Post New Hats Here!

[ScottF]

Well, it used to be......[huh]

Bolthead, You're one of those guys who looks super in a Homburg - wish I could say the same for myself. But as Visigoth noted, there are Homburgs that aren't so Homburg-like. The brim snapped right down on this one, and those side bends in the felt wouldn't have even been visible in most Homburgs - would have been covered up by the trim.

Good news is - I put it back in 'Homburg mode', and it was fine. So, if after a little stretching, it doesn't work as a fedora, I'll put it up in the classifieds.

Scott <=== unintentional hat-abuser :rage:

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

FYI - Some Homburgs are stiff and some are very soft. I have two of each persuasion. They are not my favorite style of hat to wear. I have the same issues as noted above.

Note, however, that I have used steam to pull the still curled brim into a more downward swoop. Not snapping it down, mind you, but giving it that curve which I like better than the somewhat 'bonnet-looking' style many Homburg brims naturally possess.

My favorite Homburg is the vintage dove grey Mossant I got from Garrett. It is very soft felt overall, but with a nice shape blocked in. Comfortable to wear and easy to adjust the brim swoop.

 

[Visigoth]

Fully Fedorated Quasi-Homburg

Well, my experiment seems to have turned out well: I've completely flattened the front edge of the brim on a hat that looked pretty much like the one we're discussing. Involved some work: first I wet the entire trim around the edge, and stretched it with my fingers (pulling very tight, moving my way around the brim -- have to make sure you don't pull so tight that you break stitches) -- I did this for a LONG time. Then I soaked the entire brim, and flattened the front part between two book overnight (with a cotton t-shirt on either side, so the the books wouldn't leave impressions). I imagine an iron would work too, but I don't have one here, and they make me nervous. I shaped the rear so that the felt was almost flat, and most of the curl at the very edge.

In the morning, when it was dry, I had to steam out a few crease lines in the felt. But the hat looks wonderful. Certainly no longer homburg-like, by any stretch -- it's definitely a fedora.

Will post pics soon.

 

[ScottF]

That's good to hear! It's easy for me to envision this hat as a really superb jet black fedora, so I'll get back to work on it. Thanks for the detailed instructions...."by any stretch"....you didn't really say that...

Well, my experiment seems to have turned out well: I've completely flattened the front edge of the brim on a hat that looked pretty much like the one we're discussing. Involved some work: first I wet the entire trim around the edge, and stretched it with my fingers (pulling very tight, moving my way around the brim -- have to make sure you don't pull so tight that you break stitches) -- I did this for a LONG time. Then I soaked the entire brim, and flattened the front part between two book overnight (with a cotton t-shirt on either side, so the the books wouldn't leave impressions). I imagine an iron would work too, but I don't have one here, and they make me nervous. I shaped the rear so that the felt was almost flat, and most of the curl at the very edge.

In the morning, when it was dry, I had to steam out a few crease lines in the felt. But the hat looks wonderful. Certainly no longer homburg-like, by any stretch -- it's definitely a fedora.

Will post pics soon.

 

[Visigoth]

That's good to hear! It's easy for me to envision this hat as a really superb jet black fedora, so I'll get back to work on it. Thanks for the detailed instructions...."by any stretch"....you didn't really say that...

Uh, I did say that. Urgh. My subconscious has a sense of humor.

By the way, if it *doesn't* work, then what you can do is remove the binding on the edge of the brim. I guarantee you'll have no problems then; I did this with an old Knox with a curled edge, because the ribbon was not going to stretch. I got an ordinary stitch-removing tool from a sewing place; the holes around the brim don't show unless you're an inch or so away.

 

[Michaelshane]

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This hat is nice and light.soft to the touch,light brown.How old do you think?

 

[billyspew]

This hat is nice and light.soft to the touch,light brown.How old do you think?

Looks great!
Think the Custom V's were early 50's and have definately seen an ad from '53 with a $10 price point.

Cannot find it right now though.

 

[ScottF]

Uh, I did say that. Urgh. My subconscious has a sense of humor.

By the way, if it *doesn't* work, then what you can do is remove the binding on the edge of the brim. I guarantee you'll have no problems then; I did this with an old Knox with a curled edge, because the ribbon was not going to stretch. I got an ordinary stitch-removing tool from a sewing place; the holes around the brim don't show unless you're an inch or so away.

This is turning out GREAT. I had issues with the felt retaining its memory when it dried, but second (more patient) pass at the sides/back, working the brim continually as it dries, has resulted in a nice smooth brim. Next I'll return to the front. I have wanted a jet black wide-brimmed fedora, and this one is going to be gorgeous when done.

 

[Visigoth]

From DOUGLAS: Dobbs 15 and Portis Open Road

These are the other two hats I received from Douglas. The Dobbs has the thinnest felt I've ever experienced: it honestly feels like paper. The hand is superb; but I don't think it's going to last more than a season or two. Impossible to bash it without some wrinkles (tried wetting, steaming, etc.) -- so I decided to make it sort of a floppy Stratolinerish affair. Not even going to try to straighten out the brim. I expect it will look very much like Johnny Depp's more battered lid, very soon.

The Portis is gorgeous: not sure if "Beaver-Lux" means 100% beaver, but it's certainly lovely felt.

(Did I mention that Douglas is a gentleman and a scholar?)

 

[Dundee]

conversion by Major Moore

I just received my western conversion from Major Mike today. I wore it out this evening and had a gentleman tell me that he liked the hat and his words were "It's a dandy" I agree. Thanks Major, it is a wonderful hat.

 

[RBH]

I just received my western conversion from Major Mike today. I wore it out this evening and had a gentleman tell me that he liked the hat and his words were "It's a dandy" I agree. Thanks Major, it is a wonderful hat.

Looks great!
:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[RBH]

My 'new' grey Penneys Marathon.

 

[gtdean48]

My 'new' grey Penneys Marathon.

NICE one Rusty! Where did you snag this beauty? :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[RBH]

NICE one Rusty! Where did you snag this beauty? :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

I snagged it on the Bay.

 

[Mr. Paladin]

Tedre, welcome to the Lounge. Nice hats you show there and that boy is a charmer.

Dundee, that conversion looks great and even better on your head. Well done, Major Moore!

RBH, nice Marathon.

Visigoth, it looks like you made out great with those hats.

Lastly, Michaelshane, that Custom V is a beaut!

 

[gtdean48]

I snagged it on the Bay.

GOOD fishing Buddy!

 

[Feraud]

Those are great looking hats. I would expect nothing less from the Douglas collection.

(Did I mention that Douglas is a gentleman and a scholar?)

He is indeed.

 

[Mr. Paladin]

I was in Garland on some business Monday and couldn't resist a quick swing by HATCO. When carter and I went there a couple weeks ago, I saw a prototype hat there called the Colony; open crown, 2 1/2" bound brim, bark colored; and I passed it up for the black Open Road. I had regretted it since and went by to see if it was still there. What luck; it was! It was in perfect shape and so I grabbed it. Also, because I have no control in there, I bought a beautiful mink colored Chatham with a 2 3/4" brim. Here are the pics:

The Colony - open crown.

I creased it with a somewhat coarse, wide center dent and moderate short side dents, leaving the crown at 4 3/4" high and 4 1/4" in the back. I then opened the centerpoint of the sides to remove any tapered look there was.

The liner is a beautiful royal blue.

This is the factory sticker inside.

On the head.

And side by side with my Camp Draft for height comparison.

The Chatham.

Sorry to take up so much space but I have really enjoyed these two, particularly creasing the Colony. It is different from the feel of the Akubras when steamed and creased, somewhat softer and a bit more difficult to get to stay in place, but, I am happy with the results. I only wish it came with the 2 3/4 brim like the Chatham; that would be just perfect!

 

[scottyrocks]

I really like the overall look of the Colony. I'd change the bow shape to a more traditional one, and alter the bash a bit, but other than that, it looks perfect. I love the shape, color, and edge binding.

 

[BobC]

I like the Colony, Mr. P. That in a gray would be right up my alley, I think.