Post New Hats Here!

[alanfgag]

Vita-burg

One of a handful of vita-felt homburgs sold recently - watched this one through three listings and was the only bidder. Excellent, unworn condition.

Date stamped from January 1944, this is marked Gold Medal on the front of the sweat with the store price tag underneath showing Belham - Tuxedo $10.00. I believe it is blue/black with a black ribbon and deep maroon brim binding. Soft, plush vita-felt is one stop away from a short velour, with mister softee sweatband and the slippery smooth synthetic liner material - same that appears in my 1940 era Stetson Special. Would love to know what wartime fabric this was... some byproduct from the Stetson vita-beaver farms, perhaps? More photos to follow.

 

[billyspew]

One of a handful vita-felt homburgs sold recently - watched this one through three listings and was the only bidder. Excellent, unworn condition.

Date stamped from January 1944, this is marked Gold Medal on the front of the sweat with the store price tag underneath showing Belham - Tuxedo $10.00. I believe it is blue/black with a black ribbon and deep maroon brim binding. Soft, plush vita-felt is one stop away from a short velour, with mister softee sweatband and the slippery smooth synthetic liner material - same that appears in my 1940 era Stetson Special. Would love to know what wartime fabric this was... some byproduct from the Stetson vita-beaver farms, perhaps? More photos to follow.

Very nice Alan, almost identical to my vita-burg (great nickname), other then the colours.

 

[Cicero]

What a stunning hat in such an excellent condition!
Well done Alan. :eusa_clap

 

[alanfgag]

Bill, Cicero, Manfred... thank you. I hope we get to see some of the other recent ones here too.

 

[Chepstow]

Alan, what a wonderful find and in so good condition.
My congrats.

 

[Historyteach24]

OK I know this hat has a slight discoloration but it was hard to pass up for less than 10 dollars. It is rare to see such a cool color combination. I do not know anything about Towncraft hats but I can tell this will get a lot of head time.

 

[EggHead]

Teach, I would try to steam/brush it out or soak it on distilled water, brush, steam, brush.

 

[Historyteach24]

I brushed and steamed to no avail. I have never soaked a hat when you say soak do I put the entire hat under water? Protect the liner somehow?

 

[EggHead]

I fill some wide container with distilled water, press just the crown into the water without letting the water inside. Brim usually does not get wet. Then hold it several seconds, get it out and feel the outside felt with my fingers for wetness. Then repeat the process until I think the felt has been sufficiently soaked, but not soaked through. Then brush. Often times, if the spots are water soluble, they will go away. I let it dry somewhat, shape the crown, then let it dry on my head, but away for heat.

 

[seabass]

OK I know this hat has a slight discoloration but it was hard to pass up for less than 10 dollars. It is rare to see such a cool color combination. I do not know anything about Towncraft hats but I can tell this will get a lot of head time.

Towncraft = JC Penney's
cool hat

 

[scooter]

Teach, I have a spray bottle filled with distilled water that is dedicated to my hats. I simply spray the dickens out the outside of the crown (and/or brim) if I'm working on that. Brush it gently if needed, shape it, and wear it (if trying to conform it to your head) or just set it aside on a clean towel with a rolled dish towel under the brim to preserve the snap and let it dry. I do not wet the inside of the crown or the sweat. If trying to shape the brim, I spray it top and bottom. Has worked like a charm.

 

[jamespowers]

Towncraft = JC Penney's
cool hat

Cool hat indeed! The end producer for that hat was likely Lee. Lee made many of the contract hats of that time. Brent, Marathon and a few others come to mind that Lee produced.

 

[seabass]

Cool hat indeed! The end producer for that hat was likely Lee. Lee made many of the contract hats of that time. Brent, Marathon and a few others come to mind that Lee produced.

Lee hats alone very high quality ! I have 2 Lee & they are nice

 

[Historyteach24]

I cleaned it i will post the results tonight

 

[jamespowers]

Lee hats alone very high quality ! I have 2 Lee & they are nice

They certainly work in a pinch. I have a Lee 100 around here some place.

 

[jamespowers]

I cleaned it i will post the results tonight

I hope it turned out great.

 

[Historyteach24]

Alright after two washings. While I would not call it a complete success it has minimized the stain. I fear without a professional or buying some chemicals it may stay this way, but as I said for 8 bucks beggars can't be choosers.

 

[randooch]

It's much better, Teach; you done good!

 

[Historyteach24]

Thanks brother

 

[bowlerman]

+1. Nice job HT! great colors, too, BTW.