Boater faction!

[mayserwegener]

Insuperable

Joe, Thanks!

 

[Steve1857]

Ottmar Reich "Insuperable" "Asa", F.P. 6, Eng. 7 1/4, 59 cm, possibly earlier 1900s. This Kreissäge / Straw Boater is really interesting. It has a very Wide Black Band (8 cm, 3 5/32 inches) with a Pleated Bow paired with a Narrow Brim. The Bow has a Mother Pearl button. The Sweatband is made of very thin crosshatched textured leather that has hardened. The Liner Mark of an America Indian is really special. The American Indian was a common motif in late 19th Century and early 20th Century Germany. There is also a black Cord at the base of the Crown which is typical of the time. It's rare to find an old German Kreissäge in this size range especially one that is this unique. Ottmar Reich was originally a Straw Hat factory and in the 1920s started to also make Felt Hats.

The photo of the paper label was taken by the Seller and in the process he slightly damaged the Sweatband so I didn't want to take a risk of further damage trying to take a better one. The three size types are located at the bottom of the paper label.

There is another Ottmar Reich "Insuperable" that was found by back in 2009 which is from a later time period.

[URL]https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/boater-faction.26728/page-49#post-2278410[/URL]

The Mother of Pearl button solved the mystery of the white thread stitch at the bottom of center of the bow on this Ottmar Reich Kreissäge of mine. For some reason I overlooked the Ottmar Reich "Insuperable" posted above.

[URL]https://germanaustrianhats.invisionzone.com/topic/18-ottmar-reich-hutfabrik/?do=findComment&comment=1627[/URL]

Natural Light

That is one wonderful find, Steve. Never seen a ribbon that wide on a Boater before. The faux pearl button really draws attention to the pleated bow.

What a colourful liner, too.

 

[hindssm]

Hi all! Does anyone know where to find a boater for a larger headed gentleman (7.5 US, 60 cm) ? I have had quite the hard time searching. Vintage would be good, but folks seemed to have much smaller heads in the day.

 

[rogueclimber]

Hi all! Does anyone know where to find a boater for a larger headed gentleman (7.5 US, 60 cm) ? I have had quite the hard time searching. Vintage would be good, but folks seemed to have much smaller heads in the day.

You either need to spend time scouring the web (auction sites, etsy etc) for vintage or a simple google search can find you large boaters

https://www.delmonicohatter.com/product/IT44.htm

Unless you expect the membership of TFL to do the work for you...

 

[hindssm]

You either need to spend time scouring the web (auction sites, etsy etc) for vintage or a simple google search can find you large boaters

https://www.delmonicohatter.com/product/IT44.htm

Unless you expect the membership of TFL to do the work for you...

Thanks! I have heard DelMonico and the Scala hats are fairly flimsy in comparison to other hats, which is why I haven't gotten either one yet. Do you have any experience with DelMonico boaters?

And no, I do not intend others to do the work for me, I am keeping my eye out on many sites currently. Seeing as there is collective knowledge here that I know I lack, I thought it a good place to inquire. Forgive me if that is not the case.

 

[rogueclimber]

Thanks! I have heard DelMonico and the Scala hats are fairly flimsy in comparison to other hats, which is why I haven't gotten either one yet. Do you have any experience with DelMonico boaters?

And no, I do not intend others to do the work for me, I am keeping my eye out on many sites currently. Seeing as there is collective knowledge here that I know I lack, I thought it a good place to inquire. Forgive me if that is not the case.

Everyone here is amazingly helpful. I have learned tons in the short time I have been a member. I also like that the longtime members do expect the exchange to be a two way effort.

Unfortunately I have straw hats only from Bailey and Stetson so can't comment on the quality of Scala or Capas (the ones sold by DelMonico)

Good luck in your quest

 

[hindssm]

Hello again!

With hopes that it won't get sniped here at TFL, I was wondering if this seemed salvageable for $45 USD: https://www.ebay.com/itm/375430878598

The hat has a little wear to it, and the sweatband needs replaced. I would definitely get it refurbished if possible.

 

[Matthew S.]

Hello again!

With hopes that it won't get sniped here at TFL, I was wondering if this seemed salvageable for $45 USD: https://www.ebay.com/itm/375430878598

The hat has a little wear to it, and the sweatband needs replaced. I would definitely get it refurbished if possible.

It looks pretty rough, though I don't see holes so maybe there's hope. I'd be wary that the brim was warped. Regarding the inside, I was dissuaded from replacing the sweatband on one of my boaters by McLaughlin & Hayes of Milwaukee (referred by Salmagundi of Boston), as they said it was a specialist job beyond them, so it may be easier said than done. As I am wary of the restoration process, it looks like more trouble than it's worth to me.

​

 

[hindssm]

It looks pretty rough, though I don't see holes so maybe there's hope. I'd be wary that the brim was warped. Regarding the inside, I was dissuaded from replacing the sweatband on one of my boaters by McLaughlin & Hayes of Milwaukee (referred by Salmagundi of Boston), as they said it was a specialist job beyond them, so it may be easier said than done. As I am wary of the restoration process, it looks like more trouble than it's worth to me.

​

Thanks for the insightful response. I feel the same way, just needed to hear it I suppose.

 

[Matthew S.]

With the start of straw hat season, I present this new-to-me Copley of New York skimmer. I believe it is from the 1930s, though I can't definitely say. The straw is golden and matched with an aubergine band.

 

[mayserwegener]

Ottmar Reich, measures 58cm, possibly 1920s. I found this Straw back in November 2016 but I didn't realize until recently it originally had a Mother of Pearl button at the bottom of the Bow. I searched around and found a vintage Mother of Pearl button that worked so here it is again.

The white thread at the bottom of the Bow was the location of the original Mother of Pearl button. This photo is from 11/11/2016.

 

[Steve1857]

Ottmar Reich, measures 58cm, possibly 1920s. I found this Straw back in November 2016 but I didn't realize until recently it originally had a Mother of Pearl button at the bottom of the Bow. I searched around and found a vintage Mother of Pearl button that worked so here it is again.

The white thread at the bottom of the Bow was the location of the original Mother of Pearl button. This photo is from 11/11/2016.

Absolutely wonderful, Steve. I love everything about that Reich Boater, especially the Art Deco liner.

 

[mayserwegener]

Absolutely wonderful, Steve. I love everything about that Reich Boater, especially the Art Deco liner.

Steve, Thank again! Good to know that the liner is Art Deco.

 

[Matthew S.]

I have an update on my Copley boater as it needed some restoration work. The sweatband unfortunately failed quickly with use, getting so brittle in places that the leather was cracking and breaking off. As the old sweatband on the hat wasn't too special, and it was not a bon ton ivy, I felt comfortable with replacing it. I ordered a new sweatband from Giusto Hats on Etsy and sewed it on myself. I also cleaned the straw and flattened the crown (when wet, while cleaning, and weighted it while drying), as I thought it was a little concave. I think it looks good as new now inside, and I put it into use today.

 

[Olumin]

Reich boater in Size 55/56. Navy/white ribbon. Its in great condition, but I have no idea about the age. I would guess post war, possibly 60s. If anyone knows more, feel free to chime in.

 

[Mean Eyed Matt]

https://germanaustrianhats.invisionzone.com/topic/18-ottmar-reich-hutfabrik/

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Reich boater in Size 55/56. Navy/white ribbon. Its in great condition, but I have no idea about the age. I would guess post war, possibly 60s. If anyone knows more, feel free to chime in.

They produced boaters till the 60s (see the 'since 125 years' on the crown patch). But Steve @mayserwegener will know.

 

[Steve1857]

Circa 1920s/30s London Boater with a bon ton ivy sweatband sold in a Copenhagen hat shop.

Worn with a vintage Ben Sherman Beatles shirt.

 

[rogueclimber]

Circa 1920s/30s London Boater with a bon ton ivy sweatband sold in a Copenhagen hat shop.

Worn with a vintage Ben Sherman Beatles shirt.

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The hat AND the shirt! Bravo

 

[Steve1857]

The hat AND the shirt! Bravo

Thank you, sir

 

[steur]

Circa 1920s/30s London Boater with a bon ton ivy sweatband sold in a Copenhagen hat shop.

Worn with a vintage Ben Sherman Beatles shirt.

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View attachment 623781

Fantastic, Steve. Two great finds in one outfit.