The Dobbs Diner...

[crawlinkingsnake]

My first post here on the actual lounge. Though I have been on the FB page for some time.

This Dobbs is the first of a two'fer of black hats that arrived today. I was more focused on the Cavanagh that came with it when I made the purchase. However after arrival and getting them cleaned up a bit... it appears this one is quite a gem. The brim is about 2 1/4 with a Guild Edge (Cavanagh) the open crown is about 5 1/4 or 4 3/4 as now shaped and sports a 2 1/4 black ribbon The felt is super smooth and took a hand crease with ease. The tag inside was not one I've seen before. It had the specs and $15 pricing on it.

Anyone have any thoughts on age?

I can already tell this one is going to be a favorite for me.

Best,
Joe


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From one Dobbs lover to another, congrats Blare! Wish I could tell you a date, but I'm not the one to ask. I do know this one is a favorite of mine. Found in a closet once belonging to my great-grandfather. He too loved a Dobbs and I never remember seeing him without one. Probably the last one he ever purchased around 1960 or so.




As well as an old Boater recently discovered in an antique shop. Purchased for $5!

 

[Blare]

From one Dobbs lover to another, congrats Blare! Wish I could tell you a date, but I'm not the one to ask. I do know this one is a favorite of mine. Found in a closet once belonging to my great-grandfather. He too loved a Dobbs and I never remember seeing him without one. Probably the last one he ever purchased around 1960 or so.

View attachment 190088


As well as an old Boater recently discovered in an antique shop. Purchased for $5!

View attachment 190089 View attachment 190090

What a treasure of a memory to keep of your great grandfather

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[crawlinkingsnake]

What a treasure of a memory to keep of your great grandfather

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Thanks Blare and you're right, it is quite the memory. Until recently, was in a summer favorite; a Dobbs Toledo purchased in 2005.


While helping Little Milton pick out a tune in Memphis

 

[Blare]

Thanks Ray.. was looking at that earlier. Seems the only tag I found inside was this one.

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I dug in a bit further and found the manufacturer tag. Looks like another clue pointing to 50s

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[TheOldFashioned]

A fortuitous find this past weekend, a 1940s Dobbs Twenty:

Specs:

2-3/4" Brim
5-1/2" Crown (open, though I measured closer to 5-3/4")
3/8" Ribbon (a little shy)
1/8" Binding (symmetric)
4.0oz Weight
​

Based on looking through this thread it looks to possibly be the Westward model, though it's not indicated as such on the hat itself. Wonderful, thin felt that takes a dry crease easily. Quickly threw in both a cattleman and a teardrop with little effort. If this hat was creased before there is no memory, so it's like working with a blank slate.

Too big for my head at 7-1/2, so this will likely end up in the Classifieds soon. Stay tuned!

 

[Steve1857]

A fortuitous find this past weekend, a 1940s Dobbs Twenty:
View attachment 193824 View attachment 193825 View attachment 193826 View attachment 193827
Specs:

2-3/4" Brim
5-1/2" Crown (open, though I measured closer to 5-3/4")
3/8" Ribbon (a little shy)
1/8" Binding (symmetric)
4.0oz Weight
​

Based on looking through this thread it looks to possibly be the Westward model, though it's not indicated as such on the hat itself. Wonderful, thin felt that takes a dry crease easily. Quickly threw in both a cattleman and a teardrop with little effort. If this hat was creased before there is no memory, so it's like working with a blank slate.

Too big for my head at 7-1/2, so this will likely end up in the Classifieds soon. Stay tuned!

Nice find, Jonathan. Pity it's not your size, or mine.

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[Steve1857]

From one Dobbs lover to another, congrats Blare! Wish I could tell you a date, but I'm not the one to ask. I do know this one is a favorite of mine. Found in a closet once belonging to my great-grandfather. He too loved a Dobbs and I never remember seeing him without one. Probably the last one he ever purchased around 1960 or so.

View attachment 190088


As well as an old Boater recently discovered in an antique shop. Purchased for $5!

View attachment 190089 View attachment 190090

Great Dobbs Fedora and box. Jaw drop Boater for 5 bucks.

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[deadlyhandsome]

A fortuitous find this past weekend, a 1940s Dobbs Twenty:
View attachment 193824 View attachment 193825 View attachment 193826 View attachment 193827
Specs:

2-3/4" Brim
5-1/2" Crown (open, though I measured closer to 5-3/4")
3/8" Ribbon (a little shy)
1/8" Binding (symmetric)
4.0oz Weight
​

Based on looking through this thread it looks to possibly be the Westward model, though it's not indicated as such on the hat itself. Wonderful, thin felt that takes a dry crease easily. Quickly threw in both a cattleman and a teardrop with little effort. If this hat was creased before there is no memory, so it's like working with a blank slate.

Too big for my head at 7-1/2, so this will likely end up in the Classifieds soon. Stay tuned!

I sure wish it was a size or two bigger.
Beauty of a hat!


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[drmaxtejeda]

I have one Rancher Thirty. It looks more Western. Besides, it says "Rancher"

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[AbbaDatDeHat]

A fortuitous find this past weekend, a 1940s Dobbs Twenty:
View attachment 193824 View attachment 193825 View attachment 193826 View attachment 193827
Specs:

2-3/4" Brim
5-1/2" Crown (open, though I measured closer to 5-3/4")
3/8" Ribbon (a little shy)
1/8" Binding (symmetric)
4.0oz Weight
​

Based on looking through this thread it looks to possibly be the Westward model, though it's not indicated as such on the hat itself. Wonderful, thin felt that takes a dry crease easily. Quickly threw in both a cattleman and a teardrop with little effort. If this hat was creased before there is no memory, so it's like working with a blank slate.

Too big for my head at 7-1/2, so this will likely end up in the Classifieds soon. Stay tuned!

Super hat J and very old. Absolutely love the ribbon color contrast.
I think it’s more a Dobbs take on an OR with the thin ribbon and brim binding. I think their Rancher is a raw edge. Well, at least my Rancher 25 is.
Very cool hat and wonderful felt.
B

 

[TheOldFashioned]

Nice find, Jonathan. Pity it's not your size, or mine.

Thanks, Steve. Unfortunately that has been the case with the last several hats I've found in the wild, but I'm working on finding them good homes.

I sure wish it was a size or two bigger.
Beauty of a hat!

Thanks, Brent, though I'll have to respectfully disagree and wish it was a size or two smaller.

Super hat J and very old. Absolutely love the ribbon color contrast.
I think it’s more a Dobbs take on an OR with the thin ribbon and brim binding. I think their Rancher is a raw edge. Well, at least my Rancher 25 is.
Very cool hat and wonderful felt.
B

Thanks, B. This one was taken out of the freezer and replaced with possibly an older hat. You'll have to check back in a couple days because this next one is a bit of a stumper.

I think the angle of the autumn light is playing a little bit of a trick above. I just got up and checked with some artificial light, and while there definitely is a contrast it's not as pronounced. Then again it's not really fair to compare artificial to natural light. But yes, fantastic felt on this one.

 

[TheOldFashioned]

A mystery Dobbs:


(Seller's pic for reference)

Specs:

2-3/4" Brim (just shy)
5-3/4" Crown
1-11/16" Ribbon
3.4oz Weight
​

So quite a few interesting details about this one. First, the factory tag appears to be one of the 1930s variants. The roundel tip sticker was a design used in the early 40s. The sweat does not have any Dobbs debossment, just a retail store and the word "TRUSIZE." Oddly enough this sweat does not feature the Trusize technology, which consisted of a string under the reed tape allowing for adjustable fit. There is no string and the sweat is non-reeded. Finally, and fittingly, note the "FACTORY STORE" stamp, which would seem to indicate this hat was a second/reject.

If all that wasn't enough, this hat has some serious flange action going on. It also sported a tight pinch in its previous life, so the crease options are somewhat limited. These pictures are after some steam and reshaping, but obviously it's still a work in progress. Considering the characteristics of the hat it was only appropriate to post pics of it in an unfinished state.

The felt itself has a wonderful hand and is somewhat lightweight. It also possess a slight blue undertone, which due to today's overcast skies was difficult to capture. When placed next to a couple other hats of varying shades of true grey it is easier to notice the blue hue on this hat. It definitely has potential to be a great (warmer weather) hat.

All in all a unique find. I only found one other example in this thread with the same stamp. Sometimes the odd ones are the most interesting ones.

 

[Blare]

Dobbs Gay Prince

A few weeks ago I got the opportunity to own one of these unique hats at a great price because its whip-stitch brim was starting to unravel.

I finally got around to replacing the whip-stitching on the brim. The thread I found that matched closest in color was a quilting thread that was a bit of a thicker braid than the original and after some consideration I decided to forgo the double thread that was used originally and just go with a single thread for the stitching. The double thread actually looked very nice.... but it was just a bit “too much” in my opinion. The photos with the late afternoon sun make the new thread appear a bit more copper than the original.. but to me in person the color is a lot closer.

It is now ready for its entry into the Dobbs Diner

Before it’s arrival.. I did not know anything about this line of Dobbs hats other than seeing some photos of the online so I was not sure what to expect.

Holy moly. When I opened the box and put my hands on this beauty I was stunned at how thin and light and soft this hat is. I’ve held some fairly nice hats. But nothing has come close to the way this felt feels in your hands. Velvety smooth and molds so easily.

The brim is about 2 3/4 with a gold whip stitch trim and has a matching 3/4” felt hat band with whip stitch trim as well. The somewhat rakish Crown currently sits at about 4 3/4 in front and about 4 in the back. This hat is size 6 7/8.

Outside of the unraveled stitching on the brim which has now been replaced and some foxing on the liner... which I think gives it some character.... The felt looks great.. I don’t see any significant moth bites and the sweat is very clean and soft.

The manufacturer tag and some other details have me thinking later 40’s on this one... though I’m sure others are better experts on dating.

After a good brushing which expelled a huge cloud of dust and the trim replacement. I’m very happy with this one and I will definitely enjoy wearing it.

And for now.... I will keep the floofy poofy chicken feather

Best,
Joe



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[Switchy]

That’s a fine looking Gay Prince. I recently got ahold of a Resistol that could pass as it’s identical twin. I love the look of this style, and would like to have more than just one for myself.

 

[M Hatman]

Dobbs Gay Prince

A few weeks ago I got the opportunity to own one of these unique hats at a great price because its whip-stitch brim was starting to unravel.

I finally got around to replacing the whip-stitching on the brim. The thread I found that matched closest in color was a quilting thread that was a bit of a thicker braid than the original and after some consideration I decided to forgo the double thread that was used originally and just go with a single thread for the stitching. The double thread actually looked very nice.... but it was just a bit “too much” in my opinion. The photos with the late afternoon sun make the new thread appear a bit more copper than the original.. but to me in person the color is a lot closer.

It is now ready for its entry into the Dobbs Diner

Before it’s arrival.. I did not know anything about this line of Dobbs hats other than seeing some photos of the online so I was not sure what to expect.

Holy moly. When I opened the box and put my hands on this beauty I was stunned at how thin and light and soft this hat is. I’ve held some fairly nice hats. But nothing has come close to the way this felt feels in your hands. Velvety smooth and molds so easily.

The brim is about 2 3/4 with a gold whip stitch trim and has a matching 3/4” felt hat band with whip stitch trim as well. The somewhat rakish Crown currently sits at about 4 3/4 in front and about 4 in the back. This hat is size 6 7/8.

Outside of the unraveled stitching on the brim which has now been replaced and some foxing on the liner... which I think gives it some character.... The felt looks great.. I don’t see any significant moth bites and the sweat is very clean and soft.

The manufacturer tag and some other details have me thinking later 40’s on this one... though I’m sure others are better experts on dating.

After a good brushing which expelled a huge cloud of dust and the trim replacement. I’m very happy with this one and I will definitely enjoy wearing it.

And for now.... I will keep the floofy poofy chicken feather

Best,
Joe



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LOOKS GREAT!!!!!! Nice Job fixing it up and getting it back in service!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Blare]

LOOKS GREAT!!!!!! Nice Job fixing it up and getting it back in service!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you sir! I will enjoy it.

Best,
Joe


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[Frunobulax]

Great job on the stitching.

 

[Steve1857]

Dobbs Gay Prince

A few weeks ago I got the opportunity to own one of these unique hats at a great price because its whip-stitch brim was starting to unravel.

I finally got around to replacing the whip-stitching on the brim. The thread I found that matched closest in color was a quilting thread that was a bit of a thicker braid than the original and after some consideration I decided to forgo the double thread that was used originally and just go with a single thread for the stitching. The double thread actually looked very nice.... but it was just a bit “too much” in my opinion. The photos with the late afternoon sun make the new thread appear a bit more copper than the original.. but to me in person the color is a lot closer.

It is now ready for its entry into the Dobbs Diner

Before it’s arrival.. I did not know anything about this line of Dobbs hats other than seeing some photos of the online so I was not sure what to expect.

Holy moly. When I opened the box and put my hands on this beauty I was stunned at how thin and light and soft this hat is. I’ve held some fairly nice hats. But nothing has come close to the way this felt feels in your hands. Velvety smooth and molds so easily.

The brim is about 2 3/4 with a gold whip stitch trim and has a matching 3/4” felt hat band with whip stitch trim as well. The somewhat rakish Crown currently sits at about 4 3/4 in front and about 4 in the back. This hat is size 6 7/8.

Outside of the unraveled stitching on the brim which has now been replaced and some foxing on the liner... which I think gives it some character.... The felt looks great.. I don’t see any significant moth bites and the sweat is very clean and soft.

The manufacturer tag and some other details have me thinking later 40’s on this one... though I’m sure others are better experts on dating.

After a good brushing which expelled a huge cloud of dust and the trim replacement. I’m very happy with this one and I will definitely enjoy wearing it.

And for now.... I will keep the floofy poofy chicken feather

Best,
Joe



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A really good job on the brim stitching, Joe. It makes that very nice looking Dobbs Gay Prince stand out.

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[Steve1857]

A mystery Dobbs:
View attachment 194228 View attachment 194229 View attachment 194230 View attachment 194232

(Seller's pic for reference)
View attachment 194231
Specs:

2-3/4" Brim (just shy)
5-3/4" Crown
1-11/16" Ribbon
3.4oz Weight
​

So quite a few interesting details about this one. First, the factory tag appears to be one of the 1930s variants. The roundel tip sticker was a design used in the early 40s. The sweat does not have any Dobbs debossment, just a retail store and the word "TRUSIZE." Oddly enough this sweat does not feature the Trusize technology, which consisted of a string under the reed tape allowing for adjustable fit. There is no string and the sweat is non-reeded. Finally, and fittingly, note the "FACTORY STORE" stamp, which would seem to indicate this hat was a second/reject.

If all that wasn't enough, this hat has some serious flange action going on. It also sported a tight pinch in its previous life, so the crease options are somewhat limited. These pictures are after some steam and reshaping, but obviously it's still a work in progress. Considering the characteristics of the hat it was only appropriate to post pics of it in an unfinished state.

The felt itself has a wonderful hand and is somewhat lightweight. It also possess a slight blue undertone, which due to today's overcast skies was difficult to capture. When placed next to a couple other hats of varying shades of true grey it is easier to notice the blue hue on this hat. It definitely has potential to be a great (warmer weather) hat.

All in all a unique find. I only found one other example in this thread with the same stamp. Sometimes the odd ones are the most interesting ones.

That's a great looking film noir Dobbs, Jonathan. The serious crease just adds to its film noirishness mystery. Nice find.

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[Blare]

A really good job on the brim stitching, Joe. It makes that very nice looking Dobbs Gay Prince stand out.

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Thanks Steve. I appreciate that.

Best,
Joe


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