headgear displays
did you know?
Over time your hats loose their original oval shape and become fragile.
Headbands on hats shrink if not worn or placed on a hat stand for support. Visors on hats can lose their shape and start cracking with many years of improper care. Resting a hat on the visor can cause it to separate from the hat.
Repairs can be costly and are almost never undetectable. It's best to avoid the damage up front...
I attribute the success of the displays to their versatility and the fact that they are one of the best products available for displaying virtually any type of headgear by providing a means of display that does not push up on the top of a hat or the liner of a helmet, instead supporting them in much the same way they were supported when in wear.
The key element is the adjustable shaper/stretcher insert that accompanies each stand. No longer does the collector have to choose between sitting a sixty-plus-year-old hat on a shelf with the weight resting on the visor or placing the hat on a stand, mannequin head, or hat-form that doesn't fit properly and that presses up on the sweat shield and crown, distorting that saddle shape we find so appealing. The stands also work very well with helmets. In fact, I display all my helmets - to include my prized WWII German paratrooper helmet - on these stands. Because the shaper/stretcher insert supports the helmet evenly around the circumference of the liner band, it does not place undue stress on any particular segment of the liner or suspension. It also eliminates the need to maneuver an often too-small support through the top of a helmet liner and then balance the helmet on the support.


Here is a photo of the shaper/stretcher insert in a Kriegsmarine Officers visor hat:

Another advantage my headgear stands offer is the virtually limitless options available to you, the customer, in terms of height. The shorter stands allow you to display your hats and helmets on shelves with little clearance. Alternating shorter and taller stands makes it possible to maximize precious lateral shelf space by stacking the hats as illustrated below:





Overseas or Garrison Hats:
There has long been a need for a way to properly display overseas (or garrison)
hats. Because they typically sit at an angle higher on the wearer’s head, presenting
them properly posed a challenge. In response to numerous requests, I designed an
insert for them that works with any of my stands.
M-24 Grenade Stands:
This addition to my product line features the infamous ‘potato-masher’ hand
grenade used by German troops in both world wars. The stand utilizes the same
shaper/stretcher insert and base, but the support spindle is actually a full-sized,
authentic replica of the M-24 Stielhandgrenate (stick grenade) used extensively by
German forces in both world wars. This stand is well-suited for helmets and other
‘combat’ headgear as shown here
"Ribbon" Inlays:
A Heer enlisted mans M-42 hat on one of my
M-24 stands. Note that the base of this stand features my Iron Cross ribbon inlay.
Laser-engraved Stands:
I am able to offer all of my products with highly detailed laser-etched graphics.
They seem particularly well suited for my pulpit style stands and have proven to be very
popular with my customers, one of whom was kind enough to send me a series of nice
photos of some pieces from his extensive headgear collection on my stands. Hopefully,
they give you a feel for the quality, detail and variety available
"Skipper, what a great product! I'm happy with the order. The color/stain is exactly what I wanted. Thanks for the communication & quick turnaround time!
Check is in the mail for the first order.
As we spoke about, just needed to get a look at how your stands would work for me.
Now that I know the heights and how it would work for my display, I would like to order the following: "
Themed displays
I also offer custom, "themed" displays for collectors wishing to show off a special hat or helmet. Typically, these displays focus on the hat or helmet and then make use of photos, text blocks, related period items or a combination of all three.
Most of the clients I've worked with to create this style of display often find it quickly becomes a highlight for their study or collecting room. Here are just a couple of examples that show why!
Here is a stunning example of a named Panzer Officer's Visor hat. Note the laser-etched name and unit of the original owner, Lt. Franz Hilffert, and the Iron Cross "ribbon detail.


The collector also had a nice studio portrait of Lt. Hilffert, wearing the hat, that he wanted to display with it in a protective case. The finished product is a simple, no-frills affair that perfectly pairs up the two items.

The second example of a themed display is actually from my own collection. It centers on a World War Two Army Air Force "50-mission crush" Bancroft Flighter visor hat, complete with headphones.
A number of decorations and insignia and a bullion 8th Air Force shoulder patch are mixed in with a silk invasion/evasion/escape map, some wartime US coins, a pack of "Lucky Strike Green" cigarettes and a black, crinkle finish Zippo lighter to complete the display.

I topped the display off (literally!) with a scale model of the iconic B-17 "Flying Fortress" with 8th Air Force markings. The case is five-sided, constructed of select walnut with maple corner splines and a beveled glass top.
To order any of my standard production stands, simply indicate your choice(s) by style, height and finish (i.e., turned spindle, 7”, natural oak finish or fluted spindle, 11”, black enamel finish) Pricing for the standard model stands is as follows: add text.
NOTE: Prices include stand(s) with the base in your choice of wood and/or finish and one shaper/stretcher insert per stand.
Please note: The prices shown do not include postage. Pricing for custom work and larger quantities available upon request…please call or e-mail for details.
STANDARD PRODUCTION
1 - $52.00
2 - $103.00
3 - $152.00
4 - $200.00
5 - $245.00
6 - $288.00
7 - $330.00
8 - $372.00
9 - $414.00
10 or more - $45.00 each
M24 "GRENADE" STAND
1 - $65.00
2 - $128.00
3 - $188.00
4 - $245.00
5 - $300.00
6 - $354.00
7 - $405.00
8 - $455.00
9 - $500.00
10 or more - $55.00 each
Add either the Imperial or 1939 'Iron Cross ribbon' inlay accent to the base of any stand for $15.00
Add a laser-etched graphic to any stand for only $8.00!
