Vintage Resistol Fedora--need identification and restoration advice

[Swamp_Fox]

I bought this vintage Resistol fedora last weekend for next to nothing. I was wondering if anybody could tell me the approximate age of this hat based on its style. Also, I was wondering if anybody could tell me what kind of an edge the brim has. I've seen raw edges and various kinds of bound edges, but this is something different. It has kind of a "lip" around it. Does that type of edge have a name?

It was pretty dusty and misshapen when I got it, but I cleaned it up and reshaped it. Obviously, it still needs some work. However, the felt is in great shape except for a few stains and I'd like to be able to wear it. As you can see, the leather sweatband is gone, but the cloth band it was attached to is still intact, along with the reed. I was wondering if it would be possible to sew a new leather band onto the existing cloth band, thus keeping it as original as possible. I have an old sweatband from a hat whose felt gave out that I could cannibalize for this project, but I'd rather put in a new one. Is there an online source where I could buy a new leather sweatband?

I appreciate any info or advice. Thanks!

http://s758.photobucket.com/albums/**230/Francis_Marion/?action=view&current=HPIM1143.jpg

http://s758.photobucket.com/albums/**230/Francis_Marion/?action=view&current=HPIM1144.jpg&newest=1

http://s758.photobucket.com/albums/**230/Francis_Marion/?action=view&current=HPIM1148.jpg&newest=1

http://s758.photobucket.com/albums/**230/Francis_Marion/?action=view&current=HPIM1146.jpg&newest=1

 

[Swamp_Fox]

I'm sorry the pictures didn't show up. Maybe I did something wrong. Do the photobucket links work for you guys, at least?

I did my research and discovered that it has a cavanagh edge. Interesting! That's the first time I've seen such a thing. Apparently, that indicates that it was probably a high-end hat, too.

But, I still don't know how old it is. Can anybody venture a guess? I'm thinking '40s, but that's really just a shot in the dark.

I've also still not been able to find a source for sweatbands, except for a wholesaler with a minimum purchase requirement. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[rmrdaddy]

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/**230/Francis_Marion/HPIM1148.jpg

 

[rmrdaddy]

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/**230/Francis_Marion/HPIM1144.jpg

 

[rmrdaddy]

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/**230/Francis_Marion/HPIM1143.jpg

 

[rmrdaddy]

http://i758.photobucket.com/albums/**230/Francis_Marion/HPIM1146.jpg

You should use the IMG code from the Photobucket "Share this photo" box

 

[Mulceber]

It's either a welted edge or (more likely in my opinion) a cavanagh edge. If that's the case, congratulations! You've found a highly-coveted type of hat that can't be produced anymore. -M

edit: sorry, didn't realize you'd already discovered the type of edge - should have read your initial posts more carefully.

 

[Swamp_Fox]

Thanks for the help with the pictures! It had been a while since I had posted any, so I guess I forgot the correct way to do it.

What do you folks think about my idea of having a new band sewn onto the existing reeded cloth band (what's the correct terminology for that part of the band, by the way?)? Would it make more sense to have a completely new band installed? I'd like to keep it as original as possible and to retain the reed. I would imagine that most places which replace sweatbands probably wouldn't use a reeded band and those that do would probably be expensive.

I also don't really want to mess with the ribbon and trolley string, which are in good shape. I imagine they would have to be removed if a completely new band was sewn in. I know I could have them put back on, but I'd rather they weren't removed at all.

 

[jlee562]

That ribbon looks great!

 

[gtdean48]

If you plan on wearing this hat more than looking at it, send it off for a full renovation & specify to keep the original ribbon & wind chord. I'd use Optimo for this one.

 

[Swamp_Fox]

I appreciate the responses!

I think this hat is nice enough to merit shelling out the money to have it restored properly. However, I'm pretty pressed for cash, so that'll have to wait. I'd like to be able to wear it, so I might try sewing in an old sweatband to last until it can be done right. I won't be messing with the felt--just the cloth band that I assume would be replaced in a complete rebuild, anyway.

Am I right in thinking this is a '40s vintage fedora or is it later than that?

 

[gtdean48]

...Am I right in thinking this is a '40s vintage fedora or is it later than that?

Without sweatband markings & the original liner, it would be tough to say. Looks 40's to 50's to me but there are Resistol experts around that may be able to pinpoint that model from the brim edge & ribbon treatement...