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What Hat Are You Wearing Today ?

Messages
19,408
Location
Funkytown, USA
Gonna have to get a good safe cracker.

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I know a guy...
 

Randall Renshaw

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,082
Location
Nahunta, Ga.
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Here’s a new hat I made from an old “jobber” western hat from Shudde Bros. It was a size 7 1/8 in bad shape and was near death, but instead got a new lease on life. Has a cavanagh edge and well made fur felt.
Not perfect, but looks good despite felt stains and imperfections that wouldn’t come out. I figure to just call it, character.
I gassed this one for 2 1/2 days, but it did nothing. Very disappointed. Was expecting the naphtha to do magical things, but for me, on two hats, it did nothing. Don’t know what I’m doing wrong, if I am.
Dish soap got the stains out, but after adding bickmore stiffener it discolored the front crown area with splotches.
Never had that happen before. Oh well. Adds more character?
It Shaped and proportioned well. I lost an 1/8 inch of brim width to end up with 2 3/4. I love this hat and the vintage ribbon color I found on Etsy. Kind of a peach/gold/tan.
Was going to dye it a copper color, but ended up liking it as is.
I added a 40s sweat in great shape that I took out of an old 7 5/8 Stetson Gay Prince clone. The felt was completely ate up by moths. Been saving it for many years to use on the right hat. I cut the sweat to fit my 1/4 head and re-sewed the rear seam. (Sorry, Brent and other big headed FLers, but this sweatband has waited a long time for my head. :) )
Have a great week, everyone!
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Messages
11,630
View attachment 268163 Here’s a new hat I made from an old “jobber” western hat from Shudde Bros. It was a size 7 1/8 in bad shape and was near death, but instead got a new lease on life. Has a cavanagh edge and well made fur felt.
Not perfect, but looks good despite felt stains and imperfections that wouldn’t come out. I figure to just call it, character.
I gassed this one for 2 1/2 days, but it did nothing. Very disappointed. Was expecting the naphtha to do magical things, but for me, on two hats, it did nothing. Don’t know what I’m doing wrong, if I am.
Dish soap got the stains out, but after adding bickmore stiffener it discolored the front crown area with splotches.
Never had that happen before. Oh well. Adds more character?
It Shaped and proportioned well. I lost an 1/8 inch of brim width to end up with 2 3/4. I love this hat and the vintage ribbon color I found on Etsy. Kind of a peach/gold/tan.
Was going to dye it a copper color, but ended up liking it as is.
I added a 40s sweat in great shape that I took out of an old 7 5/8 Stetson Gay Prince clone. The felt was completely ate up by moths. Been saving it for many years to use on the right hat. I cut the sweat to fit my 1/4 head and re-sewed the rear seam. (Sorry, Brent and other big headed FLers, but this sweatband has waited a long time for my head. :) )
Have a great week, everyone! View attachment 268164 View attachment 268165 View attachment 268166 View attachment 268167 View attachment 268168
Looks great Randall. Nice job.
 

Rumad

One Too Many
Messages
1,536
View attachment 268163 Here’s a new hat I made from an old “jobber” western hat from Shudde Bros. It was a size 7 1/8 in bad shape and was near death, but instead got a new lease on life. Has a cavanagh edge and well made fur felt.
Not perfect, but looks good despite felt stains and imperfections that wouldn’t come out. I figure to just call it, character.
I gassed this one for 2 1/2 days, but it did nothing. Very disappointed. Was expecting the naphtha to do magical things, but for me, on two hats, it did nothing. Don’t know what I’m doing wrong, if I am.
Dish soap got the stains out, but after adding bickmore stiffener it discolored the front crown area with splotches.
Never had that happen before. Oh well. Adds more character?
It Shaped and proportioned well. I lost an 1/8 inch of brim width to end up with 2 3/4. I love this hat and the vintage ribbon color I found on Etsy. Kind of a peach/gold/tan.
Was going to dye it a copper color, but ended up liking it as is.
I added a 40s sweat in great shape that I took out of an old 7 5/8 Stetson Gay Prince clone. The felt was completely ate up by moths. Been saving it for many years to use on the right hat. I cut the sweat to fit my 1/4 head and re-sewed the rear seam. (Sorry, Brent and other big headed FLers, but this sweatband has waited a long time for my head. :) )
Have a great week, everyone! View attachment 268164 View attachment 268165 View attachment 268166 View attachment 268167 View attachment 268168
Looks good to me dude! Nicely done Randall.
 

Just A Hat Rack

Practically Family
Messages
619
Location
Buckeye Nation
View attachment 268163 Here’s a new hat I made from an old “jobber” western hat from Shudde Bros. It was a size 7 1/8 in bad shape and was near death, but instead got a new lease on life. Has a cavanagh edge and well made fur felt.
Not perfect, but looks good despite felt stains and imperfections that wouldn’t come out. I figure to just call it, character.
I gassed this one for 2 1/2 days, but it did nothing. Very disappointed. Was expecting the naphtha to do magical things, but for me, on two hats, it did nothing. Don’t know what I’m doing wrong, if I am.
Dish soap got the stains out, but after adding bickmore stiffener it discolored the front crown area with splotches.
Never had that happen before. Oh well. Adds more character?
It Shaped and proportioned well. I lost an 1/8 inch of brim width to end up with 2 3/4. I love this hat and the vintage ribbon color I found on Etsy. Kind of a peach/gold/tan.
Was going to dye it a copper color, but ended up liking it as is.
I added a 40s sweat in great shape that I took out of an old 7 5/8 Stetson Gay Prince clone. The felt was completely ate up by moths. Been saving it for many years to use on the right hat. I cut the sweat to fit my 1/4 head and re-sewed the rear seam. (Sorry, Brent and other big headed FLers, but this sweatband has waited a long time for my head. :) )
Have a great week, everyone! View attachment 268164 View attachment 268165 View attachment 268166 View attachment 268167 View attachment 268168
Looks good to me. I always enjoy seeing your work.
 

Steve1857

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,813
Location
Denmark
Nice job, Randall. Sorry to hear the hat wasn't a compliant partner in your endeavours, but I think your hard work has paid off. Love the colour of the ribbon. It compliments the hat splendidly.

View attachment 268163 Here’s a new hat I made from an old “jobber” western hat from Shudde Bros. It was a size 7 1/8 in bad shape and was near death, but instead got a new lease on life. Has a cavanagh edge and well made fur felt.
Not perfect, but looks good despite felt stains and imperfections that wouldn’t come out. I figure to just call it, character.
I gassed this one for 2 1/2 days, but it did nothing. Very disappointed. Was expecting the naphtha to do magical things, but for me, on two hats, it did nothing. Don’t know what I’m doing wrong, if I am.
Dish soap got the stains out, but after adding bickmore stiffener it discolored the front crown area with splotches.
Never had that happen before. Oh well. Adds more character?
It Shaped and proportioned well. I lost an 1/8 inch of brim width to end up with 2 3/4. I love this hat and the vintage ribbon color I found on Etsy. Kind of a peach/gold/tan.
Was going to dye it a copper color, but ended up liking it as is.
I added a 40s sweat in great shape that I took out of an old 7 5/8 Stetson Gay Prince clone. The felt was completely ate up by moths. Been saving it for many years to use on the right hat. I cut the sweat to fit my 1/4 head and re-sewed the rear seam. (Sorry, Brent and other big headed FLers, but this sweatband has waited a long time for my head. :) )
Have a great week, everyone! View attachment 268164 View attachment 268165 View attachment 268166 View attachment 268167 View attachment 268168
 

DaveProc

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,114
Location
Rhode Island
View attachment 268163 Here’s a new hat I made from an old “jobber” western hat from Shudde Bros. It was a size 7 1/8 in bad shape and was near death, but instead got a new lease on life. Has a cavanagh edge and well made fur felt.
Not perfect, but looks good despite felt stains and imperfections that wouldn’t come out. I figure to just call it, character.
I gassed this one for 2 1/2 days, but it did nothing. Very disappointed. Was expecting the naphtha to do magical things, but for me, on two hats, it did nothing. Don’t know what I’m doing wrong, if I am.
Dish soap got the stains out, but after adding bickmore stiffener it discolored the front crown area with splotches.
Never had that happen before. Oh well. Adds more character?
It Shaped and proportioned well. I lost an 1/8 inch of brim width to end up with 2 3/4. I love this hat and the vintage ribbon color I found on Etsy. Kind of a peach/gold/tan.
Was going to dye it a copper color, but ended up liking it as is.
I added a 40s sweat in great shape that I took out of an old 7 5/8 Stetson Gay Prince clone. The felt was completely ate up by moths. Been saving it for many years to use on the right hat. I cut the sweat to fit my 1/4 head and re-sewed the rear seam. (Sorry, Brent and other big headed FLers, but this sweatband has waited a long time for my head. :) )
Have a great week, everyone! View attachment 268164 View attachment 268165 View attachment 268166 View attachment 268167 View attachment 268168
I think it looks great, the stains give it character!
 
Messages
15,072
Location
Buffalo, NY
Pair' a dimes... that's what a fine quality Borsalino cost on the American market when this hat was made, though I suspect this one did not cost that much and it was sold in Italy... but it does represent a paradigm to me in what a hat should be and do on my head. It is one of my first vintage hat purchases - from a former lounge member I believe who sold it on eBay. The late 1950s profile with its narrow brim, mid-ribbon and ample crown is a look I love. The felt on this feather-weight is remarkable for its razor thin profile and tight structure. Unlike some light hats, it takes a shape very well and holds it. American makers of this era were off doing something completely different with their offerings. If I had traveled to Europe at that time I would certainly be one of those who visited Salvatore Balbi's popular shop in Naples to bring home a dress hat in a little coffin box. This hat has been well worn by its previous owners, in fine shape but not pristine. I seem to remember it cost me seven dimes, with shipping included. Alas, when I stepped outside today I realized that a featheweight was not a wise choice for today's winds. Quickly switched to a basque beret for my morning walk.

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Randall Renshaw

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,082
Location
Nahunta, Ga.
Looks good to me. I always enjoy seeing your work.

Thanks a lot, brother.
I sprayed the Bickmore stiffener in the interior of the crown, but of course it seeped through to the outside. This usually isn’t a problem, but for this hat it was. Afterwards, I soaked the felt in hot soapy water, but the splotches still remained. Had to reblock and flange it.
Oh well. It’s not a deal breaker for me. I still like this hat a lot.
Thanks, goes to Brent for a hat trade deal we made. I think each of us are quite happy with the way our deal turned out.
He graciously tossed in a very nice, size 7 second hat that needed work, on the deal and soon we will all see how it turned out as well. Looking pretty good so far, and is yet another Champ that the sweatband stretched two sizes...without a single problem!
Maybe the planets are in line, or something?

Thanks again for the great compliment, Hat Rack. Sorry for not knowing your name.
 

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