Design My Fedora You Guys !

[Marc Chevalier]

Another early '30s hat, but with a narrow brim. Somewhat like Mr. H's:

 

[jamespowers]

You might try making your hat look like the one below: an early '30s fedora by Disney Hats. Note the high crown:

That would be a superb choice. It looks a lot like the 1927 example except with a Cavanagh edge. The Cavanagh edge makes it a later model then 1927. It was invented in the teens but it was not widely produced until the 1930s. You can't get that edge on your hat custom made now, even if you beg on your hands and knees, so you can eliminate that choice. Bound edge, raw edge or welted edges are available though. Welted edges are harder to get done by custom hatters. Some will not do that edge. Check first.

Regards to all,

J

 

[Old Fogey UK]

That Disney hits the spot for me ! Just what I was thinking of.
Can someone supply the dimensions, please ?

 

[Old Fogey UK]

Interestingly, Mr H's example looks almost identical to a 1950's Royal Stetson I have, except for the bow. The Stetson has a 2 1/2 brim and 5 1/4 crown and a 2 inch ribbon with the bow at the side. Like Mr H's, it's dove gray.
I also have a light olive green Dobbs fedora like the blue(?) one in the ad. I'd assumed that was no earlier than post WW2. That has a 2 5/8 brim and 5 1/2 crown with a very slight built-in taper. Fedora breathed on it for me but that taper remained, so I guess it was intended.
Perhaps the styles didn't change as much over the decades as we think ?
Both these above hats are "fair weather" only. I need something more robust for daily commuting to work (yes, I wear one in winter and don't get too many funny looks - maybe because I always combine a fedora with an overcoat and suit) - hence the thought I might "commission" something for when the Akubra Fed dies. You see a few of the dreaded trilbies in use over here but almost never a true fedora.
You're all inspiring me to take the plunge. Thanks a lot !

 

[Marc Chevalier]

I wish I knew the dimensions! That photo is from an eBay auction that I lost in 1999. I have a feeling that jamespowers can supply you with the approximate measurements.

 

[BellyTank]

That one's brim is bang-on 2.5".

It's the general idea of what I had in mind but
a bit narrower brim would nail it.

BTW, my grey '40s Angora Borsalino (Mr. Fluffy)has a felted bead brim edge-
it's not a sewn up-welt.
Isn't that the essence of a Cavanaugh edge..?

B
T

 

[jamespowers]

BTW, my grey '40s Angora Borsalino (Mr. Fluffy)has a felted bead brim edge-
it's not a sewn up-welt.
Isn't that the essence of a Cavanaugh edge..?

Actually not. The Cavanagh Edge is in fact only sewn for a portion of the felting process. Then the stitches are removed and further felting hides the stitch holes.
Check this post:http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=4993
That gives you the entire process and actions involved.
It is definitely not a welted edge. If it were, we would have hatters willing to get as many bodies as the factory could produce--maybe.
The felted bead brim of your Borsalino is likely a Cavanagh Edge with a smaller piece of felt used in the process. Check it out.

Regards to all,

J