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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA, photography credit Joel Benjamin
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA, photography credit Joel Benjamin
Knox Forty Hat
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA, photography credit Joel Benjamin

Knox Forty Hat

Artifact IDMO 2009.3.176.1
Object Type Hat
Date 1950-1956
Maker (Founded in 1838 by Charles Knox)
Medium Beaver fur
DimensionsOverall H 5 5/8 in x W 9 1/2 in x D 11 in (14.3 cm x 24.1 cm x 27.9 cm)
Physical DescriptionFedora-style beaver fur hat with a black grosgrain ribbon band. The hat is made of undyed beaver fur. The brim is curled and edged with braid, 2 1/2 inches thick. The height of the crown is 5 5/8". The hat is finished inside with a white satin lining and a Russian leather band. Ornate emblem printed in gold on the interior lining reads in part "KNOX...FORTY." Gold lettering on the leather interior sweat band: "Made espressly [sic] for Senator John F. Kennedy".
Historical NoteThis hat belonged to President John F. Kennedy. It was considered the finest quality hat that the Knox company made. The Knox Forty name refers to the retail price of $40 for the hat, which was exclusive at the time. It was made for him while he was a Senator.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteItem was part of the personal collection of President Kennedy, it was donated to the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation Inc. by the Estate of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1996. Ownership was transferred from the John F. Kennedy Foundation to the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum in 2009.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesJohn F. Kennedy Personal Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - PartlyUse Restriction Notepermission to use image must be granted by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. please address requests to Museumjfk@nara.govUse Restriction Noteimage use is to be approved of by Museum staff on a case by case basis, image is not for sale by Getty, Almay, or other profit seeking photography sites.
In Collection(s)
Not on view