What an ACE hat Alan! That is a gem of a find, I am pea-green with jealousy!old Parabuntal
Blocked and finished by Optimo... 4 1/2" crown, 2 3/8" rolled brim.
Weighs 1.9 ounces, just under half of which is sweatband and ribbon.
Everything I had hoped.
Great transformation Doug. The hat does have a new life now. I don't hate the crease as it is right now.I picked up a Country Gentleman Genuine Buntal hat from ebay, and was not very impressed. It hat a pretty sharp, bent crease on once corner and there are spots that are loose and stretched out, looking worn. There are other real small spots of concern but I can live with those.
After I cleared up some things with the seller, who was very cool and professional about it, I decided to give a shot at getting out the sharp bend and waves in the wonky brim and also get the front brim pointed down like a classic fedora... my attempt to reshape the crown bash will come later.
I considered steam, but just poured filtered water over the brim and let that soak in a little after shaking off the excess. Then I repeated the pour, shake and wait process on the underside of the brim, too.
With gentle pulling, curling and holding during the air drying it came out a lot better than I though it would. This parabuntal straw is really workable when it's wet. Now I can wear this hat without being embarrassed!
Before pics:
After:
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