Daniele Tanto
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 4,217
- Location
- Verona - Italia
Steur a very nice find.Willoughby Prince IV G satin finish. Size 57 with the overwelt brim at 5cm and the crown at 11cm at the center dent. This one doesn't have "fabrique a Londres" on the liner, like the previous one has and it does have a label that says "made in France". This one does seem set in its ways and doesn't like to be creased. Very soft longhair felt and the hand is outstanding. Unreeded construction. Likely intended to be shaped brim up, but it does work as a regular fedora as well.
Probably older that it looks. Interesint is that I did find a very similar hat that was named "Prince III". Also found a WIlloughby hat made by Robert Heath, so it's highly likely taht Willoughby sourced their hats from various manufacturers.
The Willoughby Prince IV has a great resemblance to some Tirard and Flechet that I have. Continuing the sun I will take a series of photos for you. The felt, the finish and the shape are those of two brothers born a few meters apart