Pre 1940s dress hats

[alanfgag]

That's crazy good. It looks like crocodile. Love the big floppy bow too. Great hat, Josh!

 

[mayserwegener]

Josh, Super find! I really enjoy seeing these very old + rare / unique hats!

 

[Joshbru3]

Fantastic, Josh! :eusa_clap

Very interesting straw hat. I've never seen detail like that on the crown.

That's crazy good. It looks like crocodile. Love the big floppy bow too. Great hat, Josh!

Josh, Super find! I really enjoy seeing these very old + rare / unique hats!

Thanks, Gentlemen!!! Even though this hat wouldn't fit me since I was about 8 years old, I had to have it. I always look through the old American Hatter magazines and I always ask myself, what ever happened to those early straw hats. When I saw this on ebay, I knew exactly what it was. I have to say, the straw is not dry at all. Someone had cut part of the lighter brim binding off which was bound in light straw to contrast the darker reddish straw. Besides that, the actual straw is in fantastic condition. The brim actually snaps like a Milan hat and its not dry at all. I've had 1950's Straw hats that were as dry as a bone and cracking, but this hat is still pliable and soft. [huh]

 

[delectans]

Burkhardt Bros. Co. HartLee Derby

A well worn derby from Burkhardt Bros. Co. of Cincinnati, Ohio. Un-tapered sides with a gently rounded crown. Very substantial and stiff felt, with a thick leather sweatband taped at the rear. Possibly refurbished at one time based upon the liner having re-applied monogram letters and the sweatband having what appears to be old stitching reinforced by adhesive. Ostensibly size 7-1/2, it is unfortunately slightly too narrow for me to wear properly or comfortably.


Crown: 5-1/2".
Ribbon: 1-1/4".
Brim: 2-1/8".
Sweatband: 2".

 

[Mario]

1930's (or not) Melton Ten

Medium tan felt with a dark brown ribbon. The sweatband is unreeded.

Brim: 2 1/8"
Crown: 4 1/2" (as creased)/ 5 1/2" (open)
Ribbon: 1 5/8"

Joseph Horne Co. Men's Store, ca. 1920's (the big building on the left)

​

 

[Neophyte]

Whew, Mario! That hat is looking good!

 

[alanfgag]

Very nice! I love how the felt supports your crisp diamond crease.

 

[carouselvic]

30's ? I don't see it, but a nice hat.

 

[rlk]

30's ? I don't see it, but a nice hat.

Great hat, but I've only seen that overstitched cord type of sweat on c. 40's hats--same for liner(into early 50's also)

 

[Mario]

Oh, 1930's was just an assumption on my part. I have no hard evidence for the hat really being from the 30's apart from the general look of it and the unreeded sweat. It's actually the first Mellon I have come across in person. I'd have estimated it to be made in the late 30's, possiblyearly 40's. Anyone here with photos of Meltons from the 30's and 40's/50's to compare them?

 

[Joshbru3]

1930's Pennys Marathon Homburg

This Marathon is really interesting. It has the original basting stitches on the ribbon and a very unique sweatband. I believe Robert posted a hat recently with the same sweatband.

Original auction photos:

After some steaming and brushing:

 

[Joshbru3]

1930's Pennys Marathon Homburg (cont...)

 

[Joshbru3]

Late 1890's/Early 1900's Champion Hat Derby (Keith Brothers & Co) (Chicago)

Here's an advertisement for Keith Brothers & Co (1898) which shows the "Champion" logo if you look close. Out of all the American Hatter publications, there is only several mentions of this brand and only 1898 had any actual advertisements. I do have a couple more besides this one.

 

[Garrett]

Great find, Josh :eusa_clap

One rarely comes across those wide-swooping early derbies

 

[mayserwegener]

Elegant & Leger German (Brandenburg?) Back Bow Velour. The Velour is thick & plush with a wide over welt. There is no paper label or company marks but possible this one is from around WWI.

 

[mayserwegener]

Great find, Josh :eusa_clap

One rarely comes across those wide-swooping early derbies

Here is another early one out of Saxony.

 

[alanfgag]

Wonderful finds Steve. The imprints, marks and even the handwriting in these early hats is so fascinating. You have to wonder which came first on that bowler, stitching down the bow or curling the brim?

 

[mayserwegener]

The Bowler (Melone) also has a stitched liner which is unusual for a stiff hat. It's probably the finest made hat in my collection.

 

[randooch]

Here is another early one out of Saxony.

Beyond dashing.

 

[Matt Deckard]

So what's the highest crown you guys have found on your pre war dress hats?