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Messages
18,380
Location
Nederland
I picked up a bowler hat yesterday in a garagesale for 10 euro. Aquila Beste deutsche Marke on the sweatband. The sweat also mention "Stammhaus Guben" (right side) and SHG (left side). Certainly German make therefore and pre-war. Interesting piece and very comfy. But alas what I thought was dirt and dust appeared to be moth damage. So it bears battle scars on the back of the crown and the underside of the brim. For that price who's complaining?

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Messages
12,004
Location
Southern California
The interchangeability of the pugs and band give yours great versatility. I love how easy they are to shape and reshape.
I agree on both counts. Initially I thought the plain black band that came with it was a little boring, but I've grown to like the look and put it back on recently. I haven't done any major re-shaping to mine, but I was surprised by how easy it was to do what I wanted. I've never owned a proper Panama or fine weave straw hat, but based on what I've read here I don't think they respond as well to being soaked in a sink full of water. :p

I picked up a bowler hat yesterday in a garagesale for 10 euro...
I really like it Steur. If I were ever to get a proper bowler I think I'd want one that was a little rough so I wouldn't worry about whether it might get damaged. Besides, around here I think I'd look a bit silly in a bowler anyway so one with that kind of character might be more "acceptable".
 

LuvMyMan

I’ll Lock Up.
Messages
4,558
Location
Michigan
Messages
18,380
Location
Nederland
I agree on both counts. Initially I thought the plain black band that came with it was a little boring, but I've grown to like the look and put it back on recently. I haven't done any major re-shaping to mine, but I was surprised by how easy it was to do what I wanted. I've never owned a proper Panama or fine weave straw hat, but based on what I've read here I don't think they respond as well to being soaked in a sink full of water. :p

I really like it Steur. If I were ever to get a proper bowler I think I'd want one that was a little rough so I wouldn't worry about whether it might get damaged. Besides, around here I think I'd look a bit silly in a bowler anyway so one with that kind of character might be more "acceptable".
Thank you. Much appreciated and I find that over time I worry less about the character that comes with some of the hats. I admit that although I have several bowler hats I never actually wear them (other than trying them out). I'm already "that guy in the hat" over here, which doesn't bother me at all, but wearing a bowler might be pushing it. But who knows? Took me a while to start wearing homburgs too.
 

Been

New in Town
Messages
43
Location
Wisconsin
Just got my Campdraft! Here’s my first crack at shaping it.

It feels huge on my head. I’m going to have to warm up to it.
 

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Been

New in Town
Messages
43
Location
Wisconsin
If by "huge" you're referring to size and how it fits, just keep wearing it and it will shrink down. If you're referring to how it looks on you, just keep wearing it and you'll get used to it. :D

Thanks Z! I'm trusting the sizing. I thought with a cattleman' crease I could really reduce the appearance of a really tall crown. I'll sport it for a while and see what I think. If I'm still bashful, I'll rebash. :)
 

AbbaDatDeHat

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,826
Thanks Z! I'm trusting the sizing. I thought with a cattleman' crease I could really reduce the appearance of a really tall crown. I'll sport it for a while and see what I think. If I'm still bashful, I'll rebash. :)
Hey Been:
If it makes you feel any better your hat does not look huge on you at all. It looks quite proportional and you wear it well. It’s a nice hat. You will get used to it in no time like we all did.
Be well and welcome to the lounge.
Bowen
 
Messages
18,161
Thanks Z! I'm trusting the sizing. I thought with a cattleman' crease I could really reduce the appearance of a really tall crown. I'll sport it for a while and see what I think. If I'm still bashful, I'll rebash. :)
JMO but by setting the center crease so deep (to reduce height?) you have brought taper into the crown, making it look taller. If you like the center crease deep as it is then enlongate the side pinches more to the front which will round the look of the crown. Just keep working with it & you'll get it to where you want it.

I wanted more of the brick look & my TFCD came out fine.

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Been

New in Town
Messages
43
Location
Wisconsin
JMO but by setting the center crease so deep (to reduce height?) you have brought taper into the crown, making it look taller. If you like the center crease deep as it is then enlongate the side pinches more to the front which will round the look of the crown. Just keep working with it & you'll get it to where you want it.

I wanted more of the brick look & my TFCD came out fine.

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Thanks Jack. Your hat looks sharp! I think you’re right. With the depth of the center crease I’ve also lost some depth in the side dents. I’ll tinker with it some more and share again!

Thanks again. Next time I’ll reference Gutzon Borglum to the OR?
 

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