The Dobbs Diner...

[rlk]

Not sure what 'large' size is going to end up meaning, but it's a Cross-Country supposedly in good shape:

1950's Dobbs Cross-Country

Good Luck--nice price--generally excellent felt--probably the same as a Knox Vagabond. This is more recent than the ones I have.

 

[ScottF]

Good Luck--nice price--generally excellent felt--probably the same as a Knox Vagabond. This is more recent than the ones I have.

Yep, yours were old. I have been hoping to land a Cross Country and a Vagabond in my size, just to check them out.

 

[Ephraim Tutt]

A Dobbs of dubious heritage...

This Dobbs arrived today. It was sold on eBay as a 1940's fedora. It isn't of course, but I knew that when I bought it. The liner logo is the one they used for decades so it doesn't help us much. The sweatband is blank and modern, so it's possible that it's a replacement. Does Hatco now use blank sweats on its Dobbs line?

The Union tag behind the size label (which is dual sized 7 1/4, 58) is for the Amalgamated Clothing & Textile Workers Union (founded in 1976 and merged with another Union in 1996). Again, it's possible that this tag belongs with the replaced sweat.

Most likely, though, is that it's a hat from the 80s. That's the vibe it gives me.

It is a lovely soft, pliable felt that holds whatever crease it's given. It arrived open crown and I gave it a centre dent and pinches.

Brim: 2 1/2 " unbound
Crown: 4 1/2 creased; 5" open
Ribbon: just over 1"

 

[billysmom]

This Dobbs arrived today.

Whatever its origins, it looks good on you, E. T.! Wear it with an attitude.

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

Sue

 

[Ephraim Tutt]

Always plenty of 'tude Sue!

And thank you!

 

[Brad Bowers]

This Dobbs arrived today. It was sold on eBay as a 1940's fedora. It isn't of course, but I knew that when I bought it. The liner logo is the one they used for decades so it doesn't help us much. The sweatband is blank and modern, so it's possible that it's a replacement. Does Hatco now use blank sweats on its Dobbs line?

The Union tag behind the size label (which is dual sized 7 1/4, 58) is for the Amalgamated Clothing & Textile Workers Union (founded in 1976 and merged with another Union in 1996). Again, it's possible that this tag belongs with the replaced sweat.

Most likely, though, is that it's a hat from the 80s. That's the vibe it gives me.

You're spot on with the age. I'm positive that's the original sweatband, but I'm not sure why it isn't stamped "Dobbs" in gold, as the hats I've seen from Garland during the era are stamped.

Just for comparison, I went and looked at my Stetson that I purchased new in late 1983 or early 1984 (my first new fedora!), and it still has the UHCMW International union label on the size tag. The UHCMW merged with the Amalgamated Clothing & Textile Workers Union sometime in 1983, so mine's from earlier in 1983, before the merger. Yours, then, is post-merger, after 1983. Narrowed down to less than a decade!

Nice-looking Dobbs, Mr. Tutt!

Brad

 

[Ephraim Tutt]

Many thanks for that Brad. I agree with all you've said. I still can't figure out why the sweat is blank. Most makers will supply blank replacement parts if asked (as Akubra do), but for some reason Dobbs seems to have released this hat with a blank sweatband. Maybe their stamper was in for repairs that day!

 

[rlk]

Heather Mix of blue and green felts with green ribbon. 2" overwelt brim with Derby-style flanging, 6" open crown. Hat is incredibly dirty and somewhat missshapen and no clue as to original crease if any. Many dirt lines and dirt circle at top of crown. Interior of crown photo is closest to the correct color. Early Dobbs stamp and taped sweatband seam. I'll revisit after cleaning.

After cleaning:

 

[billysmom]

After cleaning:

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

(Optimo, I presume?)

Sue

 

[kiltie]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Handsome hat! Looks very substancial. Good eye for the proverbial "inner beauty".

 

[rlk]

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

(Optimo, I presume?)

Sue

Thanks, Sue. Another Optimo transformation. I was a bit worried when I received the crushed filthy mess described "The hat is in bran new condition and it has never been worn" by the seller.

 

[theinterchange]

Dobbs 5th Ave. Straw

I'm going to be listing this hat on eBay in the next few days, and was wondering if anyone could give me some idea as to the age of this hat?

The sweatband has what I assume is a store name stamped in it, but it's mostly worn off. Goudchaux's is what it looks like to me.

It's labeled as a 7 1/4 but fits much smaller, so it's gotta go.

Anyone have an idea it's age? Thanks in advance!

Randy

 

[rlk]

mid-50's Chocolate Dobbs

2-1/4" Guild Edge. The moths nibbled the underside but left the top alone. Accordion type leather sweatband is fine and true to size.

 

[amynbebes]

I came across a gorgeous Dobbs 20 derby in my parent's attic the other day. It's absolute perfection on the outside and just shows a bit of wear on the label on the satin(?) inner liner. My parents have no clue where it came from and think they must have gotten it an an auction. I'll have to take a pic of it this week

 

[jimmy the lid]

After cleaning:

Very nice, rlk. Love the heather mix felt. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

Cheers,
JtL

 

[Brad Bowers]

I came across a gorgeous Dobbs 20 derby in my parent's attic the other day. It's absolute perfection on the outside and just shows a bit of wear on the label on the satin(?) inner liner. My parents have no clue where it came from and think they must have gotten it an an auction. I'll have to take a pic of it this week

Looking forward to seeing it!

Brad

 

[Marc-Ange Draco]

I have just noticed that my newly acquired Dobbs Fifteen has "made in Italy under license" stamped under the Dobbs logo, a search was fruitless (but that could be me), is there a consensus about the made in Italy varieties?

 

[Brad Bowers]

I have just noticed that my newly acquired Dobbs Fifteen has "made in Italy under license" stamped under the Dobbs logo, a search was fruitless (but that could be me), is there a consensus about the made in Italy varieties?

No consensus yet, as this is the first one to turn up. You'll have to be the judge.

We've seen Dobbs hats made under license in Canada, and also West Germany. So who had the license in Italy?

Brad

 

[Marc-Ange Draco]

I am vastly under qualified to judge the quality since this is my first older hat.

I did wear the hat for Christmas day though and it looked wonderful and performed great so i guess that is all that matters

It would be fantastic to find out more about it of course...

 

[Wolfen]

Picked up these 2 Dobbs hats on the bay recently.
First one was listed as a "Baskin" and I have no idea when it is from. It is a taupe colour with black ribbon. It is in great condition, if slightly dusty. It is the firmest fedora I own and I was surprised by how stiff it is. As you can see in the pics, the sweatband is pretty beat up. It leaves little black pieces stuck to my forehead.