Historical information

This vintage smoking cap was worn by William Hall of Newport, an early farmer in the area to the east of Newport station. Smoking caps are typically soft flat topped hats, cylindrical or fez shaped, designed for indoor leisure time. They kept gentleman’s heads warm and stopped pipe and cigar smoke from clinging to their hair. The hats were often elaborately embroidered. They were made of soft materials like velvet, silk or brocade. They usually featured intricate beadwork, or gold thread embroidery and were often topped with a silk or gold tassel. For more infromation about William Hall see: https://www.williamstownhistsoc.org.au/williamstown-notables-william-hall

Physical description

Man’s green velvet smoking cap with a cream, tan and yellow twisted silk tassell on the top, attached by a tan silk crocheted knob. Cream, tan and yellow flowers embroidered around the bottom of the cap. Quilted wool lining.