Jack Hemingway, the first born son of the famous writer, Ernest Hemingway, was assigned to the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). Because he spoke fluent French, Captain Jack Hemingway parachuted into France behind enemy lines on a mission to aid the Maquis or Maquisards (French Resistance). As he jumped from the airplane under the cover of darkness, Jack’s most important “survival gear” included a fly rod and reel, a small assortment of flies and his Papa Nui Long billed cap.
Jack promptly began fishing some of the streams and rivers behind enemy lines whenever he could slip away from his duties. On one occasion he had no sooner wet a line in a promising roadside stream when a German patrol happened by. With the Resistance insignia in plain sight on the shoulder of his jacket, Jack pulled the visor of his Papa cap down on his brow and calmly waved at the passing soldiers as he shielded his arm from their view. He resumed fishing after they had gone.
In homage to Jack and to Ernest, the Papa Nui ‘Pilar’ cap, salutes the war service of these father and son heroes. Modeled in tough GI drab herringbone twill, the Pilar Cap provides the ultimate visor protection for angling a fly on a French stream or drawing a bead on Hitler’s henchmen. At home on the bridge of a Q-Boat off the coast of Santiago or comfortable on a war strewn European river bank, this cap is the result of painstaking research into correct crown shape and visor construction. Forget the malarky and hokem, this isn’t a Ketchum Gas Station find nor a recreation lookalike, this is the real deal, no clever copy writing just the true ‘Gen’.
Whether hunting subs, ripping marlin, or cruising the Gulf Stream with Adriana, this lid has got me covered.
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Henry L.
Pilar Ahoy!
Feels like a beautiful warm summers day on the beach as soon as the Pilar is on the dome! Super comfortable and great materials. I measure 59cm and the Large is perfect. Great work Papa!
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Stéphane M.
All good Charly be good
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Harry S.
Pilar Cap
Loved the cap. I’m a big collector of military/police themed caps and an aquatint brought Papa Nui to my attention. After a quick browse through, I was sadly limited to several hats for my fat head. Settling on the Pilar it was a brave choice given it’s unique brim which I’ve been wearing proudly since. Big fan of the Idaho Duck Hunter camo where now some images of me feeding ducks in it exists! The history/heritage of the brand and the hats themselves is very interesting as well as how they’re made/material choice and I will be purchasing again. I loved the bag it came in too!
Duck hunters are go, thank you Harry, stay in the blind!
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stephen s.
Mamasan approved
Recon to the far east for a noggin protector accomplished. Thanks papa nui
Korea 51 Cap.
Eric L.
The Perfect Accessory for the Partigiani
Lightweight and comfortable for patrolling the mountain passes of the Piedmont, stylish enough for slipping into town to gather intelligence (and having a quick Negroni). The GI materials make it a good passport through Allied lines, in case you need to link up with some passing British unit. Tante grazia, Papa!
Partisan Cap.
Martin H.
This is a pair of trunks. There are many like it, but this one is mine
Well, to be honest, there are not that great many like the Papa's. Imagine a pair of trunks in their most pure, simple, purpose-oriented form: nothing to take away, nothing to add. Perfect. This is what it is.
Atoll Beach Trunks.
Jean-pierre
Beach trunk
Nice stuff as always. Thanks John.
Atoll Beach Trunks.
Isaac R.
For a stepdad
Damn fine shirt for the dude that went through 'Nam AND married my mom!
Another fantastic piece of headwear from the Papa. Quality unparalleled as always. Beautiful knitting and a lovely earthy rust to set this watch cap off. Top marks sir.
This cap is something else. After you soak it as directed, it fits your head perfectly like it was made to measure. The brim has some snap to it and you can wear it normally or pop it up for a different look. Even more, it smells great like good leather should.