Airplane Hat

Created by Gilbert Myers of Boise, Idaho. He was evidently worried that someone might steal his idea because, in 1929, he patented it. From the patent:

an important object of this invention is to provide a novelty hat in the form of a simulated air plane intended to be worn during festivals, parades, dances, expositions lawn parties and the like especially when aviation is the subject of the celebration...

Use of a number of novelty hats constructed as herein disclosed has demonstrated that the hat enjoys the favor of adults as well as children and may be applied to heads of various sizes in a highly convenient and expeditious manner and will remain firmly in place, all without exerting an objectionable pressure on the head.

The picture below shows the airplane hat being worn. (The accompanying article identified it as Myers's hat).

Minneapolis Star Tribune - Feb 2, 1930

These other photos, of actress Alice White, I'm not so sure about. It looks a lot like his hat. If it isn't, someone ignored his patent.

source: Flickr

Battle Creek Enquirer - Jan 14, 1930

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Alex Boese Alex is the creator and curator of the Museum of Hoaxes. He's also the author of various weird, non-fiction, science-themed books such as Elephants on Acid and Psychedelic Apes. Paul Di Filippo Paul has been paid to put weird ideas into fictional form for over forty years, in his career as a noted science fiction writer. Contact Us

Posted By: Alex - Sun Feb 23, 2020
Category: Patents | Air Travel and Airlines | Headgear | 1920s

Comments

I had one of these umbrella hats as a kid. My friends took exception whenever I wore it.
https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=umbrella+hat&FORM=HDRSC2

Posted by Virtual in Carnate on 02/23/20 at 12:47 PM

Forerunner of "The Flying Nun"!

Posted by KDP on 02/23/20 at 09:52 PM

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