Description
Authentic Chinese Army Winter Hat – Film-Worn Heirloom with Historic Legacy
This authentic Chinese army winter hat, lined in rich black faux fur with a red star emblem, is not just a striking piece of cold-weather military attire—it carries a unique and deeply personal history.
Originally used during the production of a film about Rewi Alley, the renowned New Zealander who dedicated 60 years of his life to humanitarian and educational work in China, this hat was worn by his nephew, David Somerset, who portrayed Alley in the film. After filming, the hat was passed down and has been carefully preserved as a significant cultural and familial keepsake.
With its olive green crown, quilted structure, and distinctive ear flaps that tie at the back, this winter hat is representative of those worn by the People’s Liberation Army in the mid-20th century—a practical design suited to the harsh northern Chinese winters.
Rewi Alley’s contributions to China were profound. A tireless advocate for the poor and working class, he was instrumental in establishing vocational schools like the Bailie Schools and the Peili Vocational Institute (now Beijing Bailie University), which provided education and technical training to underprivileged youth. For his efforts, Alley was honoured with Chinese citizenship, and his ashes were later scattered in Shandan, home to one of his most impactful schools.
Today, Alley is remembered as a bridge between China and New Zealand—his life commemorated in museums, documentaries, and monuments. This hat, worn in a film tribute to his remarkable life, serves as a powerful memento of his legacy and enduring friendship with China.
