1920s WIDE BRIM BRITISH FLAT CAP (EU 57-59)

[nightandthecity]

ON EBAY.......

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271694548993?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

Ultra-rare 1920s era WIDE BRIM flat cap by BIRKETT of WHITEHAVEN.
Ideal fit is UK 7 1/8 (US 7 ¼, Euro 58) - however, it has no leather sweatband and is quite stretchy, and will actually fit from UK 7 (Eu 57) to UK 7¼ (Eu 59). I am a UK 7 and can wear it, while my professional hat measuring tool shows it will easily stretch to 7 ¼.

Single panel top, 11½” wide x 11 ½” long. Heavy, 100% wool in light brown/tan. Gold satin lining. Faux chinstrap held by two buttons across the front.

The wool upper is excellent, but the lining shows use and wear with fraying, especially round the rim. But still a nice example and very wearable.

Joseph Birkett ( latterly A K & P Birkett) “Hatter, Hosier and Outfitter” and a “Specialist in Men’s Wear” was at 53 King Street Whitehaven from 1903 to 2002.

 

[nightandthecity]

and it could be yours Paddy!

 

[esteban68]

Great hat why does no one reproduce these at an affordable price?

 

[Dinerman]

Plenty of makers doing excellent repros on here.

 

[Burma Schave]

Define "affordable", Esteban68.

 

[esteban68]

Less than the cost of an original such as this....you can get wool cheese cutter caps made over here for around £30, so taking into account the extra work around the £50 Mark I guess?

 

[Burma Schave]

More, alas. Around 90 and up.

 

[Two Types]

Beautiful. And I think that's a fair price. I've happily paid more for repro caps. I do wish there was someone over here making custom repros (in the same way that Cordova etc make stuff in the US). The import tax from the US tips the balance, making the caps a luxury, rather than a treat, for me.

 

[nightandthecity]

yes, there will be Christmas after all chez NATC!

I wasn't surprised, the last one I sold went for about the same. While 1940s caps can be found without too much effort, these '20s caps are really rare.

Incidentally, a little detective work tells me the buyer is probably a Lounger.

I have a nice leather one I was going to list as well, but it looked so wonderful in the photos my heart melted and I relented. I may harden up and list it after Christmas, a lot depends on whether I manage to sell the Aero and LVC jackets.

 

[Two Types]

Incidentally, a little detective work tells me the buyer is probably a Lounger.

I hope it's one of the capmakers. I'd like them to offer this style.