Old Wormser Bankaru Help

[Bilbe]

I have an old Wormser Panama-style hat and I'm trying to find out more about it and sort out what to do with it. You can see photos below.

History and Observations:
I bought the hat at an estate sale about 15 years ago and it was completely smashed. I had it reblocked at a local dry cleaner at the time. They did a reasonable job but the sweatband got all torn up in the process. It is definitely woven but is coated with something to make it "shower-proof." The brim is a separate piece that has been sewn on.

It's been sitting in my closet for most of the time I've had it, because I have a long oval head and the brim buckles when I wear it. It is also just a wee bit tight. I can wear it but it leaves nice red marks on my forehead.

Questions:
- The first thing I'd like to know is what the heck is bankaru?
- Is it worth getting reblocked, or can I modify the hat myself?
- Where can I get it reblock (I live near Boston, MA)?
- Does anyone have any other thoughts?

All opinions welcome.

Thanks!

 

[carouselvic]

Your hat is not made any where near Panama. If it's Bankaru, then it was made in Indonesia. If it was my hat, I'd send it to Optimo in Chicago. It is a very nice hat.

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

Vic's right, except I'd rather see you sell it to me...

 

[Bilbe]

If it's Bankaru, then it was made in Indonesia.

So is Bankaru just a type of straw then?

If it was my hat, I'd send it to Optimo in Chicago. It is a very nice hat.

My fear is that it will cost as much as a new hat once you add in shipping, reblocking, replacing the sweatband, and whatever else needs to be done. Will it be worth it to do the repairs? I guess you're telling me that it is.

Is there anyplace to learn more about Wormser hats and the company? I would just like to learn more.

Thanks.

 

[carouselvic]

So is Bankaru just a type of straw then?

I believe Bankaru is an island. I do not know the exact spices of palm that is used.


My fear is that it will cost as much as a new hat once you add in shipping, reblocking, replacing the sweatband, and whatever else needs to be done. Will it be worth it to do the repairs? I guess you're telling me that it is.



I recently had Optimo block a hat for me. It is not cheap, but to me was worth every penny.



Is there anyplace to learn more about Wormser hats and the company? I would just like to learn more.



Wormser was just a brand name, they probably only did the finish on that hat. Do a search here on the lounge to find out more about the company.
Thanks.

What size is your hat and do you want to sell it?

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

Hey, vic, I thought I had dibs!

Bilbe, it runs about $150 for Optimo in Chicago to reblock and trim a hat. FYI. I am sending one to them today with a check in that amount. This will be the first hat I've ever sent out for this process but this one is very special. If I had the one you've got I'd try my hand at shaping it and replacing the sweatband myself, as I have done to several other straws I own. Not to say your hat isn't nice. In fact, that type of weave doesn't seem to show up often and I've been wanting one. It's just that I don't like to pay 50 times what I paid for the hat to have it refurbished. Optimo is worth their fee but I'm tight.

 

[carouselvic]

Hey, vic, I thought I had dibs!

I'm tight.

Gene, I think in straw department you have been amply blessed. All is fair in love and hats.

 

[Bilbe]

I think I like to keep it for now.

It runs about $150 for Optimo in Chicago to reblock and trim a hat... It's just that I don't like to pay 50 times what I paid for the hat to have it refurbished. Optimo is worth their fee but I'm tight.

I'm with you there. I only paid a couple dollars for it. The guy who reblocked it for me originally felt bad about the sweat band, so he didn't charge me anything.

If I had the one you've got I'd try my hand at shaping it and replacing the sweatband myself, as I have done to several other straws I own.

I like it a lot and I'm sure I would like it more if it fit better, so I would like to breathe some more life into it. If I wanted to find out more about refurbishing it myself, where would I start? For example, where would I buy a new sweatband? Where could I learn some basic skills? Are there good books?

 

[billyspew]

I would start by searching this site, there are lots of threads discussing it.
http://www.hatsupply.com has some (leather and grograin - which may be easier).

A tip for searching, use google and add site:thefedoralounge.com to search only this site, I find it works a little better than the forum's search system.

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

All is fair in love and hats.

Right you are.

And in the love OF hats!

Looks like Bilbe is making a good call and should be able to find all the guidance needed in the existing threads on this site.

XOXOXO....

 

[Bilbe]

Thanks! I'll keep you posted of my results. Wish me luck.