Old Miner's Barrette - Leather Hat, C. 1900

Old miner's barrette - leather hat, c. 1900

Old barrette, boiled leather helmet worn by miners.
Round cap and flat rim.
Around 1900.

Dimensions:

Length: 29.8 cm
Width: 28.2 cm
Height: c. 8 cm

Good condition, one hole.

The first specific protection for minors is the barrette. It appeared a little before the middle of the 19th century, probably in the basins of northern France (possibly coming from Belgium). This rigid, thick boiled leather helmet was used to protect the head of the roof, especially from scratches. However, this hat did not really protect against falling rocks.

The barrette accompanied miners for almost a hundred years and became, like the lamp, a symbol of this trade.