Homburg Nation

[dschonn]

While not technically a Homburg, this Mossant originally had a pencil curl brim and is a "Lord's Hat" which is in the Homburg family.

Could these terms be defined, please? What is a Lord's Hat? Why isn't this particular specimen considered a Homburg? Is it because of the narrower brim binding and looser curl? What, in fact, defines a Homburg? What is included in the Homburg family?

I have a fairly good idea what a Homburg is, but I doubt any definition I would come up with would be correct in all specifics, so I thought I'd ask.

 

[Garrett]

The wikipedia source has a Lord's definition:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homburg_(hat)

 

[Bird's One View]

A homburg always has a center dent (which distinguishes it from a bowler) and a pencil-curled (and bound) brim (which distinguishes it from a fedora or trilby).

A lord's hat is a homburg with an unbound brim.

Someone asked about sources for new homburgs. I have a Biltmore and would recommend it. I got mine from Hats Plus in Chicago, and had it reblocked at Baron's in Burbank. (The reblock was for fit -- I need a long oval, and I didn't think the homburg would conform on its own as quickly as a fedora does -- or possibly ever -- because of the stiffness of the curled brim.)

 

[Flitcraft]

Affirmative...

Go for it!
The midnight blue rocks...

 

[dschonn]

Ah. Thank you for the info. That's pretty much what I thought. I have thought of another question, though...

May a Homburg have a narrow ribbon or a front pinch, or would either of those turn it into a different member of the Homburg family?

 

[Garrett]

It may have a front pinch indeed but that would lean more towards the Lord's hat than the traditional Homburg. Its up to you how to proceed with bashing.

 

[citRon]

Garrett...WOW!!!

Most impressive cache! Do I assume correctly that the Homburg is a bit more 'formal' than a Fedora, per say?

 

[wldthistle]

Most impressive cache! Do I assume correctly that the Homburg is a bit more 'formal' than a Fedora, per say?

Yep, that's why Flitcraft and I are looking to get homburgs to go with our tuxedos. The next step up would be the top hat, which I think should really be reserved for full dress (white tie).

 

[Goose.]

Yep on the Homburg being more formal. Source; here and Wikipedia
Didn't Harrison Ford wear one in "Sabrina" as well?

The more I read and see, the more I'm thinking of getting one.
I was glad to find this forum but am thinking that it may end up being an dollar dwindling relationship

 

[Not-Bogart13]

Goose, you are clearly a bright individual, but it will not save you! Your soul (and your bank account) are now forfeit! Mwahahahaha!

This new thread is most fortuitous. I just became a Homburgadore this very day. Pics to come.

 

[citRon]

I was glad to find this forum but am thinking that it may end up being an dollar dwindling relationship

if you're reading this...it's too late.

 

[Michaelshane]

I never thought I'd have one but I own two of them,Knox superfines.I bid on them not knowing they were homburgs.I'm glad I did I love them.They are two different shades of a color I would call mouse.The colors don't look right in this picture they are a little darker,greyish-brownish....

[/IMG]

 

[charlie farley]

Go for it!
The midnight blue rocks...

It would be nice to see how a homburg would look worn with a tux.Pics.anyone?

 

[barrowjh]

d'ja say sumpn 'bout 'bergs?

This is my fave Homberg; a really old Cunningham. Jimmy Pierce did a great job of replacing the sweat and reshaping the curl on one side. The felt is really nice. This one is also a bit odd in that it is the only one I have bumped into that does not have any edge binding. I also wanted to show off my rebuild of the box 'innards' and use of cut-up pants hangar to duplicate the effect of the curled cardboard for the hat brim to rest on. A bag of lavender shown also.

closer look at that Cunningham.

Here is a trio of Stetson (black, right), Adam (black, middle), and a grey Willard. I use the Adam as a beater during winter yard work.

another angle on those 3.

Here is a different grouping with a medium brown Borsalino and the Cunningham; note that the Willard has a tiny brim edge bead binding, and note the shorter crown on the Borsalino - ruins the hat in my opinion.

Another look at that last grouping.

and a look at all 5 'bergs together. I like the Homberg to be curled sharp front to back, which really pulls the sides up high, the desired effect. I find that I have to refresh that curl about once a year - the hats tend to flatten out front to back as they sit in the box. You might notice that the Cunningham is looking a bit flatter than the rest; I need to refresh it. The 'bergs have to compete against my best fur felt fedoras and as a result are only worn 2 or 3 times a year (each) at most.

 

[David V]

barrowjh, I'm wiping the drool of my keyboard. Those are some beaut's and a great collection of 'burgs!

 

[Dinerman]

late '40s early '50s Lee- look at the stamp inside.
It had fore and aft pinches, but I forgot to pop the back ones in for this picture.

Early 1900s crossover homburg. The brim has an overwelt, but does not snap down.

early '30's Mallory. Incredibly high crown with a deep crease. Front pinches are not my doing. The brim is flanged with the front and back down. A very unusual hat.

 

[Garrett]

Nice ones Dinerman! Love that early 1900's long hair :eusa_clap

 

[bolthead]

and note the shorter crown on the Borsalino - ruins the hat in my opinion.

I happen to disagree, I think the borso is right up my alley when it comes to Homburgs, I love it. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[Not-Bogart13]

As some of you know, I've been looking for a homburg to wear for an event coming up in the future. Now I have one. The more I look at it, the more I like it. I think I need to get more!!!! lol

Alright, the details;
I picked it up during the Philly gathering yesterday, and found it thanks to Dumbjaw's quick eye. The liner says "Lagomarsimo (I think) Nutria." I assume that means it's a Nutria felt. It feels different from any other felt I've handled.

It's nice and soft, and I have side dents in it. Black-on-black.

Now, the pictures. Please excuse the casual attire, and ignore the look on my face. I was being blasted by very cold wind.

A little B&W to show the dents slightly better.

 

[Garrett]

Looks good NB. Definitely get more of em!