1890's-1900's early hat manufacture HAWES (Hawes Von Gal) HAT CO

[Garrett]

Great specimen!

 

[alanfgag]

Rereading Josh's original research on this company, the addition of Chicago to New York and Boston offices and the reference to Hawes Von Gal Co. Inc. seem to appear in the 1904 ads, which is the same year as the December 1904 newspaper ad below placed by J.E. Gump in the Somerset (PA) Standard. So I am refining my age estimate to c.1904. 8^)

 

[alanfgag]

Exploring a little bit last night, I found that the Hawes straw uses a detachable ribbon. Photos below. There are many references to both Hawes Von Gal and Wick's Fancy Bands in The American Hatter, these ads from 1910.

 

[Steve1857]

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.

Sent from my HUAWEI VNS-L31 using Tapatalk

 

[alanfgag]

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.

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.

 

[Steve1857]

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.

An academical attitude I approve.
Thanks for sharing, Alan.

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[Garrett]

1913 HVG ad

 

[alanfgag]

1913 HVG ad

The advertising images for this company abound, yet so few hats survive... puzzling.

"Where have all the Von Gals gone, long time passing?"

 

[Garrett]

 

[alanfgag]

This is awesome Garrett... sorry I missed it until now.

 

[DaveProc]

Hawes 1898

 

[DaveProc]

1909

 

[DaveProc]

1909

 

[Steve1857]

I just can't get enough of your old advertising posts, Dave.

Keep 'em coming!

1909
View attachment 320322

 

[DaveProc]

1913

 

[DaveProc]

1913

 

[DaveProc]

1913

 

[DaveProc]

1913

 

[DaveProc]

1913

 

[DaveProc]

1896

1904