German & Austrian Hutmachers

[Mario]

You weren't kidding when you said it is intensely black. It appears that it hasn't faded at all through the years. I don't think there is any argument that the Austrians made the best velours in the world, and that one is no exception. AMAZING hat!! :eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap

My 20's/30's Austrian GJM velour also still has this incredibly jet black felt. But like Steve I had to replace the ribbon, which I did with charcoal gray vintage grosgrain and a blueish gray accent in the bow. The gray/blue combo makes for a beautiful contrast with the pitch black color of the felt.

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[mayserwegener]

Mario, Nice to see your G.J.M. Austrian Velour again! BTW I am still trying to decode G.J.M.!

Side Note:

My JHS Sigma Foulard had the original non-reeded sweatband (only hanging on by a few threads) and ribbon. I had Optimo do the restore and they said the ribbon had to go because of the reblock. I shouldn't have let that happen but they did do a good job with the new ribbon / bow.

 

[Mario]

Yes, I also failed trying to gather information on G.J.M./Machland. I could try and call the tourist board for directions but I'm afraid that they'll only try to book me into one of ther hotels or something.

 

[mayserwegener]

P. & C. Habig Wien Velour, size 57cm but fits perfect, hat store was in Riga. This one was missing the liner and ribbon so had it restored by Optimo. It's definitely pre 1940 and could actually be from around WWI. This is the first pre 1940 soft felt P. & C. Habig Wien that I have encountered. Majors props go to Josh for the tip.

 

[Chepstow]

Robert, Mario and Steve, stunning beautys.
Wonderful shining fur.

Steve, wonderful work on the black beauty. Show us a noggin shot

 

[mayserwegener]

Manfred, Thanks again! I will give it a try this evening.

 

[Chepstow]

Nice Ebay buy. Old Classic Mayser Grand Prix in very good Condition.
The shape, looks very classic for me. You can it also wear, with brim down.
I think mid 50s. Low Price 5,50 EUR

 

[Chepstow]

The Rehfus & Cie ZEPHIR Melone arrived today.
Weight 70g double Ventilated EXTRA EXTRA QUALITY
Outside condition is very good. Inside worn. Size 55,5 cm. A little bit to small.

 

[mayserwegener]

Manfred, Great deal with the Mayser! I really like the ribbon width and bow design. Sorry about the Rehfus & Cie ZEPHIR being too small. It looks fantastic. The interior condition is good for the age. Is there a paper label behind the sweatband?

 

[Chepstow]

Thanks Steve. Yes sorry. First, I have found nothing. The liner is glued and the label was among them.

 

[Chepstow]

The brim curl on this is very flat. Very interesting. I dont know is it normal. It's my first Melone.

 

[mayserwegener]

I wouldn't say it's the norm. To produce that type of curl + binding was no simple matter.

 

[Chepstow]

Steve, I want to try to stretch it a little bit. Maybe it fits after that.
What is your guess about the age?

 

[mayserwegener]

My guess is 1920s or older.

Regarding stretching -> I would pay special attention to the brim. You have to watch out for brim distortion. I would apply enough steam to loosen it up. You may be able to get away with putting it on and letting it cool and stiffen.

 

[Chepstow]

Thanks Steve, for your guess and for the tip. I want to try it.

 

[rlk]

Very shapely Melone.

If it is a fully stiff Melone the felt has no ability to stretch, it will reach a stress point, then split(tear). You may be able to ease a bit more size from the sweatband, but the stitching may well tear out. Tiny increments and extreme caution are warranted, and don't expect to add more than a small increase.

 

[Chepstow]

Robert, thank you very much for your tip. I'm going to leave very much time with it.
But I think it will not work. She is very stiff and pity to destroy them.

 

[rlk]

They did wear them quite high on the head.

 

[mayserwegener]

They sure did!

 

[cybergentleman]

you mean they wore their eyes low...

They did wear them quite high on the head.