The Radio Hat

The Radio Hat was a portable radio built into a pith helmet that would bring in stations within a 20 mile (32 km) radius. It was invented by American Victor T. Hoeflich and introduced in early 1949 for $7.95 as the 'Man-from-Mars Radio Hat.'

Although the Radio Hat was well received at the outset, the reception did not last, and advertisements ceased to run in the 1950s. Its failure was primarily due to technical limitations. It had only two valves, while household radios featured five or six, and thus, performed better.