Royal Naval uniform

By the mid-18th century, the hat was generally carried under the arm to avoid the displacement of wigs and hair powder. This example of a three-cornered hat is of a type of felt called 'half-beaver' that was made by adding beaver hair to felt. The edges are bound in silver lace and the cockade is of black silk/cotton blend. The gold lace loop and button are of a later date. Hats were not mentioned in uniform regulations until 1795.