The School of Hard Knox

[Landman]

Thanks for the information, Brad and Alan. Should I try to preserve the liner, or just put in a new one?

I had an older liner cleaned by my local dry cleaners. I was amazed at how good it looked after they finished with it. This was a small dry cleaners and the owner cleaned it himself. He told me he treated it like he would have treated a fancy silk scarf. Might be worth a try if you can find a small shop that will pay special attention to it.

 

[Denton]

Just scored my first Knox. A Knox Premier. It needs some work, so I plan on it being sent out to BSHW for a refurb. Any thoughts on manufacture date???

Very nice Knox, Harv! To my eye, that brim doesn't want to be snapped down. Have you tried wearing it upbrim?

 

[Brad Bowers]

It wasn't meant to be snapped, as it's a homburg, but it looks like much of the curl has been flattened at some point in its life.

Brad

 

[1mach1]

It wasn't meant to be snapped, as it's a homburg, but it looks like much of the curl has been flattened at some point in its life.

Brad

Thanks for the input guys! I agree. It is a homburg, that at some point, was tried to be worn as a fedora. It actually works OK either way. Up brim, or down brim. The felt seems very nice on this one as well.

 

[DOGMAN]

Here is a yard sale find.My first Homburg,don't have any idea how old it is.But I think it's pretty old.

 

[1mach1]

Looks like it is in great shape, Dogman. Sweet score!

 

[DOGMAN]

Thanks,1mach1.It is in pretty good shape other than the sweatband being loose in a couple of spots.

 

[hatsRme]

Sweet find, Dogman!!

 

[DOGMAN]

Thanks,hatsRme.I think it's cool that it is from Akron,being that I grew up in the Akron area.

 

[Rogera]

I picked up this hat this morning while out in the antique stores. I don't think this hat has ever been creased. I don't know if it has a liner at one point. I don't see any left over thread in it or any thing. The felt is very light weight. 50's?

 

[Brad Bowers]

Great find! Usually they have a tip sticker if they don't have a liner, but since it looks relatively unworn, who knows what the story is? In any case, that's a 1940s factory label, so it's older than you thought.

It looks like there are crease lines on the front. Was that from your creasing?

Brad

 

[Rogera]

Thanks Brad. Now that I look it looks like there are some light crease lines on the front that I can see from the camera image. Looking at the hat in person I can't really see them. It if was creased I don't think it was ever set into the felt. At any rate the thing is in great condition except for the missing liner. I figured there would either be a tip sticker or a stamp of some sort for branding. I am glad to see it is 40's. Thats my first 40's lid. So far I have some great lids but they are all late 50's or early 60's.

 

[TheDane]

Just picked up this Knox Superfine Homburg at the post office (from Etsy):



Since the block depth can be found on the production label, I guess it's from the 50s. Brad can probably tell more(?)

It needs a little steam and brushing, and the ribbon also needs a little tightening and TLC. Then I'm sure it'll get quite some headtime. Inspite of the blueish hue, it's black with a dark Burgundy brim binding.

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

Ole nice one. Good for stepping out.

 

[Brad Bowers]

It has a '40s factory label, Ole. Very nice Knox! :eusa_clap

Brad

 

[mayserwegener]

Fantastic!

 

[TheDane]

Thanks to you all guys - not least Brad, who was able to look through the Botox and make it 10 years older. Seller wrote "50s - 60s" (not showing the label), but I thought it looked to the older side. Anyway, the binding got me, so the age is just a (very) nice bonus

 

[mayserwegener]

Ole, If you find time please post it in the Homburg Nation thread.

 

[TheDane]

I will, Steve. I have given it the first steaming/brushing, but I still need to give it a little care. Inside it's in fantastic shape - both liner and leather. It has been stored/shipped in a Churchill box with little "shoulder-room", so the right side of the brim had a little too much "roll". The first steaming took the most out, but it should look it's best, going to the photographer. I like it better and better, the more I get to know the fella

 

[1mach1]

That's a beauty, Ole. Nice find!