Won this hat!! Now what?

[Brian Sheridan]

I won my first vintage hat on Ebay yesterday. It cost only $18 so if it is a total washout, I won't feel too ripped-off.

It is listed as a Champ (which someone on here refered to as a company who's hats were for farmers!), but also as a Pilgrim and a fedora. Is this not a porkpie?

Anyway - here is the description:
for auction is this Wonderful,Vintage "Pilgrim" Mens Fedora / Hat. It still has the original size tag inside -size 7 1/4. It is probably from the 1940's and in good condition,but does have some whitening of the inside leather band. The Imported Fur is very clean and nice with a lot of wear left in it. It is the desirable *** Metal Gray Color -It has a spiffy feather in the Grosgrain Hat Band. The brim is approx 2" wide x 22" inside band.

I am learning about vintage hats. So what are all your opinions about the hat?

I'm nervous there were no inside the hat shots.
Do I need to sanitize it? Or replace the band?
How much does refurbishing a hat roughly cost?

Thank you for your help.

 

[Feraud]

I own a Champ porkpie and am nothing like a farmer.

Wait until you receive the hat before you consider any work that needs to be done. It looks like a decent and might only need a brushing.

 

[J.T.Marcus]

From the pictures and the description of "whitening" on the sweatband, it looks like the hat has quite a case of mildew. You may find that brushing removes all (or most) of the white stuff. However, enough will be left that, when conditions get damp enough, it will grow again. It really should be washed. Whether you do it yourself or pay someone else to do it, and whether you use cold water and mild detergent or something stronger (like alcohol or naphtha) is your decision. After all, it's your hat. But, for the sake of your health, it would be best to clean it.

 

[Razzman]

I concur with the above advice, regarding a good cleaning and brushing. It's a fine looking hat. Be sure to post pictures after you have it cleaned-up.

 

[Viper Man]

Regarding the quality, I own a Champ fedora (charcoal gray, 2 inch bound brim) with Kasmir finish from (I believe) the 60s and I love it. It's probably the hat I wear most on a day to day basis. The felt isn't quite as nice as my vintage Stetsons but it isn't a cheapie either.

 

[Brian Sheridan]

How about correct dating of the hat?

Every "fedora" on Ebay seems to be from the 1940's - like its a generic decription.

 

[Feraud]

How about correct dating of the hat?

Every "fedora" on Ebay seems to be from the 1940's - like its a generic decription.

Exactly.
A look at the liner might better help date it.

Is the ribbon as textured as it looks?
I would like to see more pictures when it arrives.

Here are a few pics of another Champ porkpie.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/feraud/Fedora Lounge/DSC02690.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/feraud/Fedora Lounge/DSC02691.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/feraud/Fedora Lounge/DSC02695.jpg

 

[bolthead]

Nice lid Brian....

I'm a big Pork Pie fan, as you all know, by the way that is one sweet "Champ" you have there Feraud.....anyway, you can't compair those 2 but yours don't look too bad and Champ is a good hat (IMHO), I have a few & I'm happy with all of them, their motto is "Feel the Felt" and some even have a "cashmere finish" as well. I'm sure you'll be happy with it, heck....it's a Vintage Pork Pie, why wouldn't you?

 

[Stoney]

Date

Just going by the style of the hat.. I'll hazard a guess and say 1955 to 1963....[huh] 1940s I don't think so. The short brim, ribbon size, and taper shape do not look 1940s. The overall style is the era above. Think modern era.

And yeah , It has to be cleaned.. but should make a fine hat. From the look of it it may a have a cav edge as well.

 

[Dinerman]

I agree with the late '50s through mid '60s call on that one.

 

[Brian Sheridan]

That's what I hate about some Ebay sellers - everything is from the 30's or 40's even when it is from the 50's or 60's (Ring-A-Ding Ding, baby).

If you are not sure of the date, just put down "not sure of the date."

The magnficient Art Fawcett gave me some tips where to have it blocked and cleaned.

Now let's just hope it fits! :eusa_doh: