What hat are you waiting for today?

[belfastboy]

Interesting to think one can be tossed out of the lounge for mentioning me. Does that mean I should have been tossed out of the lounge myself? The hat in question is one from very early on in my hat making career (8 years ago probably). I also don't have great expectations for my hats from this time. Those ri&co sweatbands I used back then were awfully thin.

It is an inside joke to long standing members here in the Lounge. Post made with a large tongue in cheek as the Nick Fouquette style of distressing of hats has never found much of an audience here.

 

[Paul Ventress-Hatter]

It is an inside joke to long standing members here in the Lounge. Post made with a large tongue in cheek as the Nick Fouquette style of distressing of hats has never found much of an audience here.

I understand that and while I'm not a fan of nick or his style, and many other that seem to think a spray can is an alternative to skill, I know many others will see what I do in a similar light.
I see distressing hats as an extension to the craft, not as an alternative to taking years in perfecting the skills in making a solid hat. Not everyone is going to like it and I make plenty of clean finish, sharp looking hats. I enjoyed making both but I I've always had a very keen interest in making hats that have some drama to them but I'm a firm believer that underneath the distressing, there needs to be a well constructed hat that will outlive it's wearer. Sadly there is a whole new wave of people calling them selves hat makers getting a lot of attention online that haven't got a clue on how to actually make a hat and rely on fire and spray paint to get attention, but there a handful of hatmakers that are dedicated to the craft and age old methods that just enjoy adding a bit of drama and distressing to classic shapes.

 

[Paul Ventress-Hatter]

Welcome to The Fedora Lounge!!!!
I hope you have a long and enjoyable stay!

Thanks, I've actually been a member for 6 years already, I've just been silent.

 

[belfastboy]

I understand that and while I'm not a fan of nick or his style, and many other that seem to think a spray can is an alternative to skill, I know many others will see what I do in a similar light.
I see distressing hats as an extension to the craft, not as an alternative to taking years in perfecting the skills in making a solid hat. Not everyone is going to like it and I make plenty of clean finish, sharp looking hats. I enjoyed making both but I I've always had a very keen interest in making hats that have some drama to them but I'm a firm believer that underneath the distressing, there needs to be a well constructed hat that will outlive it's wearer. Sadly there is a whole new wave of people calling them selves hat makers getting a lot of attention online that haven't got a clue on how to actually make a hat and rely on fire and spray paint to get attention, but there a handful of hatmakers that are dedicated to the craft and age old methods that just enjoy adding a bit of drama and distressing to classic shapes.

I fully agree. The style of distressed or dramatic hat treatments has never found much of a following here in the Lounge. I think largely as it is 'The Fedora Lounge' and many of the long time members are afficionados & collectors of classic fedora stylings not the more contemporary/fashionable BoHo stylings. Not good, not bad, just the way it is. But on the bright side....in spite of my perspective I did buy one of your hats!!

 

[Paul Ventress-Hatter]

I fully agree. The style of distressed or dramatic hat treatments has never found much of a following here in the Lounge. I think largely as it is 'The Fedora Lounge' and many of the long time members are afficionados & collectors of classic fedora stylings not the more contemporary/fashionable BoHo stylings. Not good, not bad, just the way it is. But on the bright side....in spite of my perspective I did buy one of your hats!!

I fully respect that and that's how it should be, people can and should protect what they love and appreciate. Classic hats are beautiful things but there was a day when the fedora was a wild, outrageous hat for youngsters when the previous generation were still in their derbys and toppers.
I have big respect for all skilled hat makers and collectors of hats old and new. We all love hats which sadly most people don't care for these days.

 

[BobHufford]

Wooing Lady Hat Luck …

 

[deadlyhandsome]

 

[BobHufford]

 

[deadlyhandsome]

 

[MikeinRome]

Just now bought this Stetson Medalist which apparently dates to the very late 1930's. Brad Bowers says the first use by Stetson of the term Stetson Medalist was in June 1938. Since this hat has the old 3 panel mfg tag, it appears this has to be one of the earliest hats using that term. Some idiot ran the crown of the hat through a sewing machine to stitch the liner to the hat, and the stitches go all around the exterior of the crown. For the sake of Stetson hat history, I'm going to try to resurrect this poor hat. Also looks like the original sweatband is missing.

 

[MikeinRome]

I also just bought this late 1930's Stetson Medalist straw (Panama or Milan?) for Stetson history's sake. It's Lot Number 7634 dates it to 1938 or 1939.

 

[BobHufford]

Some idiot ran the crown of the hat through a sewing machine to stitch the liner to the hat

If only they knew about Velcro at the time. Good on you for saving such a cool hat!

 

[MikeinRome]

Just bought 2 hats today on eBay. The first is a Pilgrim Westerner, just because I like the contrasting ribbon and there's no plastic on the liner, so maybe it's a little older. Plus it was only $15.

 

[MikeinRome]

Second is a Stetson that was sitting inconspicuously on eBay but looks like a pretty nice hat from about the 1930's. There's no liner, so I don't know what the Quality level or model is. The color isn't tan, but gray like the last 3 pics.

 

[BobHufford]

Second is a Stetson that was sitting inconspicuously on eBay but looks like a pretty nice hat from about the 1930's. There's no liner, so I don't know what the Quality level or model is. The color isn't tan, but gray like the last 3 pics.

Good get! This is the same logo of one (that got away) that I posted in the Dating Vintage Stetsons by Liner thread. Curious to see what you find behind that sweat.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/thr...iner-a-field-guide.32679/page-35#post-3081516

 

[Just Daniel]

Great catch! With the 1938 first use in commerce date, post the sweatband lot number over on Alan’s thread. It’s a great marker.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/stetson-intellectual-property-data.101506/page-2

I also just bought this late 1930's Stetson Medalist straw (Panama or Milan?) for Stetson history's sake. It's Lot Number 7634 dates it to 1938 or 1939.

 

[MikeinRome]

Great catch! With the 1938 first use in commerce date, post the sweatband lot number over on Alan’s thread. It’s a great marker.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/stetson-intellectual-property-data.101506/pa

Great catch! With the 1938 first use in commerce date, post the sweatband lot number over on Alan’s thread. It’s a great marker.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/stetson-intellectual-property-data.101506/page-2

Thanks, good idea.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

 

[Mighty44]

View attachment 599186 View attachment 599187 View attachment 599188 View attachment 599189 View attachment 599190

The bee’s knees! Hoping that’s your size?

 

[deadlyhandsome]

A couple Borsalinos, one to be sold and one that might be a project hat if the felt is decent.