Examples of Lee Hats

[johnnyphi]

I took some detailed photos of the Lee hats that were on display when I bought the inventory. Several of these have noticeable moth holes, but they are good examples of Lee styles and quality levels.

Green Trilby with black sweatband. Size is 7.:

-------------------

Cream "All American, Black Label" with medium ribbon. Size is 6 3/4.:

-------------------

Tan "Corral, Black Label" with thin ribbon. Size is 7 3/8.:

-------------------

Tan "Trinity, Blue Label" with medium ribbon and ribbon along brim. Size is 7 1/2.:

 

[Jerekson]

Those are gorgeous.

 

[carter]

IMHO a Singke Thread would be better.

I agree that the hats are very nice and the photos are good.

I do have a suggestion. Could you post the items in the original thread you started with this find?

It may not seem important now but, in the future, people looking at these items would be best served if all items and discussion related to your find could be found in a single thread.

Carter

 

[duggap]

Really nice stuff there Johnnyphi. BTW how much moth damage did the inventory suffer. Was it on the hats in boxes or just on the ones on display.[huh]

 

[RBH]

This one has a bow just like my Marathon.

Didnt Lee make the Marathon for Penneys?

<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img161.imageshack.us/img161/47/vintage122ub9.jpg" border="0" alt="lee"/></a>

 

[johnnyphi]

Good questions

Really nice stuff there Johnnyphi. BTW how much moth damage did the inventory suffer. Was it on the hats in boxes or just on the ones on display.[huh]

From what I have seen, the hats that were on display have a few more moth "bites" than the hats that were stored in boxes. I also found that some of the hats in partially opened or deteriorated boxes suffered moth damage as well. That being said, so far I have only found 1 hat that had holes eaten all the way through the felt. I've also found boxes with 2 pristine hats, and 1 moth damaged hat. Who knows why the only chomped on 1 hat, and not the others...

Of course, this is just what I've found, so far. I've got lots of boxes to open, before I know the full story.

Also, according to the "classic hat makers" thread, Lee did manufacture hats for store brands. Check that thread for more details.

 

[bolthead]

Wow....

That Green Trilby is so Me.

 

[Tango Yankee]

That Green Trilby is so Me.

Indeed it is! :eusa_clap

Cheers,
Tom

 

[carter]

Lee link

Here's a link to the Classic Hatmaker thread for those seeking more information on Lee hats.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=16412

 

[Johnnysan]

Wow...that cream "All American, Black Label" is one beautiful hat! Too bad it was sized for Mr. Peanut! lol

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Yes, Lee made the hats for Penney's.

The moth larvae eat the hats. If it should have happened that only one egg was laid in a particular box, or if all the eggs hatched into males, the damage would be limited since no more larvae could be produced. The single female would have to leave, or new males would have to fly into the box. The problem occurs when you get male and female larva (and so male and female moths in time) in the same box. Then your box becomes a breeding ground. The hats are toast.


Let's not forget that moths aren't the only culprits. Carpet and wood beetles are known to eat fabric/hair/fur also.

bk

 

[johnnyphi]

Black Label vs. Blue Label

Does anyone know which is better: Black Label or Blue Label?

From my limited (but growing experience), it appears that the Blue Label hats are higher quality. The felt seems finer, and it isn't as stiff as the Black Label.

What other features should I look for, when comparing the different labels?

 

[johnnyphi]

Go away moths (and larve and eggs and beatles)!

The moth larvae eat the hats. If it should have happened that only one egg was laid in a particular box, or if all the eggs hatched into males, the damage would be limited since no more larvae could be produced. The single female would have to leave, or new males would have to fly into the box. The problem occurs when you get male and female larva (and so male and female moths in time) in the same box. Then your box becomes a breeding ground. The hats are toast.


Let's not forget that moths aren't the only culprits. Carpet and wood beetles are known to eat fabric/hair/fur also.

bk

Thanks, BK... Good info, as always. Luckily, the majority of the hats were safely stowed in closed hat boxes.

 

[pgoat]

Could you post the items in the original thread you started with this find?

It may not seem important now but, in the future, people looking at these items would be best served if all items and discussion related to your find could be found in a single thread.

Carter

Carter - are you an archivist by any chance?

if not, maybe you should be!! I am, and if I had a dollar for every time I said more or less the same thing to someone....well, let's just say I could adfford a lot more hats!!

Speaking of which, there are some beauties on this thread.......The Trinity and The Corral are particularly stunning and my size, to boot!!!