Conductor's Cap, 1885-1920

Summary

Standard uniforms and caps made railroad staff easily recognizable to passengers. This hat, by Marshall Field & Company of Chicago, projects authority while also providing practical benefits to the wearer. The patent leather visor shades the eyes while the ventilated crown prevents overheating. Marshall Field's supplied uniforms, linens and upholstery to the nearby Pullman Company, builder of railroad passenger cars.

Standard uniforms and caps made railroad staff easily recognizable to passengers. This hat, by Marshall Field & Company of Chicago, projects authority while also providing practical benefits to the wearer. The patent leather visor shades the eyes while the ventilated crown prevents overheating. Marshall Field's supplied uniforms, linens and upholstery to the nearby Pullman Company, builder of railroad passenger cars.

Artifact

Cap (Headgear)

Date Made

1885-1920

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

76.151.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Grosgrain
Silk (Textile)
Cotton (Textile)
Kraft Paper
Patent Leather
Leather

Technique

Machine sewing (Technique)

Color

Black (Color)
Gold (Color)
Green

Dimensions

Width: 6.75 in

Length: 9.5 in

Height: 4.5 in

Inscriptions

inside crown: Marshall Field & Company Uniform Division Chicago

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