Matteawan Mfg Co.

[ScottF]

Thought this hat might be interesting to some of you hat historians, as evidence of a once-thriving hat-manufacturing company that has apparently been gone for a while. At one point Matteawan was supposedly second only to Danbury in hat production (from 1st link below).

I believe this is a very old woman's hat (<=== weakness of English language) ... that was made at this factory. I have found some evidence of the New Jersey factory where it was made, and even some info on a patent case they lost regarding a furring machine, but no hat pics, etc.

Matteawan Mill District Pics

Failed Patent Case

I was hoping it would be long-hair felt, but it feels basically like a cat. The 60.5cm interior is completely lined. The brim is hollow and has a wire running around the outside of it. Bottom-side of the brim comes up about 1.5" inside the crown, hidden by the liner, to give it shape.

 

[Brad Bowers]

That's a neat hat, but I don't think I'd wear it. Could it be a woman's hat?

Also, are you saying it's a fur pelt, as opposed to fur felt? That's what it looks like.

Brad

 

[ScottF]

That's a neat hat, but I don't think I'd wear it. Could it be a woman's hat?

Also, are you saying it's a fur pelt, as opposed to fur felt? That's what it looks like.

Brad

Rats, instead of a man's felt, I end up with a woman's pelt

I found one spot where the fur was missing, and yes, I think it's actually a pelt - hadn't thought of that before.

 

[Brad Bowers]

Rats, instead of a man's felt, I end up with a woman's pelt

Okaaaaay, that could interpreted any number of ways.lol

Brad