Question #329j-2b

[swaviator]

I have a fedora that I inherited from my father. It is a Penny's Towncraft, XXX, black with fine edge binding. It seems to be of high quality. The fur felt is very soft and smooth. The brim is just a hair over 2 1/8", and it is my size. I wear it often but my question is, who made it?

Also, how does one determine if they are an oval, long oval, etc?

Thanks!!

 

[Lefty]

probably the Frank Lee company - they made the Penny's Marathon, but I can't say for sure on the Towncraft line.


from the sticky
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Lee
The Frank Lee Hat Company, located in the hat-making center at Danbury, CT, Lee was probably the most prolific producer of hats for private labelling . . . such as the economic JC Penney’s Marathon line and Brent for Montgomery Wards; their own brand ran from mid-grade to fine quality.
Usually the wider the ribbon on a Lee the higher the grade of the hat (but not always as is the case, as is seen in the thin ribbon on the Lee 100). Lee considered its base $5-7.50 hat (depending on the year) a "farmer hat." The farmer hat had a thin ribbon and a thinly bound edge. The sweatband and liner were not as high quality as their expensive models. As the scale went up in price the hat was a better dress hat on up to the 100.