Hatter's gauge

Collection

David Usborne Collection

Code

DU_452

Catalogue link

View catalogue record

License

Creative Commons

This gauge records shape rather than circumference.

It was used to match the brim of a hat to the shape of the wearer's head. The moveable wooden palings of the interior expand against an elastic cord on the outer edge. Lowering the oval disc in the crown of the gauge fixed the shape, which was then transferred to a wooden former.

David Usborne Metal Fashion Making Professional Trades 20th Century