New here and looking for a little info...

[LeopoldStotch]

You gotta love the internet sometimes, right? Well about a year back I decided that I should bring back the act of wearing a nice het, like men used to. It hasn't taken to anyone beyond me but while visting my mother in one of my fedoras she mentioned having her dad's hat stored away. I was instantly excited knowing it was pretty old. It took a little while to find but she sent it to me and let me know that the band was missing and the liner needed to be sewn back in also. When it arrivewd I was amazed at the condition of the felt, save for one small blemish that looks like paint as if brushed againt a wet wall. It is superficial and looks to be an easy fix.
The liner inside reads "Barclay Distinctive Hats", with a coat of arms. There is a Cap and hatter union stamp sewn inside and a handwritten serial number that is mostly non-visible now. I was unable to find any backround on a company by that name that made hats. My grandfather had this before he moved to California in 1941. He moved there from Ohio. I was wondering if anyone had any info on the history of where this hat came from. I would love to wear it but I wear a 7 1\2 and it is a 6 7\8. It will most likely be fixed up and kept as an heirloom. I will post pictures in a day or two, can't find that stupid cable...

Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Mr Vim]

One of the vendors may know the answer, but I think your best bet is to talk with Hat shops that know their stuff. Some, not all, Milliners know some very interesting history to hats.

Browse around and give a few a call. You're in Bellingham? I would try Byrnie Utz in Seattle first.