French Hats and makers.

[Daniele Tanto]

First of all, thanks Steve for the careful research done on French hatter JB and its sharing with the readers of FL.
The story is interesting and shows how a thriving industry is slowly disappearing having neglected and left numerous testimonies of its existence.
For some places the closure of the hat factories was an economic ruin.
I too found some news about the French manufacturer of hats JB, but are not remotely comparable to the excellent work that Steve has made available to all us.
Bravo and congratulazioni Steve!

Having had so complete news about JB production get me even more able to appreciate Thibet hats I have available and those built by JB for the annual collections of hats shop Meer in Strasbourg that are seat in my office.

 

[mayserwegener]

Thanks! I had looked before but couldn't find anything. I tried again today and it paid off. There is also a hat museum in the area (might have been reported before).

Musée de la chapellerie d’Espéraza

http://musee-chapellerie.fr/

 

[ofcoursemyhorse]

The liner is stitched in so it appears original. Great condition. Started out its life at 58cm but has devolved into a tight 56cm. Thanks for all the info on the maker, they made a lovely velour.

 

[RJR]

Nice!

 

[mayserwegener]

Super! It's definitely interesting anomaly regarding the J.B. liner but I am not sure that trumps the Fléchet paper label and sweatband (Fléchet was a major producer and known for their Velours). It's possible the liner was replaced in the time period. Just can't say for sure. By the way is the Velour nap counter clockwise or clockwise.

 

[Daniele Tanto]

It is a superb example of French top hatters.
When it will be clean and ready to wear, please post some pictures.
Thanks

 

[ofcoursemyhorse]

It has a clockwise nap versus the counter clockwise i've noted on the Huckel durit. Flechet made a top notch velour, but in terms of finish and malleability to the felt the durit has a noticeable edge.

 

[se couvrir]

Fléchet long hair:













Chris.

 

[mayserwegener]

It has a clockwise nap versus the counter clockwise i've noted on the Huckel durit. Flechet made a top notch velour, but in terms of finish and malleability to the felt the durit has a noticeable edge.

Thanks for the confirmation. I think it's telling that you see JHS Velours being exported to France. Also some famous French companies from the time period sourcing Austrian Velour felt bodies.

 

[mayserwegener]

Fléchet long hair:

Chris.

Very nice!

 

[Daniele Tanto]

Nice and Nice Flechet!

 

[se couvrir]

Thanks Steve and Daniele. You both have an astonishing repertoire of fine continental hats and are an inspiration. I will post a couple of others when I make time to take pics.

Chris

 

[se couvrir]

Tried to post but all scrambled so will try again later
Chris.

 

[se couvrir]

Chapelier Adrien, Paris. Size 57 Date stamped 8 Jan 1960 under sweatband. Very soft & pliable beaver felt (Castor Hudson). Very fine stitching to sweatband, all high quality. The brim raw edge is a little uneven in a couple of places, so I suspect it might have been trimmed at some time, but , the brim looks less stingy when worn due to the straightish crown and I am very happy with it.















Success this time in posting I hope! Can anyone tell me why, (when I am part way through uploading pics) that the site keeps telling me to log in again when I am already logged in? Is it a time-out thing?

Chris.

 

[mayserwegener]

Looks good! It might have been a cut down Homburg. Too bad there isn't a company mark on the paper label.

I can't help with the photo download problem because I link my photos.

 

[se couvrir]

Looks good! It might have been a cut down Homburg. Too bad there isn't a company mark on the paper label.

I can't help with the photo download problem because I link my photos.

Thanks Steve, yes, I hadn't thought of Homburg.
Chris

 

[ofcoursemyhorse]

Both of these will be coming from the same seller.

 

[mayserwegener]

Great finds! Both appear to be in very good condition. Look forward to seeing more once they arrive.

 

[esteban68]

Any ideas as to the date of this Tirard label, it's in a mint 'fedora' I bought today that fits perfectly....I'll try and post some more pics but bear with me as from my phone.

 

[esteban68]