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Tom Mix signature custom-made cowboy hat with extensive provenance

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:10,000.00 - 12,000.00 USD
Tom Mix signature custom-made cowboy hat with extensive provenance
Condition Reports: If you wish to obtain additional information on a particular lot, or cannot appear at the viewing, Profiles may provide, upon request, a condition report. We remind prospective buyers that descriptions of property are not warranted and that each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the terms of the limited warranty. Condition reports, as other descriptions of property, are not warranted; they are only provided as a service to interested clients.
Legendary western-film star Tom Mix wore a particular style of cowboy hat throughout most of his screen career, in fact it was the one consistent identifying piece of wardrobe to establish his characteristic look. Offered here is one of Mix’s own personal hats, custom made for him from the felt of clear nutria by the John B. Stetson Co. (stated so on leather inner liner) which Mix gifted to his friend Commander Eugene McDonald. McDonald founded Zenith Radio, and used his fortune to advantage as one of the major players in both high-society and entertainment circles, holding not-to-be missed parties on his 185 ft. yacht. A newspaper photo Ca. 1941 shows McDonald wearing this very hat to a society costume ball, where he was awarded best-dressed western man by celebrity judge Gypsy Rose Lee. Accompanying documentation includes the above-mentioned news article, a Christmas card with postmarked envelope(1935) from Tom Mix to Mr. And Mrs. Eugene McDonald, and a typed letter signed from “Gene” McDonald verifying the hat’s source and the circumstances of the costume ball. Hat is in an exceptional state of preservation with only minor staining to underside of brim. Very Fine.