The US Army first introduced brown denim way back in 1904 as a fatigue cover for work details, and largely to use the hard wearing fabric to protect the cotton and wool uniforms beneath. Initially issued in brown canvas (of which this hat is a good example) and latterly brown denim, they would only switch fully to blue denim in 1918. Needless to say, given their age and their rugged use, pieces of brown denim from this era are rare and much sought after. You can read more about brown denim in the US Army on the USMF link here.
Condition:
Absolutely perfect deadstock. Contract number stamp is present, though hard to make out the manufacturer. One tiny split in the denim on the inner headband, but otherwise brand news
Size:
- Stamped a 6 7/8 but fits more like a 7 1/4
- Small/medium size
- 57cm around the sweatband