Question about this hat from the 1940's

[Hartford]

In clearing out my family home we came across this hat which looks to be in good shape. Not sure if it was worn by my grandfather or grandmother - though it looks like a men's fedora (but I have no experience with hats). It is a Mallory brand and was purchased in Hartford, Ct at a clothier that is long gone. Can anyone tell me more about it? My grandfather was a blue-collar worker from Belarus and I'm fascinated that he had such a cool hat. Thanks!

 

[Bamaboots]

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/the-mallory-mile.41370/

 

[Hartford]

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/the-mallory-mile.41370/

Thank you

 

[BobHufford]

Maybe late 1940s, but those back-bow pork-pies were more of a ‘50s thing. Cool that you found it! Does it fit?

 

[Hartford]

I’m not sure how it’s supposed to fit. It’s wide enough but do you push the top up or keep the groove around the top?

 

[quikrick]

I’m not sure how it’s supposed to fit. It’s wide enough but do you push the top up or keep the groove around the top?

There’s a thread here called:

Show off your Porkpies​

I apologize, I don’t know how to link the thread. (Perhaps an assist from an experienced lounger).
Check that out. Plenty of pics of loungers sporting porkpies.
The flat part of the crown should not touch the top of your head. The telescoping groove stays.
*COOL HAT*

 

[The Lost Cowboy]

In clearing out my family home we came across this hat which looks to be in good shape. Not sure if it was worn by my grandfather or grandmother - though it looks like a men's fedora (but I have no experience with hats). It is a Mallory brand and was purchased in Hartford, Ct at a clothier that is long gone. Can anyone tell me more about it? My grandfather was a blue-collar worker from Belarus and I'm fascinated that he had such a cool hat. Thanks!

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Mallory was bought by Stetson in 1947 or 48 (can't remember which) and Stetson changed the date on the logo from 1823 to 1817. I don't know their reasoning for that change. So your hat is definitely post-Stetson buyout.

Also,, to my mind, a plastic liner tip is normally associated with 1953ish and beyond (echoing Bob's back bow porkpie dating). That's not at all a hard and fast rule but in your case maybe. Although the logo is not what I usually associate with a 1950s Mallory so I'm not totally confident.

If I'm not mistaken, the aristocratic quality was considered mid-shelf for the Mallory line. That is to say, it was not the most expensive hat offered by Mallory but there were definitely fine hats being made with that quality designation. I would guess this hat cost something like $8.50 or $10, whereas top shelf were $20 and there were even more expensive ones than that. I only say all this because you mention your grandfather's working class and immigrant roots and in my opinion this hat speaks of a man who was not frivolous but purchased good quality within his means. In other words, this was (is) a good quality and affordable hat from one of the best makers - one that could be purchased without going hungry and could be expected to last a long time even with hard wear.

 

[rogueclimber]

There’s a thread here called:

Show off your Porkpies​

I apologize, I don’t know how to link the thread. (Perhaps an assist from an experienced lounger).
Check that out. Plenty of pics of loungers sporting porkpies.
The flat part of the crown should not touch the top of your head. The telescoping groove stays.
*COOL HAT*

The link

Show off your Porkpies

 

[Hartford]

The link

Show off your Porkpies

Thanks!

 

[Hartford]

Thanks!

Thank again. The navy Stetson in the thread looks just like mine. Love it now!

The link

Show off your Porkpies

There’s a thread here called:

Show off your Porkpies​

I apologize, I don’t know how to link the thread. (Perhaps an assist from an experienced lounger).
Check that out. Plenty of pics of loungers sporting porkpies.
The flat part of the crown should not touch the top of your head. The telescoping groove stays.
*COOL HAT*

Saw the thread. Thank you!

 

[Hartford]

Mallory was bought by Stetson in 1947 or 48 (can't remember which) and Stetson changed the date on the logo from 1823 to 1817. I don't know their reasoning for that change. So your hat is definitely post-Stetson buyout.

Also,, to my mind, a plastic liner tip is normally associated with 1953ish and beyond (echoing Bob's back bow porkpie dating). That's not at all a hard and fast rule but in your case maybe. Although the logo is not what I usually associate with a 1950s Mallory so I'm not totally confident.

If I'm not mistaken, the aristocratic quality was considered mid-shelf for the Mallory line. That is to say, it was not the most expensive hat offered by Mallory but there were definitely fine hats being made with that quality designation. I would guess this hat cost something like $8.50 or $10, whereas top shelf were $20 and there were even more expensive ones than that. I only say all this because you mention your grandfather's working class and immigrant roots and in my opinion this hat speaks of a man who was not frivolous but purchased good quality within his means. In other words, this was (is) a good quality and affordable hat from one of the best makers - one that could be purchased without going hungry and could be expected to last a long time even with hard wear.

So much valuable info! I appreciate it. Love the way you describe it - sounds just like my grandfather - wanted quality but not to be flashy or pretentious.

 

[Bill Hughes]

There’s a thread here called:

Show off your Porkpies​

I apologize, I don’t know how to link the thread. (Perhaps an assist from an experienced lounger).
Check that out. Plenty of pics of loungers sporting porkpies.
The flat part of the crown should not touch the top of your head. The telescoping groove stays.
*COOL HAT*

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/show-off-your-porkpies.28705/

 

[Hartford]

Thank you Bill.