Northwest Hats, Eugene, Ore.

[drmaxtejeda]

I bought this used directly from Nicholas Engel. He said it is approximately 20 years old. According to him the fur used is the same as is used in the Optimo 1000 hoods. Of course, I have no way of proving this one way or another. But, I will say that this Fepsa hood seems to me to be of better quality than the Winchester hats I have. (I have 7 beavers from Art Fawcett, 2 from Black Sheep, 2 from Gannon, 2 from Northwest, and 1 Penman). I assume all of those are Winchester hoods.

I talked with Mike Miller about the hat when he first received it. He agreed it seemed to be nicer than the Winchester counterparts. I don't know the price difference between a beaver Winchester hood and a beaver hood from Fepsa. But, since they aren't used that much in the USA, I would think the hatters don't think the price justifiable. It does have a nice hand and color is unique. It is lighter in weight than all the custom beavers I have except the ArtLite. Max aka @drmaxtejeda recently bought one used directly from Nicholas Engel. Maybe he can chime in with his opinions. He has way more hats to use for comparison.

Well, it's good, but my Optimos have better felt, IMHO.

 

[belfastboy]

Well, it's good, but my Optimos have better felt, IMHO.

Engels quoted me $1500, how much are the Optimo and are they 100% beaver belly fur

 

[drmaxtejeda]

The very best Optimos are $1200. Those are not only 100 percent beaver, but also fur taken from a narrow strip in the center of the beaver's belly. That is the softest hair.
Optimo Heirloom felts are the very best modern felt, and are made to the highest standards. I have over twenty Optimos, and cannot imagine a better modern hat.
I have some vintage hats that are even better, like my Knox One Hundreds, but those are hard to find.

 

[marker2037]

This arrived today. It's a Fepsa beaver felt made for Engel & Co. Hatters in slate-blue. It started out with a 6 1/2" crown (open) and 2 5/8" brim. I sent it to Mike Miller to work his magic. The result is a complete refurbishment. The crown is now 5 1/2" open and the brim is 2 3/4". He had to trim the brim to make it even all around. Before it was 2 5/8" in front and on one side. It was 2 1/2" on the back and the other side. I supplied the 1 5/8" striped gray ribbon.

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This was how it looked originally.
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This bash is outstanding. I will have to ask for this on one of my next hats.

 

[marker2037]

Also, Mike finished up my second hat a couple days ago. Raiders through and through.

Can't wait to wear it!

 

[johnnycanuck]

Also, Mike finished up my second hat a couple days ago. Raiders through and through.

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Can't wait to wear it!

I heard North west did a good Indiana Jones but haven’t really seen one till now. Looks great!
Wear it in good health
Johnny

 

[belfastboy]

I heard North west did a good Indiana Jones but haven’t really seen one till now. Looks great!
Wear it in good health
Johnny

I have 7 or 8 of Mike's creation. Each of them made from a picture I sent along with my preferred dimensions. I think Mike is a master at recreating a hat from just a pic as all my hats have been perfect recreations.

 

[Pellie]

I have 2 hats of Mike, 1 beaver and 1 panama grade 5 and i can strongly recommend him.

 

[belfastboy]

I have 2 hats of Mike, 1 beaver and 1 panama grade 5 and i can strongly recommend him.

I have a Panama in the queue for April

 

[Pellie]

I have a Panama in the queue for April

Nice. I love to see that one. This is mine...

 

[tropicalbob]

Very nice. I spoke with Mike a few years ago about a Panama, but he wasn't making them in my size (63 cm.- 7 7/8) at that time. I don't quite remember if it was because he didn't have the block or he didn't have a straw piece large enough. I'll have to try him again soon.

 

[Pellie]

Very nice. I spoke with Mike a few years ago about a Panama, but he wasn't making them in my size (63 cm.- 7 7/8) at that time. I don't quite remember if it was because he didn't have the block or he didn't have a straw piece large enough. I'll have to try him again soon.

I hope he can make one for you. Fingers crossed!!

 

[tropicalbob]

I hope he can make one for you. Fingers crossed!!

Thanks, Pellie.

 

[belfastboy]

Nice. I love to see that one. This is mine... View attachment 211692

is that a copper colour on the ribbon?

 

[Pellie]

is that a copper colour on the ribbon?

Yes, that is correct.

 

[belfastboy]

Yes, that is correct.

My panama on order is white straw so leaning toward a classic blue/navy blue ribbon but have yet to finalize. I like the copper a lot but not sure about it on the white panama.

 

[marker2037]

Here is my first hat from Mike, worn today. Silverbelly beaver, 2 1/2" whipstitch brim, 1 1/2" metal ribbon.

 

[Pellie]

My panama on order is white straw so leaning toward a classic blue/navy blue ribbon but have yet to finalize. I like the copper a lot but not sure about it on the white panama.

I would chose blue/navy on a white panama. But hey.... it's your choice

 

[Pellie]

Here is my first hat from Mike, worn today. Silverbelly beaver, 2 1/2" whipstitch brim, 1 1/2" metal ribbon.

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Great hat!!

 

[Héctor Fernández]

Great color combination.

Here is my first hat from Mike, worn today. Silverbelly beaver, 2 1/2" whipstitch brim, 1 1/2" metal ribbon.

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