Custom Wooden Hat Boxes

[ShortAndCashed]

Having some background in woodworking, I'm thinking of building some wooden hat boxes, possibly to sell, if they turn out like I want them to. I'm thinking of using basically a hat stretcher as the support, adjustable from the inside. Any suggestions as to features to add or a price if the craftsmanship is nice/very nice? I really would like basically a piece of furniture to protect my hats, I don't know if anyone else would.

 

[MikePotts]

I'm not getting a mental picture from your description S&C. I have been thinking about building some sort of modular rack that can be expanded upon when more hats (inevitably) arrive, kinda like those wine racks made from dowels &
1x1 whitewood.

MP

 

[ShortAndCashed]

I'm talking basically a hinged wooden box with some type of suspension device so that the hat won't have to rest on either the crown or brim. The suspension device will probably resemble a stretcher in that it will have two curved blocks on a screw, so that they can be adjusted for every hat.

 

[WesternHatWearer]

I'm talking basically a hinged wooden box with some type of suspension device so that the hat won't have to rest on either the crown or brim. The suspension device will probably resemble a stretcher in that it will have two curved blocks on a screw, so that they can be adjusted for every hat.

Did one of these ever get made?

 

[RJR]

Good question.

 

[-30-]

An antique wood cheese box, with suitable liner and support, would serve the same purpose.

Regards,
J T

 

[KarlK]

Just picked up a 1960 museum pamphlet ( more of a book) about Hat Box history, many many pictured. Shelburn Museum Publication

 

[KingAndrew]

KarlK, that sounds like a very interesting book. If you get a chance, I'm sure people would love to see some of the pictures posted on this thread.

 

[buler]

Book is online... -> http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=wu.89067963538;view=1up;seq=217

B

 

[-30-]

On line, yes; downloadable no.
(But click to save page.)


Regards,
J T

 

[WesternHatWearer]

An antique wood cheese box, with suitable liner and support, would serve the same purpose.

Regards,
J T

Of said cheese boxes, what are the traditional dimensions? As an individual with larger western hats, I would need a such a box to have sufficient space for wider brimmed hat.

 

[BR Gordon]

Cheese boxes came in many different sizes. I have recently seen one 16" diameter X 7 " high.

 

[WesternHatWearer]

Cheese boxes came in many different sizes. I have recently seen one 16" diameter X 7 " high.

I have done some searching and come across http://www.dufeckwood.com/industrial_cheeseboxes.php . I plan to call this company tomorrow and talk with them about pricing a box that would fit my hats.
Thank you for the information.

I have also found a listing of Western Hat Boxes by Mick on Facebook. The last post on the page was in 2014 though. I am going to call the number listed and see if the company is still in business.

 

[WesternHatWearer]

I called the number for Western Hat Boxes by Mick and found out that Mick is still in business. I spoke with Mick for a few minutes; we discussed how I came across his number, how he began doing such work, and the cost of the item along with shipping.
I shared with Mick that a few people on FL may like his product and I encouraged him to check out FL.
Attached is the web address to the Facebook page I came across. It does have some picture.
https://www.facebook.com/WesternHatBoxes

Mick even mentioned making hat boxes with hinges in place of lids that slide on.
If I remember correctly the cost is about $50 for the box and shipping would be based on the destination.

 

[Johnny J]

ShortAndCashed, maybe you can try making some wooden oval vintage inspired hat boxes, since this other maker already makes the square ones.