I know this is the Optimo thread, but I was very pleased Graham agreed to restore my MacLachlan.
I think if you have the wherewithal this is the proper way to restore a true vintage collectible hat. This sets the standard.
Wow, Max. That is quite the restoration job. I can only admire your and Graham's dedication to get it right!
MacLachlans are my favorite hats, and I looked for that one for a long time. I didn't even know if it really existed. I found one out of the blue, and the felt is the best I have ever handled, and I've handled some good ones. The sweatband that identified it as the one I wanted was toast. I want it resurrected by the best modern hatter I know of. The cost was justified for this one.
Thank you, Daniél. (I put a tilde on your name to show I think of it in Spanish).
It came apart and tore all over, Charlie. I was so upset!
You bet I am keeping it, Charlie! Restoring my hats is paramount to me.
Many years ago when I was ordering my Optimo Hats through Carolyn Busch at Fino Fino in Menlo Park CA., Carolyn generously gifted my with two hats brushed gratis. I always enjoyed seeing Carolyn and Graham at her store in Menlo Park and miss her after she retired and closed the store in 2014. When I use those hat brushes I always think of Carolyn
. Pics of the Stack are Alan's, at the bottom.
Optimo Bleached Beaver Silverbelly. A copy of Alan's Stack, since I can't get the original.
Optimo Bleached Beaver Silverbelly. A copy of Alan's Stack, since I can't get the original.
The brim is 2 3/4”. The crown height is 5 5/8” as creased, 5” at the highest point. The ribbon is 2 1/8” wide.
