When it comes to signature wardrobe accessories by head coaches, few, if any, are more iconic than Bear Bryant's signature houndstooth hat that he wore on the sidelines for nearly his entire coaching career at Alabama. Presented here is one of those classic examples that also comes with exceptional provenance. This hat was originally obtained directly from Bryant by Frank Cuda in 1980. As he details in his accompanying notarized letter, his son, Perry, was a highly recruited quarterback out of Summerville, South Carolina. During his son's visit to Alabama, they met with Bryant in his office and it was there that Frank asked him if he could have one of his hats. Cuda describes in his letter what happened next: 

Perry was embarrassed by my request, but Coach Bryant didn't seem to mind. He walked to a cabinet in his office where he stored hats and surveyed the hats... then turned to me and said 'how about taking the one sitting there (on the side table) and I grabbed it. He had worn it on the field during his coaching  and it even had some dirt on it. Then he said, 'If Perry doesn't sign with us, consider it a gift, but, if he becomes one of us, you will need to pay me for it.' And, so I did! The day Perry signed his scholarship papers, I gave Coach the money for the hat.

The crimson and white (Bama colors) houndstooth hat features a few black feathers on one side, while the interior is colored paisley yellow. Two "7 3/8" size tags are affixed to the interior black headband. It should be noted that this hat first appeared at public auction as Lot 868 in Lelands Spring 2013 sale, when it was consigned directly by Frank Cuda. It was purchased at that time by our consignor, in whose sole possession it has remained until now. In that regard, the hat is basically new to the hobby. It should also be noted that at the time of its original sale, it was the first Bear Bryant hat we had ever offered. While we have sold several others over the ensuing years, in terms of both aesthetics and provenance, this remains perhaps the finest we have ever handled. In addition to Frank Cuda's signed letter of provenance, the hat is also accompanied by a 1982 Alabama Football guide that lists Frank Cuda as one of the quarterbacks on the team (injuries ultimately curtailed his promising football career at Alabama).

Estimated domestic USA shipping cost only. Does not include handling or insurance: 21.09 Please feel free to contact us for a more accurate shipping cost.