This amazing looking device is a conformature. Basically it measures your head.
These have been around and virtually unchanged since their inception around the 1840’s. Or so I’ve read. The are complex devices that can measure your head and map all the irregularities around the circumference, right where your hat would rest.
You put a special piece of card stock in the top door and then fit the heavy metal device around your head. The “keys” around the conformature flex to fit snuggly around the shape of your head. Each are fitted with a pin sticking out of the top. When you shut the top door, an imprint is made from the pins in the exact shape of your head.
Violá.
This card with your head shape can be enlarged to actual size and used for an custom hat needs you have. Quality manufacturers will keep your card on file for decades.
