This is a listing for an antique late 1800s hat mold! The mold was made in the late 1800s in Washington D.C. by the T and B Hat Carrier Co. The mold is made of fabric on the outside and I believe horsehair on the inside. The ball was originally made to screw inside of a steamer or clothing trunk in order to hold a hat and not allow it to get crushed under the other clothing. The ball's screws on the bottom is threaded. This ball was obviously removable and it did get seperated from its original steamer trunk. The ball has the fabric pinned to itself as pictured and is marked on the underside as pictured and also has some of the pins missing or have let go of the surrounding fabric on the underside. The ball is in nice shape for their age with NO severe tears but does have one small hole on the side as pictured. The ball also has some frayed edges and also seemes to have faded over the years. It is extreamly rare to find these especially without its trunk and would be great to complete your trunk! This is a great piece to ad to any appropriate steamer trunk, hat display or to preserve your hat! This is an AMAZING piece for any home or collector! RARE BUY!