senators Caps..
 

I wish! I know one guy that may have an example. He's hunting right now, if you know him? I'll call him this weekend and check. If he is interested in selling I'll message you. 👍🤞

Does anybody have any idea what this is? It sold last night in a Heritage auction for just $492, so others clearly had their doubts. It was described as a 1940s Yankees cap, but the MLBCollectors.com site lists it as a 1923. Aside from the stamp in the leather band, it looks to me like a throwback made by the Cooperstown Cap Co. in modern times ...

Vancouver Mounties 1961 “Alt Site” Cap
 

Picked up a cool game used cap from 1961 PCL Vancouver Mounties. “N W” was used to denote New Westminster (40 min drive from Vancouver), the site the Mounties played the day games of a certain, scheduled, Saturday doubleheaders; before hosting the nightcap back at Capilano Stadium in Vancouver.

The cap is attributed to catcher Charley Lau who played for the Mounties in 1961.

Does anyone have a photo of the Mounties wearing the NW cap?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charley_Lau

Old Baseball Caps
 

Here are some from my collection:

https://www.antiquebaseballuniforms.com/caps

Cheers,
Mark

(Mark's post above is amazing!!)

That's a proper man cave on your welcome page, Mark! I rarely see a collection displayed that makes mine feel small. I am truly impressed.

Since we're on the subject of caps, here are a few minor league beauties I haven't posted before. Here's an early 1950s Indianapolis Indians cap, a 1939 American Association All-Stars cap and a late 1940s Rochester Red Wings cap ...