I figured this would be the best way for me to source other felt as I am gonna offer a couple of other hats in the upcoming years. Like a classic Bogey.
I know we are spread out all over the US. I also know there are 10 felters in the US. I know of only 4. That leaves 6 that I really need to know about. Hatters generally will not share their good sources, and they are not on the internet either. Most are really old factories, but if you looked and asked around, you might stumble upon one. All that I need is the name, and if possible, a phone number. If you find one that I do not know about, and they make felt bodies, I would gladly pay you with a new hat. This will be worth it to me, because this is very valuable info to someone just starting out like me. These felters can be anywhere. In small towns, and in big cities. Thanks for the interest. Fedora
Yes, US and Canadian sources. The 4 that I know are Winchester, Hatco, Bollman and Seratelli. So, put on your hats and jackets and lets look for some true artifacts. Thanks, Fedora
So far, no show. Stratton Hats own Winchester. Langenberg and Gerish import, and I knew about these guys. The other ones listed in other posts don't make felt. There are some companies out there that just produce the felt bodies. Anybody live close to Biltmore in Canada? They might sell just bodies in pure beaver, and high content beaver. But somewhere there are 2 or 3 smaller felters who are unknown online. Those are who I am after. All the so called online felters, I already knew about as I have access to those too. regards, Fedora
The North Valley Hat company is in my neck of the woods and I already contacted him last year. He just makes Cowboy hats out of his home. I went and visited him. I had him sew a bound edge on one of my vintage hats. Does nice work but doesn't make felt.
Thanks for all the input fellers. What I am looking for will not be online. I knew about all of the ones listed. I am looking for a small felter, who will not be listed online. It could be, that they simply do not exist, but it is just a lead that I have been on for the past 6 months. See, the thing is, if these felters exist, it will not be well known, except among established hatters, and then they would never divulge the source. I have seen some felt, in some nice browns and grays from a supposedly small felt maker, and it is very good. I am quite satisfied with my supplier, but the colors offered are just too limited. I will always use my current supplier due to the fact that I have only seen one felt that was just a nudge superior than mine, but that is the only one. So, the search continues. Sherlock, where are ya when I need ya? Fedora
I've been in communication with Optimo, Borsalino, The Village Hat Shop, Seratelli, Stetson, Shorty's Hattery, Dorothea Knitting Mills Inc., Makins Hats, Baron Hats, Texas Hatters, HatBook.com, and the North American Felter's Network. The only place I've gotten in reply from any of them was Manny's Millinery in NY. Optimo and Borsalino have yet to reply, Stetson had no idea that 10 even existed, Baron Hats said I'd have to get back to them when the owner returned, HatBook.com said good luck, and the NAFN said that they only work with people who make felt by hand.
So I don't know... but I've been looking hard, I'd really like one of these hats... lol. I'll continue my search. However, I don't think you'll be shipping out any free hats, Fedora.
Fedora wrote:Thanks for all the input fellers. What I am looking for will not be online. I knew about all of the ones listed. I am looking for a small felter, who will not be listed online. It could be, that they simply do not exist, but it is just a lead that I have been on for the past 6 months. See, the thing is, if these felters exist, it will not be well known, except among established hatters, and then they would never divulge the source. I have seen some felt, in some nice browns and grays from a supposedly small felt maker, and it is very good. I am quite satisfied with my supplier, but the colors offered are just too limited. I will always use my current supplier due to the fact that I have only seen one felt that was just a nudge superior than mine, but that is the only one. So, the search continues. Sherlock, where are ya when I need ya? Fedora
Fedora,
I think this is just more BS. Consider where you heard the info from. He is the Hype Master.
Steve,
I have not had any luck with the felter of whom you speak, but in the hunting process I have found Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster and evidence of UFO's.
Regards,
Rick
have not had any luck with the felter of whom you speak, but in the hunting process I have found Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster and evidence of UFO's.
It is amazing what you run across when doing detective work!! The best bet would to have asked Bigfoot. I think the private felter and him are in the same category. Fedora
have not had any luck with the felter of whom you speak, but in the hunting process I have found Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster and evidence of UFO's.
It is amazing what you run across when doing detective work!! The best bet would to have asked Bigfoot. I think the private felter and him are in the same category. Fedora
When you do offer the Bigfoot fur hat, I'm in.
In the meantime I'll ask around...this is Hollyweird, after all...
Winchester Hat Corp.Winchester Tn. A felting factory.
These pictures were posted on the net and this Liar told people it was a small private felting plant. He made out like he was the only hatter getting the worlds most special beaver. He even has a hype name for it Sterling beaver . You see he tells people his felt is the best in world since it is only pure belly beaver and this small magic firm only makes a limited amount each year since its so special . He called it a Boutique felting plant and he is the only one that can buy from this Magic Beaver felt plant.
Well I sent the pictures to the Winchester Hat Corp. and they said yes sir thats our felting factory in Winchester, Tenn. They make cowboy weight and fedora weight hat body's.
Its funny how Lies always come back to bite you in the ###!!
Winchester Hat Corp makes most of the beaver and rabbitt felt used by the majority of the hatters in the USA.
Steve AKA Fedora even made a post on COW asking for help in finding this Magic Boutique felt factory and offered a free hat to who ever could find it.
Well here it is for all the world to see. Fedora "My size is 7 3/8 please"
None of your links work.
The Winchester factory in question here is a large white cinderblock building that is located about 6 miles from where I'm sitting. I've never seen a car parked in front of it, but have been told it's a small operation that is usually closed by 3 in the afternoon everyday, so if anything, it's a VERY private small operation. I have YET to meet anyone who works there...or even KNOWS anyone who currently works there, and I've lived here for 15 years now.
Regards. Michaelson
Michaelson wrote:None of your links work.
The Winchester factory in question here is a large white cinderblock building that is located about 6 miles from where I'm sitting. I've never seen a car parked in front of it, but have been told it's a small operation that is usually closed by 3 in the afternoon everyday, so if anything, it's a VERY private small operation. I have YET to meet anyone who works there...or even KNOWS anyone who currently works there, and I've lived here for 15 years now.
Regards. Michaelson
Yep, I've been up and down that street by the plant, and let me tell you, it's the lowest profile business I've EVER seen in my LIFE! There's a sign on the side of the building, but when you drive around the place, the back of the building is abandoned and all it's windows are broken. The front doors are chain and pad locked, and not a soul in sight, and yet they do all this work! Onlythe UPS man seems to know about them. REALLY weird business. Maybe they're vampires and only work at night! It's a thought! Regards. Michaelson
p.s. Well, darn. I looked at all the photos, but the faces were blocked out (as they should have been for privacy reasons). I was hoping I'd recognize somebody, but foiled again!
Last edited by Michaelson on Wed Mar 23, 2005 1:18 pm, edited 2 times in total.
Fedora and I have been talking about that recently. If he can shake loose in the next few months, sounds like a plan. I'll even drive us up in the old Plymouth! At least we'll LOOK like we belong in the area. (grins) Regards. Michaelson
Michaelson wrote:Fedora and I have been talking about that recently. If he can shake loose in the next few months, sounds like a plan. I'll even drive us up in the old Plymouth! At least we'll LOOK like we belong in the area. (grins) Regards. Michaelson
Sounds good to me. Maybe we can get some COW folks and Fedora lounge guys to go with us.
Humm. I'll need to get a bigger car then.... You don't mind riding on the fender, so you Sharpe old buddy? Steve already called shotgun! Regards. Michaelson
In Franklin County, TN, and certain areas here, it's always safer to have someone in the car called 'Shotgun', if you follow my meaning? (grins) Regards. Michaelson
Yep. There are areas that not much has changed in the last 100 years. Those are the areas you either don't go into, or go with a GOOD friend who knows everyone. I'm sure there are areas down where you live too, my friend! Regards. Michaelson
Yup, there are but usually you dont wanna go into them because, its not that im a racist or anything but where i live gypsies want you for 2 things either to buy drugs from them or to rob ya and these places are usually filled with them
So, YOU need to find a friend called 'Shotgun' too! (grins) Seriously, and in case you really didn't know what the slang term 'shotgun' means, in the days of the old West, the guard on a stage coach was called the shotgun rider, as he carried and used his short barreled shotgun should someone try to rob the stage. Since those times, anyone who wanted to 'call' the front passenger seat in a car, truck or anything else, they'd say 'SHOTGUN', meaning they wanted to ride up front with the driver! American slang. Confusing if you don't know the history behind the terms!
High regards. Michaelson
Last edited by Michaelson on Wed Mar 23, 2005 1:36 pm, edited 2 times in total.
UHm, the nearest friend i have to Shotgun is one that is called "El Peludo" which would translate as the hairy one but i dont think that would scare anyone
Michaelson wrote:In Franklin County, TN, and certain areas here, it's always safer to have someone in the car called 'Shotgun', if you follow my meaning? (grins) Regards. Michaelson
I got your drift. I never leave home without Ole Betsy.
These felters can be anywhere. In small towns, and in big cities. Thanks for the interest. Fedora
regards, Fedora
Fedora
