Super logo Steve on a super hat. I'd go for E S. F is also a possibility. The creature in the middle doesn't look sheep like to me. I was thinking lion, but it has no mane. Could it be a not so young lion cub, or other wild cat of some kind?
Thanks, Steve. What I meant was, I don't think this style of velour hat would have been made for a 1950s English market. It looks very pre-war to me. That's why I said sold in the Dunn & Co shop in Piccadilly in the 50s, but perhaps NOS from the 30s.
"Bellona", 58 cm, Back Bow, Crown Open 6 inches, Brim 2 3/4 inches, possibly 1920s. The black Wool felt easily dry creases and has a nice glow. I have few of these old Wool hats with similar paper labels but I believe this is the oldest. The Crown Patch is missing. I wasn't able to take very good photos so I will take some wearing it outdoors.
This could be a Sheep surrounded by an "F" and a "S" so possibly Friedrich W. Schneider Köln.
Open Crown
Steve, Yes it does look older style wise. It's really hard to know what happened in the first couple of years after WWII when JHS was in a state of flux. There was a very short time when it was still in the hands of the Hückel family. I am sure there are post WWII records at Tonak but the local historians don't care about such things. It's all about family history and other such nonsense.
Steve, Definitely more mysteries.
I think one day something (trademark?) will give away the source (either maker or distributor).
Wayne, Thank you! Tomorrow I will try to take some photos wearing it.
Steve, it would be great to be able to dig through those archives and get beyond the sales nonsense and put a historic hat record straight. I guess that's not going to happen in the near future.
Steve, I have asked about JHS production information but there is no interest. I am sure if I spent some time in Novy Jicin I could dig up some detailed information but it would be like pulling teeth.
Unlucky that it's not your size, Panos. However, it is a nice find. Hope it finds its rightful head.
Thank you for posting the photos here too!
Matt, A fantastic hat!Great find! Congratulations!
The lining is equal to the lining of my grandfather's hat,
where Steve also suspected a production at the Gubener VEB based on the label:
Thanks! Yours looks in great condition too ! Even if you can't use it yourself it has sentimental valueGreat find! Congratulations!
The lining is equal to the lining of my grandfather's hat,
where Steve also suspected a production at the Gubener VEB based on the label:
Matt, I have it on my site too.
John Lofgren Monkey Boots Shinki Horsebuttt - $1,136 The classic monkey boot silhouette in an incredibly rich Shinki russet horse leather. 
Grant Stone Diesel Boot Dark Olive Chromexcel - $395 Goodyear welted, Horween Chromexcel, classic good looks. 
Schott 568 Vandals Jacket - $1,250 The classic Perfecto motorcycle jacket, in a very special limited-edition Schott double rider style.
Matt, I would very much like to see your JHS Seal Velour!
