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rclark

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,272
Location
Central Texas
Ok thanks guys! It is supple on the back and looks great at first blush, but even carefully lifting it up to look at size labels under the sweatband cause little "tearing" sounds and small cracks on the smooth outside portion of the sweatband.
 

ManofKent

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,039
Location
United Kingdom
Ok thanks guys! It is supple on the back and looks great at first blush, but even carefully lifting it up to look at size labels under the sweatband cause little "tearing" sounds and small cracks on the smooth outside portion of the sweatband.

You've nothing to lose by trying leather conditioner - it might extend it's life a little longer, but it sounds like you'll need a replacement soon.
 

ManofKent

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,039
Location
United Kingdom
If I have a hat a need some help dating it where would I post my question, picture etc. ?? Many thanks

There are several threads dedicated to specific makers - that wold be the best place e.g. Dobbs Diner. Do a search, but if you can't find a makers thread post it here and someone will help!
 

rclark

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,272
Location
Central Texas
Ok sorry to wear out the subject of sweatbands, but I've got a couple of vintage hats with a sort of green "goo" on the rear behind the stitching. Can someone please enlighten me as to what has occurred? I've attached a photo of an example. Thanks in advance!
 
Messages
15,072
Location
Buffalo, NY
Oxidation of a brass ferule. Use some dry baking soda and a toothbrush to remove the verdigris and damaged ferule and use something else to secure the end of the reed. I've wrapped black electrical tape around the reed ends. Once you clean it up, you'll see how it works and have ideas on how to proceed.

dobbs_panama_repair.jpg
 
Last edited:
Messages
15,072
Location
Buffalo, NY
After 60+ years, the hat is definitely going to be off warrantee. :)

It is a common problem on hats of this era, where a brass ferule and a ferrous metal reed react with moisture to from this verdigris corrosion. You won't see it on earlier hats that used a natural "reed" nor on hats that did not use a reeded construction for the sweatband. It can be minimal or pretty nasty, as was the case with the Dobbs panama I posted. I've never succeeded in getting the stain off the straw. It should clean up pretty well on your hat.
 

Mr.Astor

Banned
Messages
246
Location
New Jersey
Alan again you are correct. I put a watered down solution of White Brite from oxyclean on a qtip to the spot only, set it in the sun it will bleach out the stain.
 

Cally

New in Town
Messages
11
Location
ottawa canada
Does anyone know of a hatter in Ottawa Canada? Or failing that somewhere in Ontario. I have done a Google search but I am not finding anything .
 
Messages
15,072
Location
Buffalo, NY
Thanks I forgot about that store, was there at Christmas. Its a great hat shop! Do you know if they reblock and do work on hats?

I was in briefly last fall. It was packed but I didn't get the sense that they were prepared to do anything beyond sell off the rack hats. If you come as far as Niagara-On-The-Lake, it might be worth it to go another 20 miles and visit Gary White at the Custom Hatter in Buffalo. An appointment would be advisable, he works by himself and is in and out of the shop during the day.
 

Cally

New in Town
Messages
11
Location
ottawa canada
I was in briefly last fall. It was packed but I didn't get the sense that they were prepared to do anything beyond sell off the rack hats. If you come as far as Niagara-On-The-Lake, it might be worth it to go another 20 miles and visit Gary White at the Custom Hatter in Buffalo. An appointment would be advisable, he works by himself and is in and out of the shop during the day.

Thanks that's Fantastic!!
 

Retro Spectator

Practically Family
Messages
824
Location
Connecticut
I got this tie clip from my grandfather when he passed away. He was born in 1928, so it must be from some time afterwards. I was wondering if anyone here could tell me when it's from, as I have no idea. It feels heavier than my other tie clips, and it says Anson on the back.
4yzz98K.jpg

OQReg7R.jpg

GIIo7Em.jpg
 

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