$15 hat pic/question

[Flatch]

Found the 7 1/2 below at a resale shop. Unbelievably dirty at first; soaking in naptha helped but only did so much. Still needs lots of work. Original sweat was literally disintegrating at a touch - between that and the grime I got it for $15. But with no holes or damage anywhere, I figured yeah, it's worth it.

Still a little damp in these shots, so it's already lightened up some.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2480/3702427313_12d5c23dc5.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2441/3703264998_12c9f4ac6a.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/3703232478_6bd5d023a4.jpg

My question is about the colors of the ribbon and the brim trim. They don't match, and don't look like they ever did. Haven't seen many that have both, but the few I've seen have matched, iirc. I'm curious, was a mismatch normal back then, or has the main ribbon faded that much? It is a bit more blue than the trim (which is more gray, all the way around...maybe to match the hat instead of the crown ribbon).

Thanks for any insights on this one. I like the light gray color, but the crown just seems so danged W-I-D-E I'm not sure I could pull it off even if it's brought down a size.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

The mismatched ribbon treatment is not uncommon. I see it quite often on vintage lids, as well as custom jobs produced by member hatters here. Some people like, some don't. [huh]

My first custom hat was that way, and I love the 'not quite matched' look. It's sort of like the idea of having a pocket square that almost matches your tie or your shirt. It's not for everyone, but if done right it sizzles.

 

[Flatch]

Thanks!

 

[zetwal]

Are the brand and model indicated anywhere on the hat?

 

[Flatch]

Are the brand and model indicated anywhere on the hat?

Here's everything I know about it...

Spotless lining:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2627/3703928301_50b7196c1f_b.jpg

This was pretty much all that was left of the sweat:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3489/3704727288_48011d7c32.jpg

Label:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2439/3703953647_e5b89741d9.jpg

Pics from this morning, fully dried...

Part sun/flash - stubborn stains still on brim ribbon:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2070/3703924195_fabe63d962.jpg

Direct sun:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2494/3704742746_c5e550916b.jpg

It had a windcord attached - it must have been dry rotted and practically fell off when I went to pull on it.

Any guess about when this was made?

 

[Not-Bogart13]

Wow. That liner really defies the overall condition of the hat.

I know nothing about Wormsers, but the $10 price puts it 1950's or earlier by my guess. [huh]

If I may be so bold, send that puppy to Art Fawcett for a restoration! His love and respect for vintage, his skills, and the apparent potential of the hat will likely yield great results. Plus, you'll be able to have it properly sized and shaped to something more appropriate to you.

Of course, if you know enough to have used naptha, I might just be saying stuff you already know, or that you can do yourself.

 

[Flatch]

The brim is only 2 1/2", but I think the ribbon on the edge makes it look even bigger on me than it otherwise might. Will probably give it another good soak in the nap and see if anything else falls out of it. Will decide then what to do with it.

That liner is sweet - not one spot or smudge anywhere on it. And that thin, ventilated/perforated sweatband it came with was cool, too.