Homburg Nation

[splintercellsz]

You shoulda'!! I had to have some persuading to wear my homburg out and about, but I eventually did it... I wore my derby outside today for the first time. If I like it, I wear it!

 

[Miamibruno]

With a green sweater and no collared shirt? Whaddaya crazy?

 

[splintercellsz]

Haha!!!

 

[Miamibruno]

Gentleman of the Lounge,

Here's a question about another homburg I just purchased. I know it's a homburg because the ribbon on the brim is much larger under the brim than on top (with the stitching showing on top). The weird thing is that the felt, which doesn't seem to me to have been converted into a fedora, is soft and pliable like most Royal Stetsons from the 40s. Any clue as to whether or not this is an unusual hat - which I don't think it is - or whether the stiffener has just failed over time.

Bottom of brim:

Top of brim:

 

[ManofKent]

Miamibruno - I'm no expert, but my guess is the stiffener has faded over time. Nice hat either ways.

 

[Miamibruno]

Thanks, ManofKent. That is what I concluded, but was just curious if anyone else had experienced such a fading.

 

[mayserwegener]

Have you tried hitting the brim with intense steam + hand shaping? You might be able to bring the brim curl back to life. My guess is someone along the way tried to change it into a snap brim.

 

[Miamibruno]

Mayserwegener, thanks for your response. But now I'm really confused. I just cleaned the hat (thinking what you were thinking re: the steam) and noticed that it says "Whippet" on the headband at the front. Now I know that Stetson on occasion would use old headbands and liners, but I don't think they'd mix and match on different hats. Any suggestions? I really don't see any signs of manipulation or homegrown changes. Pictures in a few minutes.

Thanks for any ideas.

 

[Miamibruno]

OK. Here are the pictures. I should probably post this over on one of the Stetson sites as well. I've taken a picture of all the identifying information.

 

[mayserwegener]

I am not a Stetson collector (except for German - Mayser made ones) so I have no idea about the model designations and block numbers. The binding looks like a Homburg setup to me. I would post it on the Stetson thread and see what others have to say.

 

[suitedcboy]

WOW, I have done a few Homburg conversions and that sure looks like a St Regis. The top side narrow binding is typical of Homburg Stetsons and NOT typical for Whippets. That hat looks like a conversion that wasn't ironed on the bottom side to finish flattening the brim edge curl.
Very curious.

 

[Miamibruno]

Suitedcboy, thanks for your response. The pictures just happened to be taken where it was more "homburg" like. And I completely agree that it is sewn like a homburg. I must deduce that the "Whippet" is a left over sweat or that it has been switched. It just looks original to me. Also, the felt is utterly pliable and can be blocked into a "fedora" very easily. Here are a couple of "fedora" pictures. It IS curious.

 

[Alex]

Gents I bought my first hat in about... 2 years or so! The college life is tough, good, but tough! That would also explain my hiatus from the lounge.
I found this one at a local antique place. Moth bites aside, it was a great find. Liner is in immaculate condition, and the sweat has a tiny scratch or two.
Will probably post to THE MALLORY MILE.
Pictures are taken in a different antique shop, which I now work at. Cheers!
Mallory Ten Homburg Cravenette 7 3/8

 

[mayserwegener]

Looks great! Welcome back!

 

[Chepstow]

Looks great! Welcome back!

+1

 

[alanfgag]

Looks to be a later 1940s Royal Stetson Whippet homburg that has been flattened along the way to have a fedora shape. I think the parts are all original.

 

[suitedcboy]

There was a Whippet Homburg?

 

[alanfgag]

Perhaps not formed with a homburg flanging... appears similar to this hat from Johnny Phi auctions:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/show...Stetson-Whippet-Size-6-7-8-C0000228877-UNSOLD

 

[Geldoc]

Alan, your memory is astounding!

 

[alanfgag]

Alan, your memory is astounding!

:yo: ... but Google deserves all the credit.