Object of the Day

S1W Beret

September 17

This red beret formed a part of an S1W uniform worn by James Amir Muhammad. S1W, or Security of the First World, was a group that provided security at hip-hop parties and later became a part of Public Enemy. 

Beret from an S1W uniform

Description
A red beret from an S1W uniform worn by James Amir Muhammad. The beret is made of red felted wool trimmed in black leather around the opening. The fit can be adjusted by tying the length of black ribbon strung through the leather trim. The interior of the beret is lined with black fabric with a manufacturer's tag sewn at the center of the interior crown reading "BANCROFT / Military Caps / MAKERS OF FINE CAPS FOR / OVER 90 YEARS / FRAMINGHAM MASSACHUSETTS". The name "J. AMIR" is handwritten in blue ink at the top left facing corner of the tag. An additional care and fiber content tag is sewn along the side seam of the interior lining.
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Manufactured by
Bancroft Cap Company, American, founded 1967
Subject of
Public Enemy, American, founded 1982
Date
ca. 1992
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Public Enemy
Medium
wool, leather, and polyester
Dimensions
3 x 9 x 9 1/2 in. (7.6 x 22.9 x 24.1 cm)
Type
berets