Bear Bryant’s personally owned houndstooth hat up for auction. Here’s how to bid on it – AL.com

A Houndstooth Hat, worn by former Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant" is being auctioned off by Lelands. (Courtesy of Lelands Sports Memorabilia)
There are few things more iconic – or symbolic for that matter – than the Houndstooth Hat.
Former Alabama coach Paul “Bear” Bryant made the hat a part of his coaching ensemble and, because of that, it has long been linked to the tradition and lore of the Crimson Tide.
Now, you can own a piece of college football history. Or, maybe you are looking for the ultimate Christmas gift for that Tide fan in your life.
One of the hats Bryant owned and wore is being auctioned through Dec. 11 during the Lelands Fall Classic Auction. The starting bid for the hat began at $500 and were as high as $887 as of Wednesday night.
The hat is 7 3/8″ in size. According to Lelands, the hat is owned by a furniture salesman. He received it from a friend who owned a hotel.
Per the site:
“Black and white checkered size 7 3/8 hat shows heavy wear with feather in the band, red satin liner with “The Original Paul Bear Bryant” logo in the center and gold replica signature on the sweatband. Story: The man who willed it to our consignor’s grandfather was a local furniture salesman and he got it as a gift from a friend who owned a hotel. Bryant had left his hat there, the hotel owner called the coach to tell him about it, but the coach said “you could have it” as he had others. Bryant won 14 SEC titles and six National Championships in his quarter-century on the Crimson Tide sideline.”
“Bear Bryant’s houndstooth hat is THE iconic symbol of Alabama football and one lucky collector will be able to bless their collection with this piece of Crimson Tide history,” Lelands Director of Acquisitions Jordan Gilroy told AL.com on Wednesday night. “Thankfully Bear left it behind in his hotel room!”
In 25 years in Tuscaloosa, Bryant led the Tide to a 232-46-9 record and six national championships.
Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.
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