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German & Austrian Hutmachers

Joshbru3

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4,409
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Chicago, IL
1954 Velour

This is by far one of the nicest and highest quality velours I have ever handled. After a little steaming and brushing, this hat is very soft to the touch and the nap is as smooth as silk. The felt is fairly thick, but after steaming has that wonderful stiffness yet pliability. I can't wait for Oktoberfest to wear this one out. It might make an appearance for St. Patricks day as well. I have never heard of the maker, but its interesting that this hat has very "American" dimensions.

Crown Height: 5 1/2 Inches Open

Brim Width: 2 1/2 Inches raw edge

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17,514
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Josh, Wow that is even better than expected. I also haven't heard of the company (there were so many during this time period) but they get major props for actually putting the production year on the paper label! They were out of Miesbach so definitely a good one for Oktoberfest. BTW for me everyday is Oktoberfest!

You will see this type of blocking in some Trachten hats of 1950s and early 60s. I would say city style meets Trachten. Some of the southern German and Austrian city style hats from this time period have similar blocking plus Trachten elements. Here are couple of examples from P. & C. Habig Wien.

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Chepstow

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Germany/ Remscheid
Thanks again Steve for the tip.

Hückel Foulard, very light weight and super soft felt. Very little worn.
Size 57, but no paper label inside. color Schiefer.

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Manfred, What a beautiful hat! The detailed photos really show it off nicely. I especially like the bow work and the finish, color (felt & ribbon), workmanship are fantastic (as usual). From my experience these early Hückel Hutfabrik Weilheim hats do not have paper labels (TONAK situation?). Would it be possible to take a close-up of the bow?
 
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Thank you for taking and posting the additional photos. The bow looks even better in close-up. I would say mid 1950s maybe a bit later.

PS. Your private message folder is full so I can't send you a PM.
 

Joshbru3

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4,409
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Chicago, IL
Josh, super find, he looks so beautiful. My Congrats.
I have never heard from the company. Maybe we can find it out.

Josh, Wow that is even better than expected. I also haven't heard of the company (there were so many during this time period) but they get major props for actually putting the production year on the paper label! They were out of Miesbach so definitely a good one for Oktoberfest. BTW for me everyday is Oktoberfest!

You will see this type of blocking in some Trachten hats of 1950s and early 60s. I would say city style meets Trachten. Some of the southern German and Austrian city style hats from this time period have similar blocking plus Trachten elements. Here are couple of examples from P. & C. Habig Wien.

Thanks so much, Manfred & Steve!! I was excited to see the date on the label! I love how so many Austrian and German hats were dated either on the sweatband or the labels. I wish American companies did that more often, it would make so many of those Stetson dating mysteries completely solvable.

Thank you for posting pictures of similar blocked hats, Steve. I really like this look. Obviously my favorite styles are the ones of the pre-1930's hats, but as far as 50's hats go, a 5 1/2 inch crown and 2 1/2 inch brim just seems perfect.

I have a question, what classifies a Trachten hat? I always thought that Trachten hats were those very cone shaped hats with pins and brushes. If a hat isn't blocked that way, would the fact that its green and gold make it a Trachten hat still? I guess really what I'm asking is, what defines a Trachten hat?
 

Joshbru3

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Messages
4,409
Location
Chicago, IL
Thanks again Steve for the tip.

Hückel Foulard, very light weight and super soft felt. Very little worn.
Size 57, but no paper label inside. color Schiefer.

hckelfoulard.jpg

Manfred, without a doubt that is one of the most beautiful hats I have ever seen. The colors, the ribbon work, the proportions are just perfect. I NEED to find a hat EXACTLY like that one, I think I'm in love. Wonderful find!!! :eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap
 
Messages
17,514
Location
Maryland
I have a question, what classifies a Trachten hat? I always thought that Trachten hats were those very cone shaped hats with pins and brushes. If a hat isn't blocked that way, would the fact that its green and gold make it a Trachten hat still? I guess really what I'm asking is, what defines a Trachten hat?

Good question. It's country dress of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and northern Alpine Italy (and other German areas). The most common styles are southern Bavarian and Austrian. The cone shape hats are just one style. You see all kinds of shapes and blocks. Also city dress styles crossed over into Trachten and vice versa.

http://www.brighthub.com/education/languages/articles/15915.aspx
 

Joshbru3

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Messages
4,409
Location
Chicago, IL
Messages
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Location
Maryland
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