Crofut & Knapp Tales

[Benzadmiral]

It so happens I'm wearing my green C & K today. This was a NOS hat I picked up at Meyer the Hatter in the spring of '97. Turns out it's a 7 1/4, but it has shrunk a little, so that with padding it now fits well:

I love its proportions. I'm thinking of having Art Fawcett recreate it in a light-colored, lightweight tan felt, with a darker ribbon and a matching brim binding.

 

[facade]

I recently purchased this stock certificate and to my surprise it seems to have a tie in to two venerable hat companies. Cavanagh-Dobbs obviously, and apparently Crofut & Knapp as well. The shares were originally sold to "Mary L. Knapp" which, based on this thread, may be Mary Lydia Knapp. I wasn't able to discern her relationship exactly, so if anyone knows please speak up.

 

[Brad Bowers]

That's pretty cool. Mary Lydia Knapp was the wife of Philip Nichols Knapp, son of co-founder of Crofut & Knapp James Howard Knapp. Interesting that she had her own shares of stock.



Brad

 

[Brad Bowers]

Crofut & Knapp Postcards

Crofut & Knapp published six postcards that their representatives and associate retailers around the country could mail out to their customers. About half are postmarked 1909, the others are blank. Like the Percy Edward Anderson Saturday Evening Post ads from 1929-1930, I have collected all but one (guess which one!). Someday I will be able to complete each collection.

Note the trefoil knot on the side of the sweatband of the Derby on the last card, as well as the early hatbox which doesn't yet feature the Fifth Avenue scene. That box would come later, around 1914, as I recall.

Brad

 

[mayserwegener]

Fantastic!

 

[alanfgag]

Fantastic!

+1!

 

[Brad Bowers]

Catching up on a bunch of posting. Robert posted one of these a while back, but here's one that I haven't gotten around to until now. C&K Derby, most likely 'Teens, complete with Cavanagh Edge. Sadly, no liner or tip sticker. A Cavanagh Edge on a Derby is wasted if you bother to bind it. The nice feature about it, according to John Cavanagh's original patent, is that it obviates the need to use a bound edge to hide the white shellac of the raw edge of the stiff hat.

Considering the poor condition of the hat, I'm tempted to remove the silk and check out the Cavanagh Edge. I'll think on it a while.

Brad

 

[Burma Schave]

Here's a deadstock Knapp-Felt gem that went for a low price. For someone who likes Crofut & Knapp, this is a must. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Men...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Did you win it Brad Bowers? I know you were watching!

 

[Burma Schave]

that went for a low price.

As usual, size matters. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Men...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

[alanfgag]

wow and wow.

 

[randooch]

As usual, size matters. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Men...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

And STILL two sizes shy for me.

 

[alanfgag]

Crofut & Knapp long hair

 

[splintercellsz]

:eusa_clap

 

[Garrett]

Would be interesting to know the refurb story on that one. Looks like it was done during the 20's. Great score!

 

[Chepstow]

Alan, a beauty. Fantastic find and looks so good!

 

[mmbarnes]

This is my Crofut & Knapp Forty. It has a 3" brim with a Cavanagh edge brim.

The hat itself is in pristine condition. The only flaw I can find is that the base of the ribbon has a little discoloration. I will probably replace that.

Despite many searches, I have not found any info or ads for the Forty on the web. The liner suggests to me that it was made in the fifties.

Matt

- A day without a hat is like night.

 

[Joshbru3]

WOW!!!!! That 40 is simply outstanding!!!!! :eusa_clap:eusa_clap

 

[ManofKent]

Matt - a hat that beautiful deserves a new ribbon. Great find.

 

[Lotsahats]

Lovely 40, Matt! It looks like a dream.

A