French Hats and makers.

[mayserwegener]

Black Flechet

This Flechet has some really fine long hair felt. It is in never worn / mint condition.

 

[Dinerman]

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Congratulations, Dinerman ... "Gelot" was Paris's premier hatter in the 1920s and '30s. I have one --a black homburg-- that my great-grandmother's 2nd husband wore in the '20s.


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[besdor]

Its interesting to see so many Flechet hats. I guess they are more common in Europe than here in the USA. I know we stopped selling them in the mid 1960's when the distributor closed.
I have heard of a company called "France" that was made in France but I've never seen one.
Has anyone on the lounge even had any Vimenet hats from Belgium? I have one than is so soft . I always look on the 'Bay but I've never seen another.



Steven
www.bencrafthats.com

 

[Mario]

I just posted this in the PNHH thread. It's a Lucien de Brabant et Frère, probably late 1950s. A bright gray 7", it measures 1 3/4" on the brim and 4 3/4" on the crown.

We also have French and European members here, who should be able to enlighten us somewhat.

Me, I'm European, but where, exactly, is that...what do you call it? France? For some reason, this reminds me of something else: There is an Irish traditional reel called 'The coast of Austria'. Where is that Austria? The one with a coast? Can't be the one I was born in!

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Has anyone on the lounge even had any Vimenet hats from Belgium? I have one than is so soft . I always look on the 'Bay but I've never seen another.

I have a white felt one from the '30s. Dead stock, hooray! Extremely soft and unbelievably lightweight: the lightest of touches will dent it. Remind me to post pics.


"Oviatt's" sold Vinemet hats under the store's label. I have a 1930s brown one in an open road shape. Remind me to show photos of it too.


.

 

[besdor]

Im glad Marlo posted a picture of his "French" hat with the salesmans tags. That is the same liner is Johnny Pi had in many of his hats. They were made by Manson Hat Co in the USA during the 1960's. Now I know!!!!
That Gelot hat from Dinerman is a major wow!!!. Gelot was well known and tried to sell his hats here during the 1950's. He "allowed" only one store per city to sell them.


Steven
www.bencrafthats.com

 

[Mario]

Im glad Marlo posted a picture of his "French" hat with the salesmans tags. That is the same liner is Johnny Pi had in many of his hats. They were made by Manson Hat Co in the USA during the 1960's. Now I know!!!!

Hmm. Then I'd believe that the Manson Hat Co. produced Lucien de Brabant et Frère hats under license. Seemed to be a common thing back then. I have two 1960s, Wegener-made Resistols.

 

[Godfrey]

Quick related question. I'm heading to Paris latter this year and thought I'd buy a hat while I was there (surprise! surprise!). Are there any great old hat shops people would recommend?

 

[besdor]

There are shops there such as Traclet in Paris but dont expect any old time stores.


Steven
www.bencrafthats.com

 

[Mario]

I decided to give it a try and put in the side dents. This is what it looks like. What do you think?

 

[rlk]

Mossant Trio

Resized by Optimo. The first two probably 1930's and ultra-soft crowns, the Porkpie 1959 supposedly.
Monsieur M.P. had 6 Homburgs in this lot.

 

[Mario]

Wow. This one is a real beauty. Gotta love the color and the ribbon! :eusa_clap

 

[mayserwegener]

Resized by Optimo. The first two probably 1930's and ultra-soft crowns, the Porkpie 1959 supposedly.
Monsieur M.P. had 6 Homburgs in this lot.

May I ask the size increases? I had Optimo increase a 1940 Habig Homburg from a size 56cm to a 59cm. The change in crown height was noticeable but I was still satisfied with the outcome. BTW some great hats!

 

[rlk]

May I ask the size increases? I had Optimo increase a 1940 Habig Homburg from a size 56cm to a 59cm. The change in crown height was noticeable but I was still satisfied with the outcome. BTW some great hats!

The Homburgs were 56(4-1/2) to 58, the Porkpie skimpy 57-58. The Homburgs were originally a bit taller than most later versions.

 

[Gusman]

I could be wrong but I don't think there are any hat manufacturers left in France. There are a few companies such as Crambes that distribute hats using the Flechet label but that is about it.

Actually, Crambes in France is nowadays producing approximately 1500 hats per day and the have several brands they "own" like: Broswell, Crambes, Mistral, Impercork and Cap Canille............

I've recently bought a felt hat from this brand, good quality and nice fit. Here's a link to their website: http://www.crambes-hats.com

Gusman

 

[besdor]

I dont think Crambes makes felt hats. I have a recent catalog from them and I'm sure that the hats are made by Tonak.
But I could be wrong......



Steven
www.bencrafthats.com

 

[Gusman]

I dont think Crambes makes felt hats. I have a recent catalog from them and I'm sure that the hats are made by Tonak.
But I could be wrong......
Steven

Steven,

Your reply answers my "suspicion", the fact that Crambes in France only manufactures textile/cotton hats. I've googled on "Tonak" and found the website of this Czech hat manufacturer. They have a huge collection of different types of hats and I'm wondering if they sell hats in Western Europe under their own brand. I've haven't seen (yet) hats with their name on it....

Regards,

Gusman

 

[mayserwegener]

Chapeaux FLECHET (French Advert 1948)

Chapeaux FLECHET (French Advert 1948)

 

[rlk]

Alongé & Cie.

Deep green color felt and ribbon. My stingiest with a 1-3/4" brim with overwelt. Really fine quality felt. Couldn't find any info on the hatmaker.