Garrett
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Great specimen!
That is just, wow, wow, wow, Alan. The particular oval shape of it would perhaps suggest that it is a ladies straw hat/boater. I'd go with your original instincts re shaping of the brim and turn it into a flat brimmed boater. It would, in my humble opinion, suit the hat and you best.Another Hawes Von Gal emerged from the dust and insect webs as a very reasonable buy it now on eBay. Advertised as a woman's hat, it might be or it might not be. Ribbon bow on the man's side and a narrow leather sweatband with the stains of hot weather wear give me pause to wonder. Spiral construction from sewn braids of finely plaited straw, a green dyed outer edge in the same material is sewn on and turned and stitched as an under-welt to finish it off. The ivory/green/rose ribbon is either rayon or silk - can tell which, with an interesting textured detail. It must have been something when new. Very little in the way of markings of than "The Resilient Leather" blind debossed on the front of the sweatband and a sticker "12" on the underside of the rolled edge sweatband. The leather is in remarkable soft condition despite the staining and remains stitched to the hat body throughout. Era is guesswork, but perhaps as early as late 1890s into first decade of the 20th century.
I will see where this brim wants to be with a little steam applied. My preference would be flat like a boater. or up all around. The flange is flat and sharp - the upward or downward tilt seems to be coming through the sewn construction, similar to milan.
That is just, wow, wow, wow, Alan. The particular oval shape of it would perhaps suggest that it is a ladies straw hat/boater. I'd go with your original instincts re shaping of the brim and turn it into a flat brimmed boater. It would, in my humble opinion, suit the hat and you best.
An academical attitude I approve.Thank you Steve. I will not do much to change the hat. I bought it to study and document a seldom seen example from this company. If I get it out to wear sometimes that will be a bonus.
1913 HVG ad