Post New Hats Here!

[Brad Bowers]

I hear ya and I def. don't want to question forum wisdom but another puzzle piece you don't have. . . They married in '58 and she told me he had purchased both hats some years prior. . . on a trip to New York (John Cavanagh shop). She believes the N.Y. trip was about '52.

The Lee was not purchased at the Cavanagh shop in NYC, because the Cavanagh shop only sold...wait for it...Cavanagh hats. I don't think you said what the second hat was she gave you. As for the Lee, the styling appears more 1950s to me. That would be a really wide brim for the '60s. Just my opinion.

Brad
~The Hatted Professor

 

[Redfokker]

My Lee Jet back bow has the same type of story. The seller checked with her mother and she said it was bought on their honeymoon. That places this back bow at 1953, the first year of that model's manufacture. I did find an advert that mentions both of my back bows.

 

[M Hatman]

It was my Father-in-Laws "good" hat. Other than weddings & funerals it stayed in the original hat box on top shelf of the cedar closet

COOL RIBBON!!!!!
M

 

[JazzHat]

The Lee was not purchased at the Cavanagh shop in NYC, because the Cavanagh shop only sold...wait for it...Cavanagh hats. I don't think you said what the second hat was she gave you. As for the Lee, the styling appears more 1950s to me. That would be a really wide brim for the '60s. Just my opinion.

Brad
~The Hatted Professor

Yep, sorry Brad. . . I've been accused more than once of "too much detail!" & was going for brevity.
The primary stop was Cavanagh for a topper which is the other hat I inherited (in the orig Cav. box, both boxes have leather strap/metal buckle closures - very cool vintage stuff!) The Lee was purchased same trip from another shop. . . I don't know what shop though.

A young man back from the war, climbing the social ranks went to N.Y. to buy "Topper & Tails" white kid gloves, the whole bit. While on Park Avenue he of course availed himself of a few other accoutrements. . . hence the Lee. Niether the Lee box or the $20 price tag in the brim have a store name. They did stamp his initials in the leather sweat but again, no store name

LoL, I love this place for accuracy! Gotta mind your details around here!

 

[Brad Bowers]

Yep, sorry Brad. . . I've been accused more than once of "too much detail!" & was going for brevity.
The primary stop was Cavanagh for a topper which is the other hat I inherited (in the orig Cav. box, both boxes have leather strap/metal buckle closures - very cool vintage stuff!) The Lee was purchased same trip from another shop. . . I don't know what shop though.

A young man back from the war, climbing the social ranks went to N.Y. to buy "Topper & Tails" white kid gloves, the whole bit. While on Park Avenue he of course availed himself of a few other accoutrements. . . hence the Lee. Niether the Lee box or the $20 price tag in the brim have a store name. They did stamp his initials in the leather sweat but again, no store name

LoL, I love this place for accuracy! Gotta mind your details around here!

Well, then, I'm far more excited to see the Cavanagh!

 

[JazzHat]

COOL RIBBON!!!!!
M

Yeah, the ribbon & windcord are two details I really like. 'Course when I wear it I feel close to George (F-in-law). . . his values, ethics, etc. It is very special to me!

Red -Great ad, thanks for sharing that! Until yesterday my Lee had a lumpy version of the center dent pictured at the bottom of the ad. Being a sucker for a tear drop with that little "pop-up" center section I tried to emulate the look on the left!

 

[JazzHat]

Well, then, I'm far more excited to see the Cavanagh!

Per your request - my other decent hat.


Have not done any research and know very little about it. I did read your Cananagh label page on your site and noted the "John Cavanagh Ltd." vs. "Cananagh Hats".


I'm thrown by the "John Carrol" thing. Anything you can tell me would be appreciated.


interestingly, there's an identical one on Ebay right now. It's a bit rough and in the wrong box though. I did find this link to the NY Historical society with a Cav Bowler that has the same liner as my topper. . . but I don't think my topper is as early as they make the bowler
http://www.nyhistory.org/exhibit/derby-hat-carrol-john-park-avenyby-john-cavanagh-ltd

Edit - the bay listing must have ended, was in a Dunlop box / listed by GrandmaKathie. . .can't find it now but had identical liner.

 

[mayserwegener]

Yeah, the ribbon & windcord are two details I really like. 'Course when I wear it I feel close to George (F-in-law). . . his values, ethics, etc. It is very special to me!

Red -Great ad, thanks for sharing that! Until yesterday my Lee had a lumpy version of the center dent pictured at the bottom of the ad. Being a sucker for a tear drop with that little "pop-up" center section I tried to emulate the look on the left!

You might want to look through this thread (not sure if it has been mentioned).

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/the-lee-lounge.18237/page-12

 

[Brad Bowers]

Per your request - my other decent hat.


Have not done any research and know very little about it. I did read your Cananagh label page on your site and noted the "John Cavanagh Ltd." vs. "Cananagh Hats".


I'm thrown by the "John Carrol" thing. Anything you can tell me would be appreciated.


interestingly, there's an identical one on Ebay right now. It's a bit rough and in the wrong box though. I did find this link to the NY Historical society with a Cav Bowler that has the same liner as my topper. . . but I don't think my topper is as early as they make the bowler
http://www.nyhistory.org/exhibit/derby-hat-carrol-john-park-avenyby-john-cavanagh-ltd

Edit - the bay listing must have ended, was in a Dunlop box / listed by GrandmaKathie. . .can't find it now but had identical liner.

Carroll John Cavanagh was one of John J. Cavanagh's sons. In 1936, Cavanagh introduced a line of lower-priced hats aimed at young men, and named it after his son. I don't know if Carroll John had any actual role in developing the line. Carroll John joined the Navy in 1943. The "Carroll John" line of hats appears to have been discontinued in 1945, as I have found no more references to it beyond '45.

Brad
~The Hatted Professor

 

[cmoy]

My 50's Stratoliner arrived the other day!!!!! Looks just like as advertised, dirty/dusty :O I've brushed it a few times but I think it needs more. It still feels dirty. Maybe steam it and then brush it? Besides feeling dirty and the gold on the logo turning green the hat is in pretty good shape. It's a bit out of shape but I'm sure that can fixed with a little steam. Is there any way to clean up the "green on the logo? Speaking of logos the sweat band has stars and the liner has the leaf. Would this be an early 50's Stratoliner? Can't wait to wear it!

Lots of pics. Sorry!

I did a quick and dirty diamond bash for the pic. I like

Bad white balance! The gray is more like the above pics.

 

[JazzHat]

Carroll John Cavanagh was one of John J. Cavanagh's sons. In 1936, Cavanagh introduced a line of lower-priced hats aimed at young men, and named it after his son. I don't know if Carroll John had any actual role in developing the line. Carroll John joined the Navy in 1943. The "Carroll John" line of hats appears to have been discontinued in 1945, as I have found no more references to it beyond '45.

Brad
~The Hatted Professor

Wow, thanks for the info Brad!
Makes sense he would have bought an entry level topper. . . the tails were for opera & similar (limited occasions) and he was extremely frugal. Discontinued in '45 causes me to wonder. . . George came back from the war in '45 which suggests multiple NY trips over the years (before the '52 trip). It's a shame there were no dated sales receipts in either box!

Either way, the topper is in even better condition than the Lee. A couple of family heirlooms to be sure.
Thanks Brad!

 

[LuvMyMan]

Per your request - my other decent hat.


Have not done any research and know very little about it. I did read your Cananagh label page on your site and noted the "John Cavanagh Ltd." vs. "Cananagh Hats".


I'm thrown by the "John Carrol" thing. Anything you can tell me would be appreciated.


interestingly, there's an identical one on Ebay right now. It's a bit rough and in the wrong box though. I did find this link to the NY Historical society with a Cav Bowler that has the same liner as my topper. . . but I don't think my topper is as early as they make the bowler
http://www.nyhistory.org/exhibit/derby-hat-carrol-john-park-avenyby-john-cavanagh-ltd

Edit - the bay listing must have ended, was in a Dunlop box / listed by GrandmaKathie. . .can't find it now but had identical liner.

If that hat fits you, you have a golden treasure there.....hard to find a clean nice looking top hat in a size that fits. That one of yours looks really nice!

 

[M Hatman]

Wow, thanks for the info Brad!
Makes sense he would have bought an entry level topper. . . the tails were for opera & similar (limited occasions) and he was extremely frugal. Discontinued in '45 causes me to wonder. . . George came back from the war in '45 which suggests multiple NY trips over the years (before the '52 trip). It's a shame there were no dated sales receipts in either box!

Either way, the topper is in even better condition than the Lee. A couple of family heirlooms to be sure.
Thanks Brad!

Not necessarily multiple trips. Could still have been bought in 52. Could have been old or pre-war stock. Remember, America DID NOT make much in the line of luxury good during the war. For all intents and purposes we were on a war footing to until mid 46 or so. Production of top hats would not have been a high priority and stores would have had to make due with old pre-war stock while everything got back to normal. Even then I am sure top hats would not have been a much requested item and your Uncle being frugal probably got a deal on it!!!
M

 

[JazzHat]

Not necessarily multiple trips. Could still have been bought in 52. Could have been old or pre-war stock. Remember, America DID NOT make much in the line of luxury good during the war. For all intents and purposes we were on a war footing to until mid 46 or so. Production of top hats would not have been a high priority and stores would have had to make due with old pre-war stock while everything got back to normal. Even then I am sure top hats would not have been a much requested item and your Uncle being frugal probably got a deal on it!!!
M

ah, that make lot of sense! thanks!

 

[JazzHat]

If that hat fits you, you have a golden treasure there.....hard to find a clean nice looking top hat in a size that fits. That one of yours looks really nice!

Actually a touch big. He wore 7 3/8. I am 7 1/8 to 7 1/4. I put a 6" strip of felt under the sweat of the Lee and it fits like a champ. Sadly, the topper has no sweat. . . can't put felt in). Just a tapered fit and it rides a bit low. Doesn't drop down to my ears but it does ride too low.
As to condition - yes, looks new. I count myself really lucky to have them both!

 

[Redfokker]

My 50's Stratoliner arrived the other day!!!!! Looks just like as advertised, dirty/dusty :O I've brushed it a few times but I think it needs more. It still feels dirty. Maybe steam it and then brush it? Besides feeling dirty and the gold on the logo turning green the hat is in pretty good shape. It's a bit out of shape but I'm sure that can fixed with a little steam. Is there any way to clean up the "green on the logo? Speaking of logos the sweat band has stars and the liner has the leaf. Would this be an early 50's Stratoliner? Can't wait to wear it!

Lots of pics. Sorry!

I did a quick and dirty diamond bash for the pic. I like

Bad white balance! The gray is more like the above pics.

Sweet! Great one, that sweat is like new. Really nice Strat!

 

[RJR]

My 50's Stratoliner arrived the other day!!!!! Looks just like as advertised, dirty/dusty :O I've brushed it a few times but I think it needs more. It still feels dirty. Maybe steam it and then brush it? Besides feeling dirty and the gold on the logo turning green the hat is in pretty good shape. It's a bit out of shape but I'm sure that can fixed with a little steam. Is there any way to clean up the "green on the logo? Speaking of logos the sweat band has stars and the liner has the leaf. Would this be an early 50's Stratoliner? Can't wait to wear it!

Lots of pics. Sorry!

I did a quick and dirty diamond bash for the pic. I like

Bad white balance! The gray is more like the above pics.

Nice catch.

 

[hatophile]

My 50's Stratoliner arrived the other day!!!!! Looks just like as advertised, dirty/dusty :O I've brushed it a few times but I think it needs more. It still feels dirty. Maybe steam it and then brush it? Besides feeling dirty and the gold on the logo turning green the hat is in pretty good shape. It's a bit out of shape but I'm sure that can fixed with a little steam. Is there any way to clean up the "green on the logo? Speaking of logos the sweat band has stars and the liner has the leaf. Would this be an early 50's Stratoliner? Can't wait to wear it!

Lots of pics. Sorry!

I did a quick and dirty diamond bash for the pic. I like

Bad white balance! The gray is more like the above pics.

Nice one, just my size

 

[alanfgag]

Actually a touch big. He wore 7 3/8. I am 7 1/8 to 7 1/4. I put a 6" strip of felt under the sweat of the Lee and it fits like a champ. Sadly, the topper has no sweat. . . can't put felt in). Just a tapered fit and it rides a bit low. Doesn't drop down to my ears but it does ride too low.
As to condition - yes, looks new. I count myself really lucky to have them both!

Opera hats with a Gibus frame can be a challenge to fit. They are heavy and as you note, do not have a traditional sweatband to accommodate the collapsing mechanism. You might try some of the pressure sensitive foam pads that are used to adjust bicycle helmets. A little dab might do ya!

 

[cmoy]

Thanks guys!

Sweet! Great one, that sweat is like new. Really nice Strat!

Nice catch.

Nice one, just my size