Photos of hatters tools

[M Hatman]

Here is a "Swoop" flange. Custom made (and this one is unmarked), many a western shop (and even Stetson) had these to give consistency to "their" brim curvature. These were NOT used with a press but only an appropriate hand/steam iron, and can work with many size and style hats. Guaranteed to put a "SMILE" on your western hat!

I have had this for some time but have never actually used it. I have "swooped" a few brims in my time, but I just did it with an iron alone...I did not feel the need to be THAT precise.

 

[belfastboy]

Here is a "Swoop" flange. Custom made (and this one is unmarked), many a western shop (and even Stetson) had these to give consistency to "their" brim curvature. These were NOT used with a press but only an appropriate hand/steam iron, and can work with many size and style hats. Guaranteed to put a "SMILE" on your western hat!
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I have had this for some time but have never actually used it. I have "swooped" a few brims in my time, but I just did it with an iron alone...I did not feel the need to be THAT precise.

Oooh, another thing I don't have, that I didn't know existed and now I NEED one.....just because. I love the iron to the right as well!!

 

[M Hatman]

Oooh, another thing I don't have, that I didn't know existed and now I NEED one.....just because. I love the iron to the right as well!!

I DO have a couple of these (along with many other blocks)......Perhaps we can work a "deal"!

PS I do see these "in the wild" occasionally.

 

[belfastboy]

I DO have a couple of these (along with many other blocks)......Perhaps we can work a "deal"!

PS I do see these "in the wild" occasionally.

Yes, I am a sucker for the unusual and always up for trading!

 

[TWKundrat]

Hat spinner

 

[BobHufford]

Picked these up for $13. Going to curl (and possibly ruin) all my brims.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

After about a 5 month wait (which is exactly what I was quoted). The block actually measures 6 ⅛ inches, and Hatters Supply House advertises that the larger sized blocks are made taller to keep things more proportional.

I’m thinking of ordering another if I can get a 7” crown.

 

[moehawk]

I don't know how often any hatters here a need for a size 6 5/8 block. This one belongs to a friend who has a vintage shop in my little town. She lent it to me to fix up a hat I recently found. It is for sale, so if anyone is in need of a small block with a nice profile, pm me and I'll get you her contact info. $60 plus shipping is her price.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Not mine, and it’s not likely to be mine at $2,731.

 

[belfastboy]

Not mine, and it’s not likely to be mine at $2,731.

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We have something like that only a bit smaller that we use to make corn tortillas.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

We have something like that only a bit smaller that we use to make corn tortillas.

I love me some fresh made tortillas! I bet your tortilla press cost less.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I was all but certain it would be too small for me to use but I wanted it as a piece of decor:

 

[deadlyhandsome]

My luck with flanges continues:

 

[belfastboy]

My luck with flanges continues:

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That 7 3/4 x 3" is akin to a yeti, a unicorn and sasquatch all rolled into one.

 

[TWKundrat]

My boss was nice enough to bring back a couple of goodies for me from a recent trip to Paris. The stretcher will definitely be handy to have and the block is at least an interesting piece to have on a shelf. Do you all think the block is for ladies hats or maybe a traditional french flat cap or military hat of some sort?

 

[deadlyhandsome]

An interesting block:

An a sharp looking walnut and brass rounding jack:

 

[BobHufford]

My wife found this four-way hat stretcher in a flea-market yesterday.

It operates nicely, but looks a bit odd as I think someone had it apart and flipped the ends so they taper in the opposite direction the sides do.

 

[steur]

My boss was nice enough to bring back a couple of goodies for me from a recent trip to Paris. The stretcher will definitely be handy to have and the block is at least an interesting piece to have on a shelf. Do you all think the block is for ladies hats or maybe a traditional french flat cap or military hat of some sort? View attachment 545812 View attachment 545811

Looks like the block is for a traditional magistrates' hat.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

My friend Jonathan @TheOldFashioned steered me into this: he has a way of finding gems!

This is interesting as there is more flange on the sides and it’s flatter at the front and back. A great western flange.

 

[steur]

This one showed up at an auction over here. So not mine, but worth showing. An Australian made stretcher by Godfrey.