Title

Hat stretcher.

Creation Date

1880 – 1959

Maker's Mark

5 1/8

Description

Three-piece wood block used to enlarge a hat that is too small.  The block is placed inside the rim of a man's hat that is too small.  The screw mechanism across the center pushes the two half-moon front and back pieces apart.  Thin metal rods keep the front and back pieces in alignment.  A felt hat would be steamed, stretched and dried in the new shape. Size 5 1/8.