Universal Article Archives
Universal Article Archives
Reintroducing the original Universal Article blog from 2006-2011.
Inside Label : Lou Gehrig's 'The Union' Derby Hat
Al Smith was a well known New York politician whose trademark was the derby cap. In 1928, Smith was named the democratic presidential candidate. During his campaign Smith requested the help of Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth, two famous New York Yankees. Ruth and Gehrig were the core of a Yankees line-up which was dubbed Murderer’s Row. The two potent hitters were fresh off of a World Series title when they began to campaign for Al Smith. Both Ruth and Gehrig wore a derby cap as a symbol of support for Smith.
This derby cap was worn by Gehrig while campaigning for Al Smith throughout the state of Ohio. It is a brown derby style cap that is lined in silk and bound with a tan leather band. A black ink stamp adorns the inside crown, reading The Union. The outside base of the hat is laced in ribbon while the leather brim is stretched and folded. Gehrig is noted for wearing a navy melton wool cap with an embroidered NY while playing in 2,130 consecutive games. However, this rare piece, which was offered at auction by Sotheby’s, shows the magnitude of Gehrig as a public figure away from the baseball diamond. 
Inside Label: Ty Cobb's Wicker Hat
Ty Cobb was a tenacious individual who played baseball for the Detroit Tigers American League Baseball Club. He has the highest lifetime batting average, .367, and a fist full of batting titles as well as hits. When you think of headwear on Ty Cobb your mind tends to light up with the image of a felt old english D on a short brimmed, wool melton style cap. However, Sotheby’s came across this style while auctioning off Barry Halper’s famous collection of baseball memorabilia in 1999.
This is a Mexican style wicker hat whose outer shell has been stained with a black dye. Around the base of the crown is a woven, black leather band. On the inside of the hat is a brown leather band with Tyrus R. Cobb imprinted in gold. The ever competitive Cobb was an avid outdoorsman and used this Mexican wicker hat while fishing for marlin and other game fish off of the coast of Cabo San Lucas in the Sea of Cortez. 
Inside Label: Paul Brown's Cincinnati Bengals Cap by New Era
Paul Brown was the original founder and owner of the Cleveland Browns football team. During training sessions, Brown became notorious for wearing a brown melton wool cap with a felt, single needle stitched CB. In September of 1967, Brown was awarded an expansion team in Cincinnati. His trademark hat carried over with him as he began wearing the CB style in Bengal colors.
This six panel, snap back hat, was created by the New Era Hat Company for the official use of the Cincinnati Bengals during the late 1970’s. The front two panels are constructed of white wool and have the classic CB flocked in orange. The side and back panels are black wool with a classic white top stitch running down the seams. The inside buckram consists of a thin whicker backing, typical of New Era caps during this period, and is lined with a white cotton sweatband. The brim of the cap is orange wool and the under visor consists of a green felt. Brown last coached the Bengals in 1975 and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967. This hat serves as a classic representation of Brown and his impact on professional football in Cincinnati. 
