OK...so what is your oldest hat?

[Michaelshane]

Rodgers Peet Montecristi

 

[ibchipster]

My Dobbs Boater from the first quarter of the last century. From Ferron's Society Brand Clothes in Appleton Wisconsin.

 

[splintercellsz]

Currently, the oldest hat in my possession is my Pre-WWI Peschel velour.

I have some hats that are older than this one on the way.

 

[HatsWV]

The oldest hat I own is a kangol "dazzle" herringbone 504.

While ive only had it for about five years the fact that it still gets plenty of wear now that I only buy handmade to order hats is a testament to how nice it is.

 

[John Galt]

I posted this Higson & Collings bowler in another thread. It is firmly dated 1894/5 (some conflicting reports) to no later than early February of 1900, when the company was clearly defunct.

 

[Dixon Cannon]

I've had my Dad's '50's Penny's 'Marathon' around since I was a kid. I officially took possession in 1966. But, my oldest hat of my own in my felt Indy...I think it's a Dorfman, but the lining came out years ago. I bought in 1983 and still wear it regularly. I have a couple of 1940's Borsalinos that I bought second-hand, so I don't count those as "my" oldest hats. Here's a couple of pics. -dixon cannon

and

 

[Horace Debussy Jones]

A question that has maybe not been asked here yet? What is your oldest hat?

What is your oldest hat in your collection and what is it's history? Mine is just a common garden variety Stetson Open Road from the 1950s I think. But surely some of you have some downright historic toppers with a story perhaps?

 

[Joao Encarnado]

I believe my oldest hat is a Stetson Nutria. His story I don't know...

 

[Garrett]

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?357-OK-so-what-is-your-oldest-hat

 

[Lotsahats]

My oldest hat is this Disney Fifteen; it's pre-Mr. Disney, a label change that occured in 1943, if I understand correctly.

 

[splintercellsz]

1900s Stetsons

 

[V.C. Brunswick]

1910-20 straw boater.

 

[hatsRme]

1910 - 20 Derby, which doesn't fit me.

 

[jlee562]

I somewhat recently came upon a 40's Stetson "Supper Club" Homburg which is with Mr. Jesse at Black Sheep Hatworks for a renovation. He tells me it's a mercury processed felt as well.

 

[tommyK]

I thought mercury processing ended before the 40's. Can't remember where I read about it now. Could be wrong

 

[jlee562]

I thought mercury processing ended before the 40's. Can't remember where I read about it now. Could be wrong

Well, I did notice the color was really black but didn't think much of it. Bob had mentioned it and I figured he knew what he was talking about more than I did! I did search the lounge and it appears that it was outlawed in Danbury in the 40s:
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?9114-MERCURY-WHEN-WAS-IT-LAST-USED

 

[mayserwegener]

I thought mercury processing ended before the 40's. Can't remember where I read about it now. Could be wrong

Side note: I actually came across info that mercury was still in use in Italy until 1970s. I will have to see if can locate the post.

 

[tommyK]

I stand corrected! Serves me right for chiming in.

I read the New Jersey report on the hazards of the hatting industry (from about 100 years ago) and they seemed more concerned about dust than the nitrate-mercury solution used to prep the fur for felting. I believe it raised the scales on the fur/hair shaft to make it "felt" better.

 

[1mach1]

1930's Pre-Stetson Mallory

 

[Pa Fig]

1900's Stetson