Ask a question, get an answer

[rclark]

Ok thanks guys! It is supple on the back and looks great at first blush, but even carefully lifting it up to look at size labels under the sweatband cause little "tearing" sounds and small cracks on the smooth outside portion of the sweatband.

 

[ManofKent]

Ok thanks guys! It is supple on the back and looks great at first blush, but even carefully lifting it up to look at size labels under the sweatband cause little "tearing" sounds and small cracks on the smooth outside portion of the sweatband.

You've nothing to lose by trying leather conditioner - it might extend it's life a little longer, but it sounds like you'll need a replacement soon.

 

[ManofKent]

If I have a hat a need some help dating it where would I post my question, picture etc. ?? Many thanks

There are several threads dedicated to specific makers - that wold be the best place e.g. Dobbs Diner. Do a search, but if you can't find a makers thread post it here and someone will help!

 

[rclark]

Ok sorry to wear out the subject of sweatbands, but I've got a couple of vintage hats with a sort of green "goo" on the rear behind the stitching. Can someone please enlighten me as to what has occurred? I've attached a photo of an example. Thanks in advance!

 

[alanfgag]

Oxidation of a brass ferule. Use some dry baking soda and a toothbrush to remove the verdigris and damaged ferule and use something else to secure the end of the reed. I've wrapped black electrical tape around the reed ends. Once you clean it up, you'll see how it works and have ideas on how to proceed.

 

[rclark]

Thanks Alan! so would you consider this a defect of the hat or just a byproduct of it being an aged hat?

 

[alanfgag]

After 60+ years, the hat is definitely going to be off warrantee.

It is a common problem on hats of this era, where a brass ferule and a ferrous metal reed react with moisture to from this verdigris corrosion. You won't see it on earlier hats that used a natural "reed" nor on hats that did not use a reeded construction for the sweatband. It can be minimal or pretty nasty, as was the case with the Dobbs panama I posted. I've never succeeded in getting the stain off the straw. It should clean up pretty well on your hat.

 

[rclark]

Okay great. Thanks Alan. You are truly THE hat oracle!

 

[alanfgag]

Just a boy scout with a lot of hats. Let us know how you make out.

 

[Mr.Astor]

Alan again you are correct. I put a watered down solution of White Brite from oxyclean on a qtip to the spot only, set it in the sun it will bleach out the stain.

 

[Cally]

Does anyone know of a hatter in Ottawa Canada? Or failing that somewhere in Ontario. I have done a Google search but I am not finding anything .

 

[alanfgag]

Beau Chapeau is a hat retailer in Niagara on the lake. It's a bit of a schlep from Ottawa.

 

[Cally]

Beau Chapeau is a hat retailer in Niagara on the lake. It's a bit of a schlep from Ottawa.

Thanks I forgot about that store, was there at Christmas. Its a great hat shop! Do you know if they reblock and do work on hats?

 

[alanfgag]

Thanks I forgot about that store, was there at Christmas. Its a great hat shop! Do you know if they reblock and do work on hats?

I was in briefly last fall. It was packed but I didn't get the sense that they were prepared to do anything beyond sell off the rack hats. If you come as far as Niagara-On-The-Lake, it might be worth it to go another 20 miles and visit Gary White at the Custom Hatter in Buffalo. An appointment would be advisable, he works by himself and is in and out of the shop during the day.

 

[Cally]

I was in briefly last fall. It was packed but I didn't get the sense that they were prepared to do anything beyond sell off the rack hats. If you come as far as Niagara-On-The-Lake, it might be worth it to go another 20 miles and visit Gary White at the Custom Hatter in Buffalo. An appointment would be advisable, he works by himself and is in and out of the shop during the day.

Thanks that's Fantastic!!

 

[Landman]

I haven't been receiving email notifications when somebody posts to a subscribed thread. Is anybody else having this problem?

 

[alanfgag]

I've lost the email notification of private messages.

 

[rclark]

I've lost the email notification of private messages.

Same here. Lost ALL email notifications.

 

[Retro Spectator]

I got this tie clip from my grandfather when he passed away. He was born in 1928, so it must be from some time afterwards. I was wondering if anyone here could tell me when it's from, as I have no idea. It feels heavier than my other tie clips, and it says Anson on the back.

 

[Brad Bowers]

Same here. Lost ALL email notifications.

Hmm, and here I thought it was just me! I'll have someone look into it.

Brad