TPD166
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,295
- Location
- Lone Star State
Alan - the Bancroft military hat company was what I first thought of when I saw your post. They were located in Framingham, MA, and started about 1900-01 (just before they went bankrupt in the early 2000s their last facility was in Arkansas I believe). I have seen and owned many Bancroft military hats, but I have never personally seen one from earlier than the 1930s. And the earlier ones (1930s-1960s) are top quality. Maybe they made civilian hats initially and switched to military at some point? Not much history on the company out there that I can find.
Bancroft genuine beaver. Very similar in softness and finish to the Stetson Clear Nutria I've posted recently to the WHAYWT thread. It needs to go to the groomer, which should perk it up nicely, I think. I've not had any luck with Bancroft or the store (Donath Acker Co. Harvey, Ill.) - any relation to the military cap mfgr. Bancroft in Mass.? I see a United Hatters of N.A. union label... other forensics will need to be done carefully from home. Will post and update.