Crofut & Knapp Tales

[Joshbru3]

dammit... it was meant for you, though. :eusa_clap

Thanks, Alan.

 

[Joshbru3]

1930's Crofut & Knapp Homburg

 

[alanfgag]

Great to see this one rephotographed without the Rilco unsharp mask... beautiful!

 

[alanfgag]

Here are some additional shots of the C&K derby posted previously...

Manufacturing label:

 

[Brad Bowers]

That's a sweet homburg, Josh! I'm envious.

Alan, you came out ahead in that swap. That's a fantastic Derby!

Here's something I've been meaning to post for a while, a WWII-era officer's Garrison cap. I've seen crushers made by Dobbs (still need to get one of those), and once in a great while by C&K. I also know Cavanagh made them, as that's where MacArthur ordered his. Garrison caps from Hat Corporation of America don't come up very often, so I snagged this one for a good price a while back.

Brad

 

[Joshbru3]

That's a sweet homburg, Josh! I'm envious.

Thanks, Brad!! I love that Garrison cap! I always find it extremely interesting to see the hats that well known hat makers made for the military. Most people have obviously seen WW1 Campaign hats made by Stetson, but I have seen a couple made by Dobbs and Knox as well. I've NEVER seen a Garrison cap made by a well known hatter, let alone C & K. Awesome find!!

 

[Joshbru3]

Alan, there's a good amount of people on the Lounge that can wear Derbies very well, but you wear it the BEST!! Amazing picture!! :eusa_clap:eusa_clap

 

[alanfgag]

Thanks for that Josh!

 

[alanfgag]

1915 Crofut & Knapp nutria top hat

According to the seller, this hat was from the estate of a 91 year old woman. The hat belonged to her father (in photograph)... it was purchased for his wedding in 1915 and stored afterwards. Condition is pristine, construction is superb.

 

[alanfgag]

The seller offered me a nice price on the cashmere coat and tails that he wore on his wedding day but unfortunately it sold before we could complete the sale. It was my size exactly.

 

[bowlerman]

Wow-- beautiful!

 

[Brad Bowers]

Wow, Alan, that looks like it was made just yesterday! That's the finest-condition C&K top hat I've seen, and one of the finest of any brand. I was watching that one, and if it had been my size I would have been in on the bidding. Congratulations!

Brad

 

[hatophile]

Spendid top hat, Alan.

 

[alanfgag]

Thank you... the provenance and dating is a special bonus to such a fine specimen. I'm thrilled to have it and that it fits.

 

[Dreispitz]

Interesting that it is made of clear nutria rather than silk!

 

[Joshbru3]

WHOA!!!!! That topper is just purely incredible!! The condition is unbelievable, and the craftsmanship is top notch all the way. You wear the hat extremely well, Alan. Bravo!!! :eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap

 

[delectans]

Top shelf topper that oozes quality. The history and provenance is remarkable. Congrats, Alan, and I hope you will find many occasions to wear it!

 

[Chepstow]

Superp Topper alan congratulation

 

[alanfgag]

Thank you very much guys... now, anyone for the opera?

 

[Marc Chevalier]

I've never before heard of "Argentine" nutria! Fascinating!