Hat Block Haven

[HatsEnough]

Here's my (one and only) block. I bought it to use for hat photos, but it has also proven to be very useful to help get hats back to open crown if I don't like the crease. I've not done anything with the flange thingy - that part's just for decoration in my hat world.

The flange thingie is very useful to get the cupped shape back in a brim so it has the proper snap to it again. But the thing has to fit the brim you have to work properly. Steam the heck out of it, put the crown down into the flange thingie, smooth the brim over the concave wood and let her cool and dry.

Like I said, though, the flange has to be the right one for the brim. Putting a 2 inch brim on that particular flange, for instance, would not work.

 

[delectans]

Apologies for being AWOL over the past week, fellas. Been deeply involved with an all-encompassing calling, of which I will be posting photos soon.

Ale: As Rusty has already commented on, the #52 and #952 blocks were popular back in the day, and favored for their straight sides and flat top, characteristic of those iconic '20s-'30s lids. Consequently these are some of the more desirable blocks today for hatters looking to duplicate the style, and for hat collectors.


Jeff: I believe there was an old thread in which Art posted a link to a page on his website illustrating the different block types and numbers, but sadly this page is no long up. There is currently no exhaustive treatment of the subject on FL or other sites, as far as I know.


HatsEnough: Beautiful collection of blocks, flanges, and stretchers!


cookie: Wood protection already applied in the form of beeswax.


David: Nice block and flange. What are the markings for the block and flange?

 

[Aureliano]

Apologies for being AWOL over the past week, fellas. Been deeply involved with an all-encompassing calling, of which I will be posting photos soon.

Ale: As Rusty has already commented on, the #52 and #952 blocks were popular back in the day, and favored for their straight sides and flat top, characteristic of those iconic '20s-'30s lids. Consequently these are some of the more desirable blocks today for hatters looking to duplicate the style, and for hat collectors.

Good to see you back, Al. I never knew what the 52 meant until Rusty mentioned it. I bought the block because of its straight sides. I guess I got lucky. Paid $20 for it I think.

 

[delectans]

Good to be back, Ale! You have a great eye. The taperless, straight sides of the #52/952 blocks are classic, and a great buy for $20!

 

[Aureliano]

Good to be back, Ale! You have a great eye. The taperless, straight sides of the #52/952 blocks are classic, and a great buy for $20!

Beginners luck, Al. First block I ever bought.

 

[OT1899]

I've seen excerpts from a 1930's hatters supply catalog posted in the past on this site or within eBay listings (can't remember exactly where) that described the blocks available to the hatter in the glory days of hat making. Does anyone have a copy of these old catalogs that could be posted on the lounge for everyone's viewing pleasure? If so, that would be of tremendous historical significance for our readers.

 

[delectans]

I've seen excerpts from a 1930's hatters supply catalog posted in the past on this site or within eBay listings (can't remember exactly where) that described the blocks available to the hatter in the glory days of hat making. Does anyone have a copy of these old catalogs that could be posted on the lounge for everyone's viewing pleasure? If so, that would be of tremendous historical significance for our readers.

Anyone?

 

[mayserwegener]

I picked this block up at south KC antique mall. It measures 23 inches at the base and 5 inches high with straight edges (marked 322 on base).

 

[Chepstow]

Nice buying Steve. Congrads for find.

 

[delectans]

Beautiful example, Steve. Curious that the size is not stamped, or at least penciled in at the base.

 

[Aureliano]

Very nice, Steve. Any markings of its size?

 

[mayserwegener]

Thanks! No visible size marking but it measures 23 inches around the base.

 

[mayserwegener]

I looked at it again and it has a 5 1/4 which must be the height and it looks like a 7 1/4 for the size.

 

[Aureliano]

I looked at it again and it has a 5 1/4 which must be the height and it looks like a 7 1/4 for the size.

cool! is that your size? Mine is 7, to block without removing the sweat. Kind of hard to come by...

 

[mayserwegener]

I am 7 1/4 LO so fairly close.

 

[Aureliano]

I am 7 1/4 LO so fairly close.

Oh good! Nice find!

 

[alanfgag]

Very nice find, Steve. I won a 7 block and 7 1/8 flange recently... still waiting for its arrival.