i have been treating a beautiful Cavanagh Homburg with the Air Sponge, on-and-off, for 2 years now. This one smelled like a cigar-smoking rat died in the hat box with it. Worst smell ever.
Max, I believe it's Anton Peschel Dinkelsbüh (Germany) so possibly late 1950s based on the liner.
Alan, Thanks! I didn't look close but I recognized the crest.
Thanks, for the plug, Brent.
Thank you, Steve!
The last 2 vintage Stetson's I have restored had minimal ribbon behind the bow. I wash them gently using lingerie soap and the damned ribbon shrunk on one. Was able to stretch it enough to sew it back together but my damn heart was in my throat for some minutes.
I am restoring a vintage Resistol right now. The leather in the original sweat is still good but the stitching attaching the reed had rotted. I managed to sew it back on by hand with a small needle using the original stitch holes. I didn't track the time but it was lengthy. No way I will ever get to charge what it should cost based purely on my time. It was a labour of love and done to see if I could and to save a piece of hat history.
That is a good looking hat, Brent.
Unfortunately, I know what you mean. Stretching old ribbon can be devastating.
