Recent content by TWKundrat

Anyone run across a 34 block before?

I've seen photos of that and the display of other early Stetsons at the museum. Is there any more info on it? Possible age maybe?

The only reason the hole size would matter is if you are using equipment that it would need to fit such as spinners, crown irons, sanders, etc. If you are doing everything by hand it doesn't make a difference. It's also easy enough to drill out a hole to make it larger if it needs to be.

I found a derby from the same era for sale on eBay with a similar looking treatment on the backside of the sweatband but it still has the lot number visible. Maybe it's just worn off over time on mine. Being that it's on a slicker surface the ink may not penetrate as well.

A few more pictures. Anyone ever seen this stamp on a BOP? I can't see any trace of a lot number.

Unfortunately I don't see any visible lot number. Here's a better picture of the 1900 Grand Prize stamp and another picture of the tags.

It's a bit hard to see but here it is. It looks like it says "John B. Stetson Co. Grand Prize 1900 Paris"

Just picked up this hat. I posted this on another thread but I'll add it here too. Has the 1900 Paris grand prize stamp on the sweatband. Looks like #34 block and 4-1/4" crown height. I'd be interested to hear any more info about it or guesses on it's age. I read somewhere that the 1900 Paris...

Just picked this guy up. These aren't my photos but the ones from the seller. It has the Paris 1900 stamp on the sweatband. I feel like I've read somewhere that they used that up until around 1915 but if anyone has better info I'd be interested in hearing about it. Not sure if I've seen that 34...

I just finished making this steamer table for a local hat shop. It was a fun project and I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

It definitely takes a good amount of practice to get good at pouncing. I used to do everything by hand but more recently I have started using a palm sander and a motorized spinner that I made and I am really happy with the results. The palm sander does take some getting used to and can be risky...

What kind of glue do you use?

Not my photo but this is a good shot of an old crown iron and the fingers that clamp onto the center of the block.

The old equipment used in hat factories like crown irons and pouncing machines would clamp on to the center boss inside the cavity. These machines are hard to come by and expensive now but many of the high-end hat makers still use them.

My boss was nice enough to bring back a couple of goodies for me from a recent trip to Paris. The stretcher will definitely be handy to have and the block is at least an interesting piece to have on a shelf. Do you all think the block is for ladies hats or maybe a traditional french flat cap or...