Green’s Dictionary of Slang

charlie brady n.

also charles brady

[rhy. sl. = cady n.]

a hat.

1891		J. Bent Criminal Life 272: Charles Brady ... Hat.
1960		J. Franklyn Dict. of Rhy. Sl. 48/2: Charlie Brady Cady (a hat) of 19 C. origin, now falling into disuse with the word cady itself.