Steve, Thanks! Yes that one is a vivid green and I am sure worn for folk festivals. Here is another JHS "Prima". It's from an old auction that had decent photos.
Stefan, Fantastic find! This a real C.G. Wilke from Guben. I think it's 1930s (probably later) too. The color and finish are super. Also great condition.Wilke velour called "Bürstel Electra" in blue. Fedora in size 57 with the raw edge brim at 5,5cm and the crown at 11cm at the center dent. The blue colour is called "schwalbe" (swallow) on the label. I'm thinking 1930's. Steve @mayserwegener has one on his website in grey. Same model with the loose bow ends. I do find Wilke hats on a regular basis, but they're always the later ones (sixties most likely). This was a nice change, both in style and colour. The hand of the felt is wonderful and the condition is excellent. Just look at that colour.
Otto Döppe of Rostock is in business since at least 1910, but I don't think the hat is that early.
Stefan, Super! I think the 1961 date is more accurate. Based on parts (liner, sweatband) and the liner being glued in. Mayser started doing that around 1960.Echter Mayser homburg in grey. Size 58 with the brim at a good 5,5cm and the crown at 11cm at the center dent. A few nicks but it seems hardly ever worn (basting stitches are still on the ribbon). No label under the sweat, so not much to go on. Joh Schnell Nachf. of Koblenz was founded in 1806 (!) and is still around today. The sweatband mentions its 150th anniversary, which would make it 1956, but the sweatband is dated 19-12-1961, which usually means the selling date. Could have sat on the shelf for 5 years, but who would leave a good looking hat like this there? Interesting that the liner is already glued in on this one (German manufacturers did that very early on).
Echter Mayser homburg in grey. Size 58 with the brim at a good 5,5cm and the crown at 11cm at the center dent. A few nicks but it seems hardly ever worn (basting stitches are still on the ribbon). No label under the sweat, so not much to go on. Joh Schnell Nachf. of Koblenz was founded in 1806 (!) and is still around today. The sweatband mentions its 150th anniversary, which would make it 1956, but the sweatband is dated 19-12-1961, which usually means the selling date. Could have sat on the shelf for 5 years, but who would leave a good looking hat like this there? Interesting that the liner is already glued in on this one (German manufacturers did that very early on).
Thank you, Steve. Yes, this was the catch of the day for sure!
Thanks again. I'm always happy when I find these dates on sweatbands. Helps getting a better understanding of what I'm looking at with other hats too. It is very likely that Joh Schnell used his 150 year existence as a selling point for several years.
Stefan, Really fantastic! I think it was made by Wegener. The paper label type and format is the same. Also the sweatband bow type.Hora "Münster" velour in grey. Size 57 with the raw edge brim at 5cm and the crown at 10,5cm at the center dent. Never heard of the brand before, but the felt is great and aside from some staining on the liner the hat is in excellent condition. Judging by the sweatband my thought is pre-war. German made, because it has a German label. Colour is called "eis" (ice).
Thanks, Steve. It may just have been written in the stars. It is your destiny, or is it?
It's actually the year and month I was born. Only off 9 days.
Hora "Münster" velour in grey. Size 57 with the raw edge brim at 5cm and the crown at 10,5cm at the center dent. Never heard of the brand before, but the felt is great and aside from some staining on the liner the hat is in excellent condition. Judging by the sweatband my thought is pre-war. German made, because it has a German label. Colour is called "eis" (ice).
Mayser "Spezial", 58 cm possibly late 1950s. As usually great felt, form and workmanship. Really like the bow and brim work. Also near mint condition.
Natural Light
Steve, Thank you!
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