Founded by Coast Guard veteran Joseph Kadison on the docks of Philadelphia, QMS begins selling marine clothing, hardware and equipment to local seamen.

A Life magazine cover on Ernest Hemingway features two photos of "the greatest American writer of this century" in his Oysterman cap, creating a surge of demand.

QMS headquarters moves to Bryn Mawr, PA.

The company shifts its focus exclusively to headwear. It’s the perfect creative outlet for Kadison, a longtime lover and aficionado of hats who relishes working on their details.

L.L. Bean starts carrying QMS hats, expanding the brand's reach.

The company moves to Conshohocken, PA.

Ned Kitchel, a former L.L. Bean merchandiser with a love of the outdoors, acquires QMS and moves its headquarters to Portland, Maine.

In the midst of the Great Recession and crippled by a factory fire, QMS shuts down.

Veteran retailer Kevin McLaughlin, a longtime admirer of the brand, acquires QMS with the idea of reimagining it as a lifestyle label.

Splash! Now based in Brooklyn, New York, the revamped QMS launches its first collection, a range of hats and gear inspired by the brand’s heritage and classic East Coast summer style.