white hats

[thunderw21]

I picked these two hats up yesterday for $3 each.

This first one is a Mallory, I believe it is a vintage one from the 1920s-1930s. Extremely light-weight and soft with ventilation holes on the top of the crown. It also has a "UNITED HATTERS, CAP & MILLINERY W'K'RS INT. UNION" tag under the sweatband as well. I was brushing it and noticed that the crown has a blue band about 1 inch above the ribbon, presumably a sweat line. What is the best way to get rid of that?

Here's the second one. It is a modern wool hat but is such high quality that it feels like beaver felt. As you can see in the pics, it is also has a few stains as well as pen marks on the lower edge of the brim. Again, what's the best way to get rid of these?
Open crown is 5 3/4" and the brim is 2 3/4".

Thanks for the help.
Billy

 

[Dinerman]

Jesus. That first hat is as close to perfection as I've seen. Fantastic.

 

[SHARPETOYS]

Hat cleaning... I use Naphtha ....Here is some more info for you...

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=9875&highlight=hat+cleaning

 

[Dinerman]

and if you can't live with the stains, and don't want to risk naphtha, I'll take it off your hands.

 

[Cicero]

What a great find! :eusa_clap

 

[Snrbfshn]

I've had good results with...

Scout Dark Hat Cleaner.
http://www.rods.com/p/5698,12_Scout-Felt-Hat-Cleaners-for-Dark-Colors.html

It's a foam, and will clean the ribbon as well as the felt. I find it at a local western supply, but FL sponsors likely also have it. I spray the upper brim and crown liberally and let it sit a few seconds until the foam begins to dissipate, then rub counterclockwise with a damp, white cloth. Then I'll do the underside. And sometimes I'll do it all a second time.

I'll then either bash as desired and let it dry, or push to open crown and let dry, then steam and shape. Don't be shy about slathering the foam on, or rubbing earnestly. Don't -- under any circumstances -- use the Scout White Hat Cleaner, which contains silicates which clog the felt.

 

[bolthead]

Wow.....

$3 for that Mallory?
What a great find, that's an amazing hat my friend, well done. :eusa_clap

 

[deanglen]

Jesus.

Close personal friend of mine, too.

dean

 

[funneman]

Great score!

I really like the first one. I love how they've hidden the ventilation holes in the top. Both are beautiful.

Here's a suggestion. If you can't remove the blue stain, why not try using a wider ribbon to cover it up? Maybe even a dark blue one? [huh]

 

[DOUGLAS]

Oh my, am I jealous!!! Damn the Mallory is fantastic. Please tell me it is really small. You have yourself an amazing hat, I mean AMAZING!! Congrats !!!!!!. Don't even bother with the stains it is perfect as is.
I guess I need to add one more hat to my wish list.

 

[nightandthecity]

there is nothing you can do about the stain to the Mallory. In fact it will get worse as you wear it and within weeks the entire crown area will disintegrate and turn to a highly toxic powder. This powder will make you go bald and cover your head in running sores. But don't despair! I am so concerned for your health that I will take the hat off your hands for $5.

 

[DanielJones]

Wow! That Mallory is fantastic looking. I'd start with the Scouts dark hat cleaner first for sure. It should produce decent results.
I think that hat would look great with an ice cream suit. Either that or a striped seersucker suit.:eusa_clap

Cheers!

Dan

 

[Dave Keller]

If that Mallory doesn't scream "1930s small-town mayor" I don't know what does.

Definitely get a wide black band. If you're going to be vintage, go all the way!

Dave

 

[DOUGLAS]

Don't worry about the stain or ribbon or anything just sell it to me or trade it for some tasty other hats

 

[nightandthecity]

Don't listen to him! Sell it to ME.....

 

[Dinerman]

Don't listen to him! Sell it to ME.....

Ever been in a knife fight, bucko?

 

[thunderw21]

Ever been in a knife fight, bucko?

Gentlemen, gentlemen...don't bring a knife to a gunfight.

 

[DOUGLAS]

I'll just bring a lot of hats
Whats your flavor.

 

[nightandthecity]

this is the point where he tells us it is size 6 1/4 and we all suddenly lose interest.....

 

[thunderw21]

this is the point where he tells us it is size 6 1/4 and we all suddenly lose interest.....

Naw, 7 1/8, just my size...

Thanks for the help, I think I'll try the Scout felt cleaner.