Ann S. K. Brown Military Collection, Brown University Library

The term tricorn actually came into use after these hats were quite out of fashion. During the time tricorns were in widespread use, they were referred to as cocked hats because they were cocked up in order to show off the wig. From about 1680 through the end of the eighteenth century, the cocked hat reigned supreme.

The image to the right shows an American officer of an independent company commanded by Washington. It is taken from a 1784 German pocket almanac.

Intended originally to show off and protect the powdered curls of ruffled and bewigged gents, the cocked hat later became symbolic of American patriots when worn wigless in the colonies. You’ll like our high brimmed tricorns! Each of these hats has the sides hooked up just like the originals so the sides can be pulled down for wig protection and then hooked up again.

For the gentleman who wants the very best we offer a tricorn trimmed in antique gold galloon and knots, just like the originals.

The French Style is available with white or buff ribbon at no extra charge and we do carry a limited supply of cockades.

One interesting aspect of these two styles was that over a period of one hundred years both countries wore each style, much like wide ties going in and out of fashion or hems going up or down. American military officers during the revolution tended to wear the French Style while many American citizen soldiers wore the English Style. They would never have referred to it as an English Style, however.

Modern Eloquence, copyright 1900 by the University Association

The image to the right of the American General Stark speaking to his men on the eve of the Battle of Bennington shows the general wearing a French style cocked hat while his men are wearing the English styles. By carefully observing the brim of the gentleman’s hat in the lower left corner, one can see evidence that it, too, is a tricorn but it has been folded down.

For those who desire all aspects of correctness, Clearwater Hat Company offers hand sewing of the brim ribbon (after all the sewing machine wasn’t in general use until the 1850’s). This extra is well worth your consideration as the tiny hand stitches give this hat an incredible signature of individuality.