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[FedOregon]

As much as I love a good felt hat, I probably wouldn't rely on one for a long, multi-day, trek. I might take 2 hats, a lightweight knockabout felt and a good crossover sun/rain hat.

I'm liking the Outdoor Research stuff. They have hats and all kinds of gear.

For hats, I'm partial to the Seattle Sombrero, Olympia Rain hat, Snoqualmie Sombrero, and the Ghost Rain hat.

https://www.outdoorresearch.com/en/mens/hats.html?sport=4

 

[alanfgag]

JB - thanks for posting Bob's video. It's been a long time since I watched it and his hike was simply epic! Cheers! David

There was a second hike a couple of years later... also a very enjoyable watch.

 

[gtdean48]

In search of a fourth hat....beaver brand?

Been spending many hours on ebay looking for another fedora to add to the rotation. I was wondering if anybody by chance had the opportunity to buy a "beaver brand" hat from a seller on ebay who pretty much purchased all the hats (100s and 100s) after the factory closed down in MN a couple years ago. Unfortunately I am getting into hats a bit too late since he pretty much sold them all except a couple that are left. Looks like the prices for either wool or fur felt (beaver) with liners sold for pretty cheap. Just curious if anybody had the opportunity to snag one and what are your thoughts. I am looking for a "cheap" 4th hat. I recently bought my first fur felt (Stetsonian) which is way too nice for me for every day wear and it looks like the beaver brand may have been an option. I have (2) other fedoras Dorman Pacific Scala crushable (USA) (one in black other in loden) that I bough a couple months ago and find myself wearing the black one 90% of the time, the loden as an alternate and the Stesonian for special occasions (maybe because it is so much nicer than the others!!). I know those hats are nothing in comparison to a fur felt hat!

I got a couple of the Beaver Brand hats when they shut down, 1 an Open Road clone & a felt blank that I had made into a Boss of the Plains replica by a custom hatter. I also grabbed a couple of Biltmores when they sold off before being acquired by DP, both OR clones. The OR clone Beaver Brand is on par with the Biltmores & a notch above a modern Stetson Open Road & Imperial grade Akubra Campdraft. Wouldn't consider them "cheap" but if you can grab a used one, they are good, serviceable, using lids.

 

[Fed in a Fedora]

Aside from being too small, it looks like you have my dad's hat.

Save it for Oktoberfest like he does!

Seriously, the sweatband and price look to be from the 1960s. Not sure of the model name, but the style code should be on the white paper tag that shows us the price. You might run a Google search of that style number and Stetson.

If it is too small, you might sell or trade it on the FL classified ads.

Fed

 

[Ken David]

I got a couple of the Beaver Brand hats when they shut down, 1 an Open Road clone & a felt blank that I had made into a Boss of the Plains replica by a custom hatter. I also grabbed a couple of Biltmores when they sold off before being acquired by DP, both OR clones. The OR clone Beaver Brand is on par with the Biltmores & a notch above a modern Stetson Open Road & Imperial grade Akubra Campdraft. Wouldn't consider them "cheap" but if you can grab a used one, they are good, serviceable, using lids.

I was looking for another daily "beater". The ebayer had a couple left for like $25 definitely a wool and if I recall some fur felts. However colors, style, size etc is extremely limited (only couple left from the 100s and 100s he already sold that were purchased when beaver brand shut its doors). I may grab one but not sure anything is left in my size etc. Thanks for the Iinfo.

 

[liten]

hi anyone no if it possible to stretch a brim on a wool hat? its 3" but to get 31/4 or more thanks

 

[wnlewis]

I noticed one floating around Ebay lately. Been posted at least a couple of times with no takers. I think it was our size. Never looked for one otherwise. Actually a cool looking hat.

Welcome to the lounge, you will find everything hats you will ever want here. It is usually best to post these types of questions in the Ask a question, get an answer thread. More people might be there to help.

 

[lbgradwell]

Also, I looked through the 4-page Tilley manual. It sounds like the T4 Cotton Duck hat has both a chin-cord and another string that can run behind the head. Is that correct? It just sounded a little awkward to me.

Gus, you are correct that Tilleys have the two cords as you've described. And though it may seem awkward, they aren't; you can poke both up inside the crown if you wish (my normal choice) and you won't feel them up there. And should you ever find yourself in a very windy situation or somewhere where having the hat fly off in use (whitewater, etc.), the cords could prove very useful.

I can personally endorse the LTM8. I selected it for its sun/rain protection and unbeatable breathability.

 

[wnlewis]

I noticed one floating around Ebay lately. Been posted at least a couple of times with no takers. I think it was our size. Never looked for one otherwise. Actually a cool looking hat.

Welcome to the lounge, you will find everything hats you will ever want here. It is usually best to post these types of questions in the Ask a question, get an answer thread. More people might be there to help.

I've not seen one yet, but I will keep on looking. In the mean time I will plan to buy a couply of the advertising posters for the Knox Jaguars. Is it worthwhile or acceptable to post a "WTB" (would like to buy) on this group and where would be the best place to post?

Also, I do not see a "new post button" on this web site. How is that done?

Thanks for the help.

Neal Lewis

 

[Redfokker]

I've not seen one yet, but I will keep on looking. In the mean time I will plan to buy a couply of the advertising posters for the Knox Jaguars. Is it worthwhile or acceptable to post a "WTB" (would like to buy) on this group and where would be the best place to post?

Also, I do not see a "new post button" on this web site. How is that done?

Thanks for the help.

Neal Lewis

You never know what hats the collectors on this site may have. It is worth putting a post in the classified section on the main page. There is a start a new thread button, is that what we are looking for? Usually there is an established thread, of many, many pages for just about any question or idea you may have. I suggests using Google to search and add Fedora Lounge to narrow it to just posts here. Again, read, read, and read some more. There is so much information here! I would search the Knox Jaguar, there is probably a mention or two.

 

[Joao Encarnado]

hi anyone no if it possible to stretch a brim on a wool hat? its 3" but to get 31/4 or more thanks

It's possible but you will loose crown height. It needs to be reblocked for that and for a wool hat, don't know if the efford is worth of doing it.

 

[Ken David]

Tips on finding a decent vintage fur felt?

I only have one real hat worth mentioning a Stetsonian in Mink thanks to a fellow TFL member (thanks Moon!!). Real nice hat to me compared to my other unmentionable Fedoras, being that is a 100 times nicer than the others I use them as my daily beaters. Anyway I have been searching and searching for another fur felt (ebay, TFL classifieds, etsy, antique malls etc) and what I mostly see is either cheaper hats in really bad shape (moth damage, etc - mosly ebay/etsy) or real nice hats that demand a premium. After looking at pages and pages of "what you are wearing" posts there seems to be a lot of nice vintage hat examples that I would not mind adding a couple to my collection to give me a variety of colors, styles etc. Am I better off just looking at new or newer current production hats vs vintage? Or are there any decent deals out there, if so what off brands should I be looking for or maybe tips on some other location to look? I am sure there are some good deals on ebay etc but I guess I am missing them, any tips would be appreciated.

 

[FedOregon]

For vintage you just have to keep looking, and change up the way you type in your searches from time to time. Sometimes I find hats that are not really posted in the right spot.

A good vintage hat usually has better felt but not always, and you have to be wary of the descriptions and sizes (even colors sometimes) that sellers list. The learning curve can be expensive and I'm guessing all of us have one or two hats off ebay that didn't satisfy expectations.

If you find that hat you really want, then you have to be ready to move on it.... especially if there is a By It Now button. I have 3 or 4 hats that also had a Make An Offer button activated on the sale. I made offers and some were accepted and some not, but those 3 or 4 surprised me when the seller took my first offer.

The other route you can go is a custom, handmade hat. Some of the threads here spotlight hatters like VS (Vintage Silhouettes, Art Fawcett), Michael Gannon, Alley Kat Hats, Penman Hat Co, NW Hats, Black Sheep Hat Works. Read through the threads and learn about what they offer. As nice as the customs are, there are still some vintage hats that are extremely hard or impossible to duplicate; it's the felt, especially in some of the older hats from the 1940's. My wife's 1950's Cavanagh is a real gem. SO much so, that I'm jealous that it fits her and not me. Customs are especially nice because the size and shape of your head is taken into account. If your true hat size (and shape) is between established sizing for factory hats, then you might find they rarely fit you right. I sit between 7-3/8 and 7-1/2 and it can be annoying.

Check local 2nd hand stores and antique shops, too, and you might get lucky and find a decent hat. I got a fairly pristine older Dobbs hat for my wife for $6.99 at Goodwill. It came in a Knox box but I couldn't see where the hat had ever been worn.

Keep reading and learning and try to absorb the info from the guys and gals here. There's a lot of knowledge available and hopefully it can help you keep your expenses down when it comes to bad hats.

Some of the brand new stuff isn't so good... some of it is. For example, my Stetson Imperial quality hat was a disappointment because of the quality... but others say the Royal and Royal Deluxe Stetsons are still pretty nice. The excellent quality hats can be nice, but they get up there into the custom hat range of pricing.

Search the threads here as there are those that ask and answer some of the questions you posted here today. Welcome and good luck!

 

[Ken David]

For vintage you just have to keep looking, and change up the way you type in your searches from time to time. Sometimes I find hats that are not really posted in the right spot.

A good vintage hat usually has better felt but not always, and you have to be wary of the descriptions and sizes (even colors sometimes) that sellers list. The learning curve can be expensive and I'm guessing all of us have one or two hats off ebay that didn't satisfy expectations.

If you find that hat you really want, then you have to be ready to move on it.... especially if there is a By It Now button. I have 3 or 4 hats that also had a Make An Offer button activated on the sale. I made offers and some were accepted and some not, but those 3 or 4 surprised me when the seller took my first offer.

The other route you can go is a custom, handmade hat. Some of the threads here spotlight hatters like VS (Vintage Silhouettes, Art Fawcett), Michael Gannon, Alley Kat Hats, Penman Hat Co, NW Hats, Black Sheep Hat Works. Read through the threads and learn about what they offer. As nice as the customs are, there are still some vintage hats that are extremely hard or impossible to duplicate; it's the felt, especially in some of the older hats from the 1940's. My wife's 1950's Cavanagh is a real gem. SO much so, that I'm jealous that it fits her and not me. Customs are especially nice because the size and shape of your head is taken into account. If your true hat size (and shape) is between established sizing for factory hats, then you might find they rarely fit you right. I sit between 7-3/8 and 7-1/2 and it can be annoying.

Check local 2nd hand stores and antique shops, too, and you might get lucky and find a decent hat. I got a fairly pristine older Dobbs hat for my wife for $6.99 at Goodwill. It came in a Knox box but I couldn't see where the hat had ever been worn.

Keep reading and learning and try to absorb the info from the guys and gals here. There's a lot of knowledge available and hopefully it can help you keep your expenses down when it comes to bad hats.

Some of the brand new stuff isn't so good... some of it is. For example, my Stetson Imperial quality hat was a disappointment because of the quality... but others say the Royal and Royal Deluxe Stetsons are still pretty nice. The excellent quality hats can be nice, but they get up there into the custom hat range of pricing.

Search the threads here as there are those that ask and answer some of the questions you posted here today. Welcome and good luck!

Thanks for the detailed post! Actually I am in the middle of reading 87 pages of the "M.C. Gannon Hat Company" posts....some really nice hats for sure. I will also take a look at the other customs when I get done with this thread....thanks again.

 

[Frunobulax]

Thanks for the detailed post! Actually I am in the middle of reading 87 pages of the "M.C. Gannon Hat Company" posts....some really nice hats for sure. I will also take a look at the other customs when I get done with this thread....thanks again.

Take it from a cheapskate (me), good vintage hats can be had for south of $100. You just have to be persistent (obsessive) and patient.


Sent directly from my mind to yours.

 

[Bill Hughes]

I have been looking online and searching the forum but can't find any information on dating Biltmore hats. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[belfastboy]

Tips on finding a decent vintage fur felt?

I only have one real hat worth mentioning a Stetsonian in Mink thanks to a fellow TFL member (thanks Moon!!). Real nice hat to me compared to my other unmentionable Fedoras, being that is a 100 times nicer than the others I use them as my daily beaters. Anyway I have been searching and searching for another fur felt (ebay, TFL classifieds, etsy, antique malls etc) and what I mostly see is either cheaper hats in really bad shape (moth damage, etc - mosly ebay/etsy) or real nice hats that demand a premium. After looking at pages and pages of "what you are wearing" posts there seems to be a lot of nice vintage hat examples that I would not mind adding a couple to my collection to give me a variety of colors, styles etc. Am I better off just looking at new or newer current production hats vs vintage? Or are there any decent deals out there, if so what off brands should I be looking for or maybe tips on some other location to look? I am sure there are some good deals on ebay etc but I guess I am missing them, any tips would be appreciated.

I hesitate to tell you this but FineVintagefFedoras on Etsy has great hats at very fair pricing. He seems to specialize in my size 7 3/8 or 7 1/2" He usually has one or two on his site. I have 4 of his and all are great hats.

 

[Ken David]

Take it from a cheapskate (me), good vintage hats can be had for south of $100. You just have to be persistent (obsessive) and patient.

I too am cheap, persistent and a bit obsessive....been spending hours a day (too much time) searching but the right hat which I have yet to find except for some cheap wool hats that I won't bother to mention. The search continues.....thanks.

I hesitate to tell you this but FineVintagefFedoras on Etsy has great hats at very fair pricing. He seems to specialize in my size 7 3/8 or 7 1/2" He usually has one or two on his site. I have 4 of his and all are great hats.

Thanks for the tip, I have been checking out etsy but did not see any hats by FineVintageFedoras, I will have to keep an eye out. Thanks.

 

[Ken David]

I have modified my search to look for vintage fur hats that use quality felt in the dimensions and color of interest that do not have any physical damage i.e. moth damage. After much reading on TFL replacing sweatbands, hat liners and vintage ribbon (found Sources and instructions on replacing), cleaning etc is all on this forum! Thanks everyone. It would be fun to find a cheaper hat that has potential and do a little restoration.

My question is if I am a size 7 1/4 and I am willing to swap out a sweatband either for fit or if it needs replacing due to age what size range would I be able to use (smaller, bigger?) thanks.

 

[hatsRme]

Take it from a cheapskate (me), good vintage hats can be had for south of $100. You just have to be persistent (obsessive) and patient.

You are correct, as always, Fruno. However, if you are in search of anything at 7-5/8 or above, this is NOT the case. Scarce as hens teeth (almost) and not nearly as well received by us cheapskates...