Winchester Hat Corporation -- Making the Felt

[deadlyhandsome]

Deadly,
Blue smoke, Dove, and Oxblood were proprietary to me at first but now any hatter can have these dyed for them , however, they have to follow the rules I have to follow, 36 hat bodies minimum of the color. This leaves out many who aren't willing or unable to invest that much on a bet. There is no longer a "propriety" color as when I started doing my own colors, the other hatters complained that they couldn't do it and thought it was unfair. Winchester bent to their complaints, and I don't blame them. The phones were full of "unfair competition" complaints. I actually had one hatter call them and said he was my "partner" and was entitled to my colors. I know this because they called me while he was on the phone with his lies.
Interesting business, eh?

People being people. I like to think that hatters would be better, but I’m not surprised. It’s also big of you to not blame Winchester; if I had come up with the colors I would not be so generous.

Is the minimum order requirement just for those three colors?


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[Moviehats]

Not exhaustive, but this may also be helpful?

This hat company changed the names of the colors of some of these. Winchester might not know the color by some of these names.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Not mine, but I thought these belong here:

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[ChicagoWayVito]

Just received a letter today that Mr. Greg Fiske of Winchester Hat Corporation is retiring after 41 years in the hat business. Says, "...as of April 1st, 2019, I will no longer be the manager here..."

Kind of awesome that his retirement date is also April Fools Day. Anyway, Greg will be missed by those of us who have ordered from Winchester. Letter ends with a pretty good saying: "Old body makers don't quit, they just 'felt' away."

 

[Mustang Mike's Hats]

I was happy for Greg and Ruth, but it is a bit bittersweet as I have had some great conversations with Greg and will miss his humor, his willingness to assist, and his sage advise.

(Never noticed that date though)

 

[Art Fawcett]

I'm also happy for them Mike, having visited many times and gotten to know both Greg and Ruth , I think their new chapter will be a good one. Both are quality people.

 

[mayserwegener]

Side note. Back in October I saw some of Winchester's machines being refurbished at Bahner Hat Machines (Germany).