Ask a question, get an answer

[glider]

I called them and found out that you can go by there factory and have a hat made to fit just you . I got the impression that there was no charge for that service. Actually if you go to there web site you will see that they make several different styles with options of felt quality. Since they own Winchester felt in Tn., where most Hatters get there felt I'm thinking you could get the best felt available. They're located in the burbs of Chicago so that's just a nice weekend trip for us, lots of other things to do in the windy city. Pig out on hot dogs and pizza, some really good museums and you could go by Optima. Actually if we went by Optima first then when we went to Stratton my wife would be encouraging me to buy one of those.

 

[belfastboy]

I called them and found out that you can go by there factory and have a hat made to fit just you . I got the impression that there was no charge for that service. Actually if you go to there web site you will see that they make several different styles with options of felt quality. Since they own Winchester felt in Tn., where most Hatters get there felt I'm thinking you could get the best felt available. They're located in the burbs of Chicago so that's just a nice weekend trip for us, lots of other things to do in the windy city. Pig out on hot dogs and pizza, some really good museums and you could go by Optima. Actually if we went by Optima first then when we went to Stratton my wife would be encouraging me to buy one of those.

Winchester make a Nutria felt that they sell into the government and uniform hat market. Perhaps Stratton get the lion's share. I scored two of them and think they are great felts...superior to even the Winchester beaver....check to see if any of their uniform hats are the Nutria felt.

 

[Matt_SFL]

Anyone know any good 60s style fedoras ?

 

[jlee562]

Anyone know any good 60s style fedoras ?

Answer still hasn't changed.

just type in "vintage fedora" in on eBay and the lions share of hats that will show up will be from the 60s or later.

From the perspective of a good chunk of folks here, 60's hats are when the quality had already begun to drop off precipitously from the 'golden era' of manufacturing quality, and thus are less desired among many members here.

Stetson is perhaps the most well known and sought after American brand but you can also look for brands such as Resistol, or Penney's Marathon line, or brands like Lee, Dobbs, or Borsalino if you're feeling fancy. You can certainly find a decent 60's hat for under $100.

 

[Matt_SFL]

Answer still hasn't changed.

just type in "vintage fedora" in on eBay and the lions share of hats that will show up will be from the 60s or later.

From the perspective of a good chunk of folks here, 60's hats are when the quality had already begun to drop off precipitously from the 'golden era' of manufacturing quality, and thus are less desired among many members here.

Stetson is perhaps the most well known and sought after American brand but you can also look for brands such as Resistol, or Penney's Marathon line, or brands like Lee, Dobbs, or Borsalino if you're feeling fancy. You can certainly find a decent 60's hat for under $100.

Looked at vintage can’t find any for my hat size which around 7’58 but I did find two good looking fedoras which are the Stetson Saxon and dobbs jet 707...I can’t really decide which one I’m going to get cuz they both look so nice, which one would you get if you had to choose ?

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Looked at vintage can’t find any for my hat size which around 7’58 but I did find two good looking fedoras which are the Stetson Saxon and dobbs jet 707...I can’t really decide which one I’m going to get cuz they both look so nice, which one would you get if you had to choose ?

I’m also a 7 5/8. It takes patience, but you’ll find what you’re looking for if you put in the time.

We don’t see many new, non-custom, sting brim hats around here. It’s not a hugely popular style and those of us that do like them know that vintage offers far superior hats at better prices too. When you have a large head you have to spend some hours looking, and sometimes it’s weeks between finds, but you’ll get there. Persevere...or settle for an inferior hat. You cal always go the custom route too.

 

[Matt_SFL]

I’m also a 7 5/8. It takes patience, but you’ll find what you’re looking for if you put in the time.

We don’t see many new, non-custom, sting brim hats around here. It’s not a hugely popular style and those of us that do like them know that vintage offers far superior hats at better prices too. When you have a large head you have to spend some hours looking, and sometimes it’s weeks between finds, but you’ll get there. Persevere...or settle for an inferior hat. You cal always go the custom route too.

eBay definitely doesn’t have any my size mostly 7’ hats on there for vintage...do you have any ideas on where I should other than eBay for vintage fedoras

 

[deadlyhandsome]

eBay definitely doesn’t have any my size mostly 7’ hats on there for vintage...do you have any ideas on where I should other than eBay for vintage fedoras

Aside from size, what are you looking for? Brim width? Style? Crown height? Color? Send me a PM and maybe I can help you out. As for eBay, it’s a rare week that I don’t buy a hat in our size there; bought one today actually.

 

[Matt_SFL]

Aside from size, what are you looking for? Brim width? Style? Crown height? Color? Send me a PM and maybe I can help you out. As for eBay, it’s a rare week that I don’t buy a hat in our size there; bought one today actually.

I pm’d you I think it’s the first time I used that feature so hopefully you got my message but these are the pics of hats I like

 

[TIM HUNT]

Hello everyone
My question is this.... how many other people have been “Indy hat” scammed ?

I unfortunately ordered custom raiders fedora back in 2008 from Steve Delk at adventurebuilt. He lead me along with emails for years, I gave up emailing him in 2015. When he asked me to send a photo of my face.
I took this as the threat it was and filed it away for a rainy day.

Since Covid-19 I have more time on my hands and in June started collecting data and wish to hear from everyone else with an outstanding order.

Thanks

 

[jlee562]

Hello everyone
My question is this.... how many other people have been “Indy hat” scammed ?

I unfortunately ordered custom raiders fedora back in 2008 from Steve Delk at adventurebuilt. He lead me along with emails for years, I gave up emailing him in 2015. When he asked me to send a photo of my face.
I took this as the threat it was and filed it away for a rainy day.

Since Covid-19 I have more time on my hands and in June started collecting data and wish to hear from everyone else with an outstanding order.

Thanks

Ooof. Several threads have gone awry, let's just say that.

Also, not for nothing, but Steve often adjusted specs to the wearer's face. Without any other context than he asked for a picture of your face, I wouldn't necessarily say that was a threat. I think I probably sent Steve a picture of my face when I ordered.

My advice: order a Herbert Johnson and forget about it.

 

[belfastboy]

Ooof. Several threads have gone awry, let's just say that.

Also, not for nothing, but Steve often adjusted specs to the wearer's face. Without any other context than he asked for a picture of your face, I wouldn't necessarily say that was a threat. I think I probably sent Steve a picture of my face when I ordered.

My advice: order a Herbert Johnson and forget about it.

Is Delk even still alive?

 

[Snowman]

Looked at vintage can’t find any for my hat size which around 7’58 but I did find two good looking fedoras which are the Stetson Saxon and dobbs jet 707...I can’t really decide which one I’m going to get cuz they both look so nice, which one would you get if you had to choose ?

If it helps, I just did a quick search on eBay. Found offerings by Marathon, Stetson, Herbert Johnson, Dobbs, Wormser, Thoroughbred, and Borsalino, all in 7 5/8. I don’t know your price range, but they started at $50. There were some lesser brands represented as well. If you are patient and look long enough, you will find a hat (or 12) you like.

 

[jlee562]

Is Delk even still alive?

Don't know. The last I heard somebody got a hat by contacting Steve's sister on Facebook a few years ago, but that was a bridge too far for me for a hat. Penman has the blocks for AB hats and he seems to be the only steward of the brand. Though he has nothing to do with Steve's unfulfilled orders, of course.

You win some, you lose some. I lost out on this one too but I'm not gonna hold it against the guy for falling into ill health.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

If it helps, I just did a quick search on eBay. Found offerings by Marathon, Stetson, Herbert Johnson, Dobbs, Wormser, Thoroughbred, and Borsalino, all in 7 5/8. I don’t know your price range, but they started at $50. There were some lesser brands represented as well. If you are patient and look long enough, you will find a hat (or 12) you like.

Ahh, but the HJ 7 5/8 is a UK sizing hence 62cm and not 61cm.

I just posted a 7 5/8 Cavanagh (stingy brim thread) that arrived today so they are out there. To get the right style, colors, dimensions, etc. he might need to have some patience...just like the rest of us.

 

[Snowman]

Ahh, but the HJ 7 5/8 is a UK sizing hence 62cm and not 61cm.

I just posted a 7 5/8 Cavanagh (stingy brim thread) that arrived today so they are out there. To get the right style, colors, dimensions, etc. he might need to have some patience...just like the rest of us.

Oops! I forgot about the UK differential. And that’s a nice hat.

 

[Redfokker]

I have a "dumb" question...how does one join the Fedora Lounge? I can't find the "join" page. I have a Facebook friend that is trying to get into our group and can't figure out how. It has been so long ago that I joined, I don't know how anymore. Please advise...new member waiting.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I have a "dumb" question...how does one join the Fedora Lounge? I can't find the "join" page. I have a Facebook friend that is trying to get into our group and can't figure out how. It has been so long ago that I joined, I don't know how anymore. Please advise...new member waiting.

Does he know our secret handshake?

 

[Redfokker]

Does he know our secret handshake?

I told him we are exclusive. He is an eager new collector. He has a great old Marathon (possibly pre 1950s) and wants to learn more. I sent him the link to the dedicated Marathon thread to study. We just can't figure out where the "button" is to join the Lounge. Very strange.

 

[TIM HUNT]

Ooof. Several threads have gone awry, let's just say that.

Also, not for nothing, but Steve often adjusted specs to the wearer's face. Without any other context than he asked for a picture of your face, I wouldn't necessarily say that was a threat. I think I probably sent Steve a picture of my face when I ordered.

My advice: order a Herbert Johnson and forget about it.

Appreciate all the good will.
Just to be clear. I’m actually only looking for hard data.
I’m not looking for a hat and not trying to upset your thread.

Thanks