Optimo south side mobsters

[gtdean48]

...
Is it the beaver belly fur, Dean that makes the significant difference? The pouncing and hand work makes the felt characteristic of different hat types/utility. But the raw material, Dean you speak of being different. I looked this morning on the FL for threads that spoke to beaver felt differences and did not find anything with facts...

Right Eric. The beaver belly fur is like the down of goose feathers. Greg of Winchester had a beaver belly felt pelt when we last toured the factory. I think a picture is in that thread. The fur of the beaver belly is lots softer than that of the rest of the beaver. It "felts" better than the longer, coarser fur. The belly fur is a silver/white color, hence silverbelly. The hat Greg wore was "Lone Ranger" white looking. Those photos outside The High Point show Greg in that hat. Think there are some inside shots as well.

 

[davers]

WHOA! And WHOA!! Very nice hat!!!

I proudly present my first Optimo creation, the 'Michigan City'...

Oxblood felt, a lowered 'Dillinger' crown, ribbon bound edge (9L I believe), and a very RLK inspired ribbon. The credit for the dimensions and crown block go to Tiffani, I told her the image I wished to evoke, and she worked her magic... The result is a hat with ideal dimensions for my facial construction, and a decidedly vintage flair.

 

[Rabbit]

My understanding was the run was done for a specific customer hatter.... a western custom hatter.
The 2 hats worn by Winchester employees were western weight & impressive.

I see, western hat market. Thanks for the info.

 

[danofarlington]

The flute hat has a lot of style.

 

[Chepstow]

The flute hat has a lot of style.

+1

yes, indeed!

 

[Bruce Wayne]

I picked up a natural Milan a couple of weeks back. It came with a royal blue pugaree & I brought them some bright red fabric & had them make a pugaree from that. I'll post pics when the weather is better outside.

Thanx!!!
Charlie

 

[jlee562]

Flute, I'm very jealous of that ribbon color, had they had it in stock when they made my hat I surely would have picked it. Congrats to you on a great Optimo.

 

[jlee562]

On the Optimo website, there is a video of Graham talking about their felt and he goes into their silverbelly for a bit. The color silverbelly takes its name from such undyed felt bodies. The Stetson 100, 7x clear beaver, and earlier 5x bodies are likewise undyed belly fur. It is supposedly the most water resistant part of the fur as well.

 

[Short Balding Guy]

Right Eric. The beaver belly fur is like the down of goose feathers. Greg of Winchester had a beaver belly felt pelt when we last toured the factory. I think a picture is in that thread. The fur of the beaver belly is lots softer than that of the rest of the beaver. It "felts" better than the longer, coarser fur. The belly fur is a silver/white color, hence silverbelly. The hat Greg wore was "Lone Ranger" white looking. Those photos outside The High Point show Greg in that hat. Think there are some inside shots as well.

Thanks Dean! Big help sir.

Same - Thanks Jlee! I just tuned into the vids on the website - very interesting. Optimo has nothing but a proffesional, high quality website.

It is all I can do to sit on my hands and not order hats tonight!

Flute; Those are GRAND hats! Wear them proudly and often.

Eric -

 

[JTopenroad]

I had one of my Vintage Open Roads serviced at Optimo.

Dropped it off and got to meet Graham

I requested they send it back open crown.

Excellent work on cleaning and replacing the sweat band ...great band by the way.

I went to work on it with distilled water and some steam

The finished result

VERY PLEASED! Now to go back for the Silverbelly I tried on and fell in love with!

 

[gtdean48]

... The Stetson 100, 7x clear beaver, and earlier 5x bodies are likewise undyed belly fur...

I understand those bodies were undyed beaver fur felt & probably have some belly fur in them but I'm not sure I have seen it claimed that they were undyed beaver belly fur felt exclusively.

 

[jlee562]

I understand those bodies were undyed beaver fur felt & probably have some belly fur in them but I'm not sure I have seen it claimed that they were undyed beaver belly fur felt exclusively.

Good to know, thanks for the correction!

 

[pjt113]

Anybody interested in a Optimo traveler, that's in beautiful condition? Black size 8, I will be posting it on the 'Bay in the next couple of days but I thought I'd post it here first. Please PM me if you're interested

 

[pjt113]

Good Morning,

I have listed this hat on the 'Bay at a much reduced price. I have ordered a custom job and need the funds

http://www.ebay.com/itm/16087615728.../sch/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=160876157280&_rdc=1

 

[BR Gordon]

Two new Optimo hats just arrived.

natural milan:






a couple of close-up shots of the weave:






Mike chocolate felt with a nicotine crown ribbon:

 

[Tomasso]

Them's some beauts, BR!

 

[DJH]

Yes indeed - very nice!

 

[BR Gordon]

Thank you, gentlemen.

 

[seabass]

BR,
Excellent hats & the milk chocolate color is beautiful.

 

[Chepstow]

BR, outstanding Hats, both looks great!