The Dobbs Diner...

[dh66]

Thank you sirs.

 

[dh66]

Here are some pics of my grey Dobbs. I have no idea as to its age or even if there is a name for this style, so any input would be appreciated. It is fairly soft and a mediumish weight felt, and oddly has no markings on the sweat, not even a hint of one that may have rubbed off. It still has the size tag, which shows Eur. measurement as well as U.S., so I don't imagine it's all that old. The last pic is in natural light and shows the true color best. Oh, it also has an underwelted 2" brim.

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[ManofKent]

No idea of age - but it looks a nice hat.

 

[Monte]

Handled a Jolly Rounder...too small for me but neat to see, academically speaking.

 

[jamespowers]

Handled a Jolly Rounder...too small for me but neat to see, academically speaking.

 

[Monte]

I wouldn't recognize that hat in the illustration but I do like my old ads since my degree is in commercial art. The one I handled was really well preserved and had a soft, velour-like felt. I almost bought it but I'm getting tired of stretching hats (and boy are my arms tired).

 

[Purplesage]

Here is one of my favorite Dobbs. 2 1/4" raw edge brim, 5" crown as shown (5 1/2" open), 2" grosgrain ribbon. The are no tags or markings behind the sweat although you can see a partial tag fragment glued to the crown. Not sure of the age but I'm guessing the 20s or 30s. Maybe someone else here can date it more precisely. The only downfall is it's black but it still has that classic styling.

]

 

[John Galt]

I wouldn't recognize that hat in the illustration but I do like my old ads since my degree is in commercial art. The one I handled was really well preserved and had a soft, velour-like felt. I almost bought it but I'm getting tired of stretching hats (and boy are my arms tired).

They are reportedly very thin & lightweight. I've been searching for a long time. Will send PM.


"Faint hat never won fair lady."

 

[alanfgag]

Very nice Dobbs hat, Purplesage. I was not aware that Hudson's had a store in Buffalo, but intrigued by your photo I looked a little further. Apparently Adam. Meldrum & Anderson purchased the store in 1932, three years after J.L.'s brother (who moved to Buffalo to manage the business) passed away. Assuming the name changed promptly to AM&As, it appears your hat is no later than early 1930s.

 

[alanfgag]

... and if I'd read a little further in my own source, I would have learned that AM&As kept the Hudson name until 1946. Thanks to an astute lounger for pointing this out.

 

[Purplesage]

Dobbs Twenty-Five Long Hair Fedora

I have this for sale in the classifieds but I thought it is a good specimen for the Dobbs Diner. I wish I could keep it but since I wear a 7 1/4 at the largest, it just kind of hangs over my ears. In any case the specs are as follows: 2 3/4" Guild Edge Brim, 5" crown as shown (5 3/4" open crown); 1 3/4" lavender gray grosgrain ribbon with sharks gill bow and wind trolley.

 

[ofcoursemyhorse]

That is an amazing hat, some large-headed gentleman is going to be very happy wearing that.

 

[Purplesage]

They surely are. Don't see that many long hairs in that large a size, especially in this condition.

 

[dh66]

That's a real gem. I'm sure you won't have it around too long.
Your black one's a real beauty too.

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[Purplesage]

Dobbs VVL Twenty

This was a recent find. The only thing wrong with it was the ribbon was folded in a couple of places from not being properly stored. I applied a damp cloth and straightened the ribbon back out . The dark areas on the ribbon are from where it was folded over the years while the rest of the ribbon may have faded a bit. It still doesn't look bad now that it's straightened out. Actually gives it a little character I suppose. Short of replacing the ribbon I don't know how you would fix it. I believe this hat is more than likely from the 40s but I'm not sure. I haven't seen this particular Dobbs liner before. The hat has a 2 1/2" brim with Guild Edge and a 5 1/2" open crown wrapped in a 1 3/4" grosgrain ribbon. Being a "VVL" (Very, Very, Light) felt it has a silk like feel to it as well as being soft and pliable.

fksjlkasf

 

[dh66]

Great find! That's a fantastic hat.

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[Brad Bowers]

It's a 1950s VVL, a model which debuted in September 1952. It lasted until at least 1966, but this is definitely '50s. That liner is quite common mid-'50s to circa 1960.

Brad

 

[Purplesage]

Thanks Brad. I have another one I've got listed in the classifieds which is a newer model. Maybe mid to late 50s. I'll post a photo and maybe you can help me out dating it.

 

[hatophile]

Both are real purty PS!

 

[John Galt]

It's a 1950s VVL, a model which debuted in September 1952. It lasted until at least 1966, but this is definitely '50s. That liner is quite common mid-'50s to circa 1960.

Brad

These are great lightweight hats. I have four, and will buy yours or any others I see if the timing, size & price are right. Most I've seen are stingier. I have two stingies & two like yours.


"Faint hat never won fair lady."