Homburg Nation

[mayserwegener]

I would go with a standard Fedora center crease but it looks fine as a thinner ribbon Homburg.

 

[bowlerman]

You're more of a connoisseur than I, for sure (!), but could a standard Fedora really be of stiff build with a pencil-rolled and bound brim? It's hardly worth the discussion, as it's only a wool Scala, but I'm curious nonetheless.

 

[mayserwegener]

A center crease is a Fedora / Apline crease. Homburgs have a center crease or Fedora / Alpine crease. See RLK's history of the Fedora thread for all the details.

Also in general Homburgs have wider ribbons (see examples in this thread).

 

[Bernie Zack]

A quality homburg is still on my wishlist, but I've been working on converting a Scala derby lately. I wasn't happy with the symmetry of the open crown, so here's my conversion to date. Can I put this in the homburg category, even though I put a little pop-up in the middle of the center crease (it was too low to wear with a deep crease!)? I'll call it the "derburg" just to be safe!
Before:

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Now:

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Very impressive. I like the new style of hat you have created. Myself, I am scared to death to try and change the shape of the crown on any of my hats. One of these days I am going to build up the strength to try it.

 

[fmw]

My pre-mid century gray homburg is optimized!!! The felt was in pretty good shape and the interior quite clean with a supple sweat band. The real problem was the brim binding which was worn and dirty. I sent it to Optimo to see if they could clean it. They said no. So I had them replace it. Since they didn't have a matching color we went with black and put a new matching black grograin hat band on it. Cleaned and newly blocked. The felt is perfect. It is really pretty breathtaking to see in real life. It looks like it could have come straight out of the factory brand new. Those folks are certainly serious hat craftsmen!

 

[monbla256]

My pre-mid century gray homburg is optimized!!! The felt was in pretty good shape and the interior quite clean with a supple sweat band. The real problem was the brim binding which was worn and dirty. I sent it to Optimo to see if they could clean it. They said no. So I had them replace it. Since they didn't have a matching color we went with black and put a new matching black grograin hat band on it. Cleaned and newly blocked. The felt is perfect. It is really pretty breathtaking to see in real life. It looks like it could have come straight out of the factory brand new. Those folks are certainly serious hat craftsmen!

fmw,
That is some FINE work!! As you said, looks like a new hat! I have always liked grey Homburgs, they looked really elegant with a Blue pinstripe suit ! Wear it well and enjoy

 

[fmw]

Thanks. Here's a shot of me wearing it as well as I know how.

 

[bowlerman]

Very impressive. I like the new style of hat you have created. Myself, I am scared to death to try and change the shape of the crown on any of my hats. One of these days I am going to build up the strength to try it.

Fear not! All you have to do is get a wool Scala, and you'll be so dissatisfied you won't be able to resist fooling with it!

 

[bowlerman]

Thanks. Here's a shot of me wearing it as well as I know how.

I'll reiterate-- that is a superb hat on your head!

 

[Mr. Paladin]

fmw, the homburg suits you quite nicely. Optimo has refurbished several hats for me and I have been uniformly pleased as well.

 

[fmw]

Thanks, gents. I guess I'm old enough to wear a hat like this gracefully. I'm a little skittish about wearing used clothing so I haven't really embraced the concept of vintage hats. However, once they get the Optimo treatment they are basically new. I could have had them replace the sweat and liner as well but they really didn't need replacement. This is one vintage hat I'll wear happily. I should also note that I've had a couple restorations from Henry the Hatter in Detroit and they have been similarly excellent as well.

 

[mayserwegener]

fmw, Looks fantastic!

 

[Alon]

It's been ages since I've posted on the Fedora Lounge. By chance I happened to come across this vintage homburg. I was taking a drive in the country side just north of Toronto, stopped at an antique market inside an old brick factory, and there it was, made to fit at 7 3/8 and with a price tag of $30. Perfect condition.

 

[hutch]

Very nice Alon. I wish I could find deals like that. What brand is it?

 

[Alon]

I'm not sure. The label says: Kingsway Silver Label - Exclusive with Simpsons-Sears.

Did the Sears stores have their own brand at one point in time?

 

[mayserwegener]

Nagy Hut Wien XVI Homburg

About 58.5 cm. A unique charcoal color. Very interesting sweatband that is 2 1/4 inches in width. Very nice short hair finish with contrasting binding and frayed bow. I am thinking at least 1930s. Nagy Hut is a famous hat store in Vienna which is still in business today. I am not sure who made (paper label only has model numbers) this one for them but I think it's a real nice example of the style.

 

[delectans]

Exquisite, Steve, I love the sweatband details. Logo looks Bauhaus inspired.

 

[mayserwegener]

Delectans, Thanks! I agree about the crown logo work. It's a complete contrast to the sweatband logo work.

 

[Mr. Paladin]

That is a great find, Steve. I don't think I've seen one on the Lounge...or anywhere else for that matter! Very nice!

 

[mayserwegener]

That is a great find, Steve. I don't think I've seen one on the Lounge...or anywhere else for that matter! Very nice!

Wade, Thanks! It is also in very good condition. I am going to contact Nagy Hut and see if they can tell me anything about it.