Boater faction!

[RJR]

Today at an antique store I found myself happily indecisive as I came across 3 vintage boaters (Knox, Wormser, Bentley) in my size.

My attention went to the familiar names Knox and Wormser, but they were too large to wear comfortably and had their share of condition issues. I'd never heard of Bentley and it did appear to be newer than the rest, but the fit was so comfortable. The size tag reads: "7-1/4 Tuells Hats".

View attachment 49207 View attachment 49208

Nice find!

 

[Organist]

Hi,

I'm Mike from Ohio. Boaters are certainly high on my of favorite hats. I have a Ponte Rialto that I got from Del Monico. When I ordered, a guy in the comments cautioned to get one size larger since the hat was pretty stiff. I did as suggested and got a ha that was too big. No matter, the folks at Delmonico were very kind and my hat was quickly for one size lower. The also sent something to put in the band to make the fit tighter, but it's not necessary- it fits perfectly.

Best wishes,
Mike

 

[RJR]

Hi,

I'm Mike from Ohio. Boaters are certainly high on my of favorite hats. I have a Ponte Rialto that I got from Del Monico. When I ordered, a guy in the comments cautioned to get one size larger since the hat was pretty stiff. I did as suggested and got a ha that was too big. No matter, the folks at Delmonico were very kind and my hat was quickly for one size lower. The also sent something to put in the band to make the fit tighter, but it's not necessary- it fits perfectly.

Best wishes,
Mike

That tracks with their reputation,good choice.

 

[Redfokker]

I have been quite happy with this Dobbs straw. 7 1/4LO is what drew me to this hat. Appears to be mid century in construction, the remains of a mfg tag is attached to the sweat, moved from the underside of the hat? The roan sweat is pristine, and I thought it was a replacement, but Mike at NW does not think it is based on stitching and how it lays. One issue I have with the hat is the brim is not totally flat (horizontal?). Flips up a little all around. Can I steam it gently and put weight all around the brim to bring it back down? Also, I would like to change the ribbon to orange/black striped, OSU Beaver style. Can't find any vintage ribbon like this to save my soul...searching.

 

[RJR]

I have been quite happy with this Dobbs straw. 7 1/4LO is what drew me to this hat. Appears to be mid century in construction, the remains of a mfg tag is attached to the sweat, moved from the underside of the hat? The roan sweat is pristine, and I thought it was a replacement, but Mike at NW does not think it is based on stitching and how it lays. One issue I have with the hat is the brim is not totally flat (horizontal?). Flips up a little all around. Can I steam it gently and put weight all around the brim to bring it back down? Also, I would like to change the ribbon to orange/black striped, OSU Beaver style. Can't find any vintage ribbon like this to save my soul...searching.

I have to believe that one of our hatters will have some orange/black ribbon or know where it can be found.

 

[Redfokker]

I have to believe that one of our hatters will have some orange/black ribbon or know where it can be found.

I'll start begging. I would like to go a little more narrow than the 2" black that came on this Boater. Although, I do see a number of vintage images with wider ribbons on 1930s straws.

 

[Organist]

Redfokker,

That hat certainly is a thing of beauty. It would be a shame to change it, but it does bring up a point. It would be nice if there were boaters with changeable ribbons to aid in coordinating. The red and blue ribbon on my boater is beautiful, and I am lucky to have found a neck tie and a bow tie that are identical colors. However, i would also like to find a black and brown ribbons coordinate with my other outfits. I notice Miller, I think, has boaters with such options. One day I'll chance ordering one to see it it's as nice as it is in the picture.

I watched the Kurt Wismer hat video and was enthralled. Does anyone know where you can buy those?

 

[fabiovenhorst]

My vintage Brunetto

 

[David Conwill]

Could you add some kind of orange accent to the black ribbon instead? Preserving the original band but getting the look you want without having to find new ribbon or change a hat that has survived.

 

[alanfgag]

My vintage Brunetto...

Beautiful!

 

[Redfokker]

Could you add some kind of orange accent to the black ribbon instead? Preserving the original band but getting the look you want without having to find new ribbon or change a hat that has survived.

I seem to recall a thread about doing just that! I'll give that some consideration, not having much luck with finding Halloween colors in grosgrain! Have to represent my OSU Beavers!

 

[David Conwill]

I hope you've got a raccoon coat to go along with your boater!

 

[fabiovenhorst]

Tags inside...

 

[bassfiddlesteve]

I just thought I'd mention that Stetson has begun producing a new Italian-made boater. It's actually the same as the Ponte Rialto hat, but it has a darker colored straw and a black grosgrain ribbon which looks more authentic. I picked one up at Meyer the Hatter when I was in New Orleans last month. A few other online retailers are carrying it now too.

- Steve

 

[alanfgag]

Another wonderful woven straw survivor... this one photographed last weekend at an antique store in Columbus, OH.

 

[RJR]

Another wonderful woven straw survivor... this one photographed last weekend at an antique store in Columbus, OH.

Beautiful weave.

 

[1mach1]

Another wonderful woven straw survivor... this one photographed last weekend at an antique store in Columbus, OH.

Did it come home with you?

 

[alanfgag]

No... it was a large size. There were a number of nice hats but they all stayed for the next guy. I did find some other interesting stuff.

 

[Daniele Tanto]

Tags inside...

Fantastic "Paglietta di Firenze" made by Brunetto Cioni........such a Tuscan name that is a guarantee!

 

[mayserwegener]

Ottmar Reich, measures 58cm, probably 1920s. Interesting bow design and very light weight. I really like this type of Stiff Straw Hat. I think it's a Ecuadorian or Colombian straw + weave but could be Asian. Old German Straw Hats are very difficult finds so very happy to find this one. Ottmar Reich was located in Lindenberg, Germany (was a major Straw Hat center) and the old factory building is now the Deutsche Hutmuseum (German Hat Museum).

Old Cork Spacer that was behind the sweatband. Never seen one this wide before.