Merry Christmas to me.

[Ugarte]

I just won this on OFAS. I paid about half what it would cost new and it satisfies my need (or burning desire) for a brown lid. Unfortunately, there is no original box available. Anybody got a tip on an after-market hat box?

Here is the description and a couple of pics from the auction:
===========================




Pure Fur Felt Men's Hat
manufactured by Akubra, Australia
made for Outback Trading Company, PA
tag says 58 (metric)

soft brown felt with darker brown ribbon at band and matching ribbing along edge
rim is just under 3" wide, hat is 4 1/2" tall at highest spot in front, tapers lower to back
measures 22 1/2" around inside of hat (circumference)
satin lined and leather band inside

purchased new and too small - not worn, still has plastic inside and tag
satin lining has come slightly unglued at back, otherwise looks new

smoke-free and pet-free home.
====================

What do you think?

Mark

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[carter]

Try a hat store or western store if there is one near you. Thay may have an extra hatbox or two.

 

[indycop]

Can't go wrong with an Akubra!:eusa_clap

 

[RBH]

Nice, Akubra makes a fine hat.
you could also try a store such as TJ Maxx. I have seen a few hat boxes there, some are the more feminine kind. But I have run across a few that had a vintage flare to them.

 

[Ugarte]

Another "Duh" moment.

Try a hat store or western store if there is one near you. Thay may have an extra hatbox or two.

That idea struck me as I uploaded the message. I do have a store here in mind. I'll bet I can come up with something inexpensive locally (he said as he crossed his fingers).

Thanks Carter.

Mark

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[Ugarte]

Can't go wrong with an Akubra!:eusa_clap

As a proud Federation owner I am impressed so far. I hope the Squatter lives up to expectations.

I somehow expect that I'm going to have to work the crease a bit, but I'm having fun with that so far.

Tell me, as someone who seems to have done this a time or two, would a clothes steamer be helpful in this endeavor?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B00063QMIU/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=284507&s=kitchen

Mark

.

 

[Ugarte]

Nice, Akubra makes a fine hat.
you could also try a store such as TJ Maxx. I have seen a few hat boxes there, some are the more feminine kind. But I have run across a few that had a vintage flare to them.

Thanks RBH, but I'd have to drive an hour and a half to get to a TJ Maxx. If I can't get one at a local store, I'm thinking I can find something affordable on the Internet/ebay.

I'm not worried about the "women's" hat box stigma -- hat boxes are gender free and it will probably never leave my bedroom. Of course, I'd like to avoid the floral pastels if I can.

Mark

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[Colby Jack]

I would think that as long as you can get a directional bit of steam, you'll be fine....Which is why so many here use a kettle....

 

[Ugarte]

I would think that as long as you can get a directional bit of steam, you'll be fine....Which is why so many here use a kettle....

And that certainly sounds like a great way to get a lot of moisture where you want it. I just don't think I can take the sound of my kettle screaming at me for as long as it would take to repeatedly block out and rebash a hat.

I think the clothes steamer might do the trick. If not a pot of water on a high rolling boil might be the ticket.

I'll keep you posted.

Mark

.

 

[indycop]

As a proud Federation owner I am impressed so far. I hope the Squatter lives up to expectations.

I somehow expect that I'm going to have to work the crease a bit, but I'm having fun with that so far.

Tell me, as someone who seems to have done this a time or two, would a clothes steamer be helpful in this endeavor?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B00063QMIU/ref=dp_image_0?ie=UTF8&n=284507&s=kitchen

Mark

.

I used distilled water from a misting bottle and shaped it, it won't hurt and should do fine!

 

[bolthead]

Nice Find.....

Why not look for an original box for it at the same place you found the hat? [huh]

 

[Ugarte]

I used distilled water from a misting bottle and shaped it, it won't hurt and should do fine!

Come to think of it, I believe I've read about you doing that. How wet do you have to get it? How long does it take to dry out?

Mark

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[Ugarte]

Why not look for an original box for it at the same place you found the hat? [huh]

In response to a question, the seller stated clearly that the box is just not available.

Mark
.

 

[indycop]

Come to think of it, I believe I've read about you doing that. How wet do you have to get it? How long does it take to dry out?

Mark

.

As wet as you need it to form the shape you want, then just let it air dry. Heat will shrink it!
Even a good soaking from the bottle won't hurt it but it wont take much.

 

[GentlemanFarmer]

Eastern New Mexico

Hey Mark - Where in Eastern New Mexico? I'm originally from Roswell. I'll bet you there's a western store close by which might let you use their steamer.

 

[Ugarte]

Hey Mark - Where in Eastern New Mexico? I'm originally from Roswell. I'll bet you there's a western store close by which might let you use their steamer.

Hey there. I've seen your posts on FL and wondered where you were from. I am originally from Lovington but now in Portales. We have two western wear stores here, but I don't know how much "hatting" they do. I know one (the most upscale) has some ability to work with leather and they might have some capability to work with hats. They do carry supplies, brushes, that sort of thing.

There is also a place called "Moreno's Hats and Renovations", or something like that, just outside Clovis. I suspect I need to pay them a visit. I think they advertise cleaning and reblocking, if I'm not mistaken. Clovis is larger than Portales, though not as large as Roswell, and is usually better off in most respects. I have my suits altered in Clovis because nobody here seems to know what they're doing.

Roswell has always been a much more cosmopolitan place. What part of the country are you in now? If you don't mind my asking.

Mark
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[GentlemanFarmer]

I'm an oil-brat. Moved from Roswell to Houston in 1961. Spent some time in New Orleans and out in Midland. Did my physician assistant training in Houston. I'm in Central PA now. Work at Hershey Medical Center. My Mom is up in Santa Fe.