The Fur Trade Hat Catalog

Page Two of Four

The Chapeau Bras - $200

The term Chapeau Bras pronounced (shap-o-bra) is a French description of a hat which is to be carried under the arm when not being worn, hence the name "chapeau" for hat and "bras" for arm. Cocked hats continued to be the hat of choice for the military well after civilians opted for other styles. This was regulation headgear for American Officers during the War of 1812 and other variations were popular during the Napoleonic Wars. Because of the unique nature of this style, it must be completely hand made from two cones of fur felt and sewn together.

The result is a rather

striking example of the

hatters art!

The Carriage Hat - $ 75

This is a style popular at the end of the eighteenth century and early nineteenth century. It has a charm all its own. Think of Beau Brummel in a cutaway coat and high collar promenading the park with a suitably attired lady.

The Touque - $ 50

Voyageur!  The very word conjures up pictures of hearty French trappers singing lustily,  paddling their canoes over the Great Lakes, portaging between rivers, or arriving at remote trading posts laden with an enormous cache of winter furs.  No hat better signifies the elan and charm of these bold fellows than the TOQUE. 

Toque is a French word meaning, "cap."  This is the only cap we offer, but because of its significance as a strong symbol of the North Country Fur Trade and because of the quality that has gone into the research and manufacture of these caps, we knew you would find them of interest. 

Our toque (pronounced toke--Webster's; or tuke--French Canadian) is made from fine New Zealand wool, handspun, double plyed, dyed, then painstakingly knit by hand following the original pattern.  These caps keep you warm through those long, cold, northern winters.

The image to the right shows voyageurs wearing toques and top hats.  The man standing at the head of the canoe is wearing an ostrich feather in his hat, symbolizing that he has wintered in the wilderness and has earned the honor to be called a hivernant (one who has wintered over).

To a voyageur, his toque was also his personal cache, purse, if you will.  Small things of value were placed in the hole and  shaken down to the point.  The bottom part was folded up into the cap, essentially doubling the layers, then the point was folded over and pinned--usually with a favorite trade silver item--for added security and decoration.  A cuff can also be turned up if desired.

Canot De Maitre, 1822  by John Halken, courtesy  Hudson Bay Company

You know when the Chicago man said to the Boston man, "Westward the course of the empire takes its way, and you cannot help it," his friend replied: "Yes, but the ship of state, like every other ship, is steered from behind, and New England is the rudder."-W.H.P. Faunce.

All original material copyright©1998 Clearwater Hat Company