The strange leather cap, shaped like a capital letter ‘D’ on its side, ranks with the broad arrow, cat-o’-nine tails and leg irons as the most recognisable symbols of convictism in Australia.

This convict cap is significant for researchers as it is one of the few existing convict caps from that time. Its design and manufacture make it a good example of a convict garment from early colonial Australia and Britain.

Convict caps were made from leather in England for use in Australia.

A biconial leather convict cap with flaps on both sides and a crown in between.

The broad arrow, or pheon, was a symbol dating cak to the 17^th century, marking all government property to prevent theft.