Can't get closer but I can get clearer. And that is interesting that it may have had both patch and liner. Is that for the folks who prefered to remove liners in warm weather so they would always see the brand name? Thanks for that tidbit of hat knowledge! Sent from thin air using electricity and other wizardry.
Thanks Red! It is a nice sweatband, just a tad dry. Hope to remedy that! Neat how subtle the differences are in these old bowlers but make a big difference in the overall look. Sent from thin air using electricity and other wizardry.
Thanks for posting the photo. From the logo you can see it's after 1925. You might want to search the shop and its address. I am not sure but that could be the reason. I only notice it because the liner was loose. Here it is. http://germanaustrianhats.invisionz...hne-hückel-hutfabrik-weilheim/page-2#entry248
I did try to find some information about this shop I never heard about...but nothing interesting turned out. One of theses days, when I have the time, I'll go and visit the archives of the registry of commerce to look for information on Sools and other hat shops which were prominent at the time. Anyway, very nice hat.
I would also check for old copies of "Revue De La Chapellerie". This was the French Hat Industry Newspaper. There might actually be some digitized copies online. I found + photographed a 1912 edition at the Gotisches Haus (Gothic House) Hat Museum Library, Bad Homburg, Germany. http://germanaustrianhats.invisionzone.com/index.php?/topic/267-revue-de-la-chapellerie-1912/
Nice ! While searching, I found this old article on Mossant in the Bibliothèque Nationale de France's collection: http://rapportgallica.bnf.fr/rappor...471378") and (gallica all "mossant chapeaux")
I recently picked up this French velour. Might anyone have any info on the "chapelier"? It's a 2.25" brim, 5.5" open crown and it is in excellent condition. There are no labels on the hat. This is my first black hat and I just love it.
I thought I had found another homburg or "diplomatique" made in France to add to my collection, but unfortunately the Mossant is too small for my head It is the first time I find a homburg hat made in France without lining and experience with others hats of the period make me guess, it was built, almost certainly, before World War II It is a homburg tone on tone with all the colored ribbons matching with the color of the felt The dimensions are average and very accurate construction It is lightweight and made of fur malleable medium felt Sold in Rennes It was contained in its original box and in not very good condition Seee the paper label not glued but stichted The dimensions are the same of French "Diplomatique" classic hats like this: curled brim at 5.5 and crown, low point at 11 cm. Size is 58 cm.
Congratulations. I'm more than a bit jealous; for all the hats I have, a Mossant is still sadly missing. Wear it with pride.
My care package from Italy arrived today. Along with a 40 year old Borsalino, this beautiful Mossant Diplomatique was nestled in the box. Amazing felt, perfect curl to the brim and pristine sweatband. It is interesting that there is no liner, the ghost of a logo in the tip is there though. I think there was talk somewhere on a thread saying this hat is pre WWII. I'll post a better noggin shot when I'm not just wearing a T-shirt. I am very happy with this French beauty.
Again: great looking hat, Mike. Could also be that the hat was made just after WWII and the liner was left out due to shortage of silk. But I'm just guessing here.
Another interesting theory. The manufacturing tag does look quite vintage in it's printing style. That would also make this hat have an interesting historical story.