Akubra Queensland Mounted Infantry Slouch Hat

Availability: In stock

AUD$275.00

A reproduction of the slouch hat worn by the Queensland Mounted Infantry from 1893, this 100% fur felt Akubra slouch hat is fitted with a reproduction Queensland badge of the colony, an adjustable leather chin strap, reproduction khaki puggaree, and emu plume.

Size Guide
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Details

The slouch hat was first worn in Australia when chosen as the head dress of the newly formed Victorian Mounted Rifles by commanding officer Colonel Tom Price in 1885. It was quicly adopted by other colonial units in Australia and in 1890 all colonial forces, excepting Garrison Artillery, adopted the hat.

The hat worn by the Queensland Mounted Infantry was worn with the Queensland badge of the colony, khaki puggaree and an adjustable leather chin strap. The distinctive emu plume worn by Queensland mounted units had first been worn by members of the Queensland Mounted Infantry during the Great Shearer's Strike of 1891. Sir David Fairbairn grandson of George Fairbairn, owner of Peak Downs, recorded that a detachment of Mounted Infantry troopers guarding a gang of ‘non-union’ shearers rode down to the creek one day when things were quiet and shot an emu. Each took a handful of feathers and placed them in the band of his hat. By 1897 emu plumes were being worn by all Queensland mounted units.

During the Boer War, the Queensland Mounted Infantry adopted a regimental badge. While the design remained much the same as the badge of the colony, the title 'Queensland Mounted Infantry' replaced 'Queensland' on the scroll.

These hats are an exacting reproduction of the slouch hat worn by the Queensland Mounted Infantry from circa 1893 until the Boer War. The 100% fur felt hat is made by Akubra, a company that has supplied, and continues to supply, hats to the Australian Army since the early 20th century. To these hats are attached a reproduction of the Queensland badge of the colony with red wool backing, khaki puggaree, adjustable leather chin strap, and emu plume.

Specifications

100% fur felt slouch hat made in Australia by Akubra Hats.
Reproduction Queensland badge of the colony with red wool backing.
Khaki puggaree.
Adjustable leather chin strap.