Hat Corporation of America Block Profile Numbers

[Brad Bowers]

Emerson hats were originally made by the Murphy-Gorman Co. in Danbury. Murphy-Gorman was gobbled up by Mallory in the early-1930s, which later on became part of Stetson. No involvement with Hat Corporation of America whatsoever. (HatCo, or RHE Hatco, is the current manufacturer of Stetsons, Dobbs, and so forth, but has no connection to Hat Corporation of America besides owning the license to manufacture hats under those names.)

Hat Corporation of America may have made some hats for Collins & Fairbanks, but I have no proof. There is proof, however, that they bought hats from Lee (via the Disney name), in the "What Hat Are You Wearing Today?" thread. Since Collins & Fairbanks was a high-end hat retailer for Boston, they could have purchased hats for their house brand from anyone, so it's always possible that they would have purchased some from Hat Corporation of America.

Brad

 

[Purplesage]

I'm not sure what particular model of Dobbs this is. The only markings on the sweatband are what is show below. The felt is very light weight and soft. This was the only sticker I could find behind the sweatband. Could anyone tell me when they think this one was made. Brim is 2 3/4". Thanks

 

[Brad Bowers]

Somewhere approximately between 1940-1945.

Brad

 

[Purplesage]

Thanks, any idea what model this is. I assume "CAY" on the sweatband are initials of a previous owner!

 

[Brad Bowers]

Yes to the initials, and no idea on the model name. Almost all hats had model names but were never printed anywhere on the hat, just on advertising, promotional materials, and the like. Only a few model names were reused beyond a single year, and those usually ended up having the names on the sweatband and/or liner tip. In the case of Dobbs, names like Rainbow, Cross Country, Westward, Game Bird, Hanover Square, Gay Prince, so forth.

Brad

 

[bloc]

Incredibly useful and interesting thread. Just the information I was looking for. This is the reason I can't stay away from the Lounge.

 

[bloc]

I couldn't see 985 on the latest list. I think that's what I have. Just came over from the States the other day.

 

[bloc]

I couldn't see 985 on the latest list. I think that's what I have. Just came over from the States the other day.

View attachment 6175

Looks like 935 in the picture but definitely 985. Size 7 and 5 1/2 inches crown height. I can post a profile picture when I've finished using it if it's helpful.

 

[Joshbru3]

Looks like 935 in the picture but definitely 985. Size 7 and 5 1/2 inches crown height. I can post a profile picture when I've finished using it if it's helpful.

Bloc, is this a Hat Corporation of America Block? Is is marked as such anywhere on the block?

 

[bloc]

Bloc, is this a Hat Corporation of America Block? Is is marked as such anywhere on the block?

It's not marked anywhere so does that mean it isn't?

 

[Joshbru3]

It's not marked anywhere so does that mean it isn't?

I haven't come across a 935 or 985 block anywhere in my research of Hat Corporation of America blocks. Just a 925. More than likely its not. That block more than likely should be put into the "Hatters Tools" thread instead of this one.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?27503-Photos-of-hatters-tools/page46&highlight=Hatters+tools

 

[bloc]

I haven't come across a 935 or 985 block anywhere in my research of Hat Corporation of America blocks. Just a 925. More than likely its not. That block more than likely should be put into the "Hatters Tools" thread instead of this one.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?27503-Photos-of-hatters-tools/page46&highlight=Hatters+tools

Ah, sorry about that. When I saw the block number I remembered your thread and presumed it must be part of the same series. I am learning a lot.

 

[Joshbru3]

Ah, sorry about that. When I saw the block number I remembered your thread and presumed it must be part of the same series. I am learning a lot.

No problem. Block numbers are all over the place because at one time there were a TON of hat supply warehouses. Many of them had their own numbering systems and from company to company, many block numbers didn't match up. The only numbers that seem to be pretty uniform across the board of manufactures are 52 and 51. I have seen 52 blocks that are slightly rounder than others, but for the MOST part, a 52 block is always the same. 51 blocks follow that as well. A 52 block is the preferred block of many on the lounge here because it has the straightest sides, and flattest top with no taper. A 51 is rounder on top. I have seen blocks that are even straighter than a 52 (I own a 52 and the straighter block). Blocks marked "Columbia" are VERY straight with no taper from what I have seen as well.

 

[bloc]

No problem. Block numbers are all over the place because at one time there were a TON of hat supply warehouses. Many of them had their own numbering systems and from company to company, many block numbers didn't match up. The only numbers that seem to be pretty uniform across the board of manufactures are 52 and 51. I have seen 52 blocks that are slightly rounder than others, but for the MOST part, a 52 block is always the same. 51 blocks follow that as well. A 52 block is the preferred block of many on the lounge here because it has the straightest sides, and flattest top with no taper. A 51 is rounder on top. I have seen blocks that are even straighter than a 52 (I own a 52 and the straighter block). Blocks marked "Columbia" are VERY straight with no taper from what I have seen as well.

Thanks for that. All really useful stuff.

 

[TheDane]

I agree that this should be under "Hatter Tools", but just a little sidepoint to Josh's comment: #952 and #951 equals #52 and #51 - just different suppliers. That doesn't mean that any 9-hundred block has an equivalent without "9". Hope, I hereby contribute with a little higher level of confusion

 

[Joshbru3]

I agree that this should be under "Hatter Tools", but just a little sidepoint to Josh's comment: #952 and #951 equals #52 and #51 - just different suppliers. That doesn't mean that any 9-hundred block has an equivalent without "9". Hope, I hereby contribute with a little higher level of confusion

Very true, thanks for the addition. I have owned both 952 and 52 blocks and they are identical. I have not owned a 951 yet.

 

[Purplesage]

Knox Custom Block 455

Knox Custom 40s ear I think! Block 455, doesn't show depth on the tag. 5 1/2" depth as far as I measure it. I think 455 is new to the list.

 

[Brad Bowers]

The block depth was eliminated from HCA factory tags in the 1960s, so that's the era of your Knox.

Brad

 

[Purplesage]

Dobbs CAY

Thanks Brad. The more I thought about it the more I figured it was from the 50s or newer only because the depth was missing from the tag. Still the hat does have characteristics of a 40s era hat.

Here's another one Brad, a bit older. Block 5330, 5 3/4" depth already on the list.

 

[Mr.Astor]

Thanks for clarification. I also have 952's and52's. for an open crown I use styrofoam on the top o block to achieve what I want? Would appreciate any feedback on this Thanks