How close is this to the IJ standard?

Flick · Post by **Flick** » Wed May 18, 2005 11:10 pm

Hello Folks...

I'm a newbie on this board. I have been lurking for a few weeks, love fedoras, and whips. I am frankly curious how you folks would rate my fave hat as close to the IJ standard. I love this hat...it is a vintage Stetson Imperial...one of the finest hats of yesteryear. I have collected quite a few hats, love fedoras, and would love to hear opinions about this hat.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y250/herrmes/4.bmp
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y250/herrmes/5.bmp
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y250/herrmes/91.bmp
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y250/herrmes/1.bmp

J_Weaver · Post by **J_Weaver** » Wed May 18, 2005 11:21 pm

First of all welcome to COW Flick!

Personally, I don't think it makes much of an Indy hat, due to the color, bash and bound brim. But with that said that is one absolutely beautiful fedora! I love the bash and over all look of the hat. No doubt it is a classic style fedora from the Golden Era.

Renderking Fisk · Post by **Renderking Fisk** » Thu May 19, 2005 7:27 am

I love awethentic vintage stuff that's been well cared for and looks close to new.

When I see a fedora like that, I scratch my head wondering why folks stopped wearing them.

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Thu May 19, 2005 10:12 am

Hey Flick and welcome aboard.

That is one fine piece of vintage clothing you got there. It's not very often that an Imperial dug up on e-bay.

Is it a screen accurate Indy Fedora? - No. Could it be converted? - Probably. But since these hats a getting truly rare these days, do you really want that?!?! If you love Fedoras (plural), why don't you just keep that one as it is and get yourself a new Indy Fedora?

If this has been you adventure hat for many years and you want this specific hat to be more screen accurate, I'd recomend having it cleaned and reblocked from Fedora, put on an un-used vintage ribbon and let him crease it Indy style. Maybe you could let the bound edge on the hat, to at least keep it original there.

Just my two cts.

Regards,

Marc

Flick · Post by **Flick** » Thu May 19, 2005 7:50 pm

Thanks to all for the welcome. It's a beautiful vintage hat in beautiful condition. The feel of the felt is awesome, and I fancy myself a fairly good judge of fine fur felt. The feel is thin and soft yet firm...it's hard to describe,. but once you have felt it, you understand. I'll quit on this cuz I'm starting to sound like a perve... ;-)

I would never even consider trying to change the hat to an Indie. I love the old hats, and part of that is a consideration of maintaining vintage things as they are...as much as possible. I do, however, love the Indie look, and will be getting a Adventure Built hat in the future. I have a few Akubras, and they are all excellent hats, but for an Indie, I will go with what I have read on these pages as the best.

Why did they go out of fashion?

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon May 23, 2005 10:53 am

That looks exactly like my vintage Borsalino that I wear a LOT during warm weather! Great hats, and after cleaning and reconditioning, should last you a lifetime! Nice hat, my friend! Do NOT change a thing on it, especially the bound edge. There are to many good IJ hats to choose from. Keep this one as is. High regards! Michaelson

Luisiana Jones · Post by **Luisiana Jones** » Mon May 23, 2005 11:00 am

No indy look there Flick, sry

but hey at least you got a really cool fedora there.

IndianaJames · Post by **IndianaJames** » Mon May 23, 2005 11:14 am

I personally like it. If would be good indy fedora if you got a new ribbon, and removed the bound edge...!

Looking good

I J