Nurses of the Red Cross were called “gray ladies” American Red Cross volunteers who worked in American hospitals, other health care facilities, and private homes, notably during World War I and World War II. This hat has age spots and other stains. The pin in front has left rust stains. There doesn’t seem to be any tears but I handled this very carefully and didn’t test the fabric at all. I was afraid it might fall apart. It doesn’t seem to be dry rotted though.