Fedora: Indiana Miller and Stetson Temple

[Brown Fedora]

Hi, guys -

I'm new to collecting gear, so forgive me if these questions have already been answered a hundred times.

Recently recieved the gift of a Stetson 'Temple' from a loved one who knows my particular love for Indy. However, the hat was too small, and will need to be exchanged for another. At the moment, I have the opportunity to get the same model in a larger size or to exchange it for the slightly more expensive 'Indiana Miller' style. So, I have a few questions.

First, which of these do you reccomend I go with? I guess my priorities would be functionality (I will actually wear this when digging, so I'd like something that will survive a reasonable amount of dirt, grime, and rain) and appearance (would like something that looks right)

The Temple is nice enough, but... the brim does not seem correct, and obviously the feather cockade has got to go.

Secondarily, based upon this, how would you reccomend altering (if at all) either of these models to make them look more accurate? There are no local hatshops here, so major cuts might be out of the question, but would appreciate any pointers.

Perhaps there's a different model you might reccomend? The gift was purchased from Miller Hats.

Unfortunately Adventurebuilt, Peter Brothers, etc.. are -not- an option; the hat-shop will not accept returns, only exchanges, so I'm working with a limited selection here. If I had chosen myself, it would have been a Peter Brothers, but.. obviously, we're past that point.

Finally, if you've got any advice as to how to keep these things wearable, I'd appreciate it. I've only owned the Disney model (I cannot recall the name of the hatter, but I'm sure you're aware of the model... sort of low end, in the sixty-seventy dollar range if memory serves...) it was actually extremely durable and I wore it through quite a bit of bad weather, even on my first dig. The thing was stolen, however, and I'm looking to upgrade a bit, if possible - something that can stand up to that kind of punishment would be a plus!


Thanks in advance,

Alex

[3thoubucks]

I have the Miller open crown 257 and pre bashed 256. If I pop the bashes out on the 256, it has much more taper than the 257, which has no taper on the sides.. The 257 is a fine hat with a beautifull color. The felt does not feel cheap. The ribbon is too wide, but some just tuck the top under to make it narrower. I haven't owned a Stetson. According the Miller site, the Temple has a 2 5/8 by 2 3/8 brim, while you can get the 257 with up to a 2 3/4 brim all around. I'd never wear a felt hat in the rain. Unless my hat had a vynil hat cover. http://www.mountedpoliceworldwide.com/s ... ories.html

[Michaelson]

Of the two, the Miller gets my nod as well. You can get it reblocked easily by Steve, or hatmaker of your choice, and it's a pretty decent hat in my opinion. I've owned and worn Millers, and until I moved on to other makes, was very happy with the product.
They can taper if not treated with a product like Scotchgard red, or like treatment, so be sure to not get it soaked before you give it a shot of something.
Regards! Michaelson

[J_Weaver]

I've always been told that a vynil cover is on eof the worst things you can put on a hat. I've always been told that a few coats of Scotchgard is better.

I would probably go with the #257. That way you can bash it yoursef.

Welcome to COW Brown Fedora!

Edit: dang it Michaelson, you beat me to it.

[Hemingway Jones]

If we are weighing in on the Miller, I have seen one and was very impressed with it. Here is a pic side-by-side with my Adventurebilt Hat.




The big lug on the left is Indiana Fist and he is wearing his Indiana Miller, which he picked up for $30 on eBay. It looks very nice to me. The color might be a bit too light and a bit too red, but I like it. I thought the felt was exceptional. I have some other pics of it in comparison to an Akubra and my AB. These may be found here.

[fedoralover]

I've had the Temple, go with the Miller.

fedoralover