Newsboy cap worn by Melvin Van Peebles

Unidentified · Mid to late 20th century

A brown newsboy cap worn by Melvin Van Peebles. The crown is made from eight panels of brown and gray wool herringbone fabric, sewn together diagonally and at the top of the hat is a plastic, wool herringbone covered squatchee. The 1” deep brim is made from two panels of wool fabric sewn together (one panel for the top and one for the bottom) with a metal snap at the middle, which connects to the hat crown. A black synthetic interior hatband is sewn along the interior crown. The inside of the hat is lined with three panels of silk satin fabric – two for the side panels and one for the interior hat crown. There is severe discoloration and shattering to the interior lining. At the center back interior of the hat, on the hatband, is a faded yellow paper tag. There is no brand label.