I was on the phone talking to my mother as i walked into this antique store and told her what I was looking for, i hung up, turned around and there it was. This brown fedora from 1930-40's. It hat a really tall crown, raiders style and a fairly wide brim witch I cut down a bit and now it looks great. I cleaned it up and put a dark brown new band on it. It looks great I think. the guy said it was made out of fur felt but he didnt know what kind. The inside reads 'Cavanagh' at Park Avenue 47'th Street, New York. Anyone know of this make? Well, In time I'll buy a AB but for now Im happy. I'll see if I cant post a pic soon. Thanks to all for all the help. I kinda like the idea that it's old and while I was driving home I couldnt help but wonder, who owned this hat before me and what kind of man was he...deep thoughts.
I'm not all too sure really. I just scrounged up some info online and came back with what I found. At least you know now its an authentic vintage hat! The brim can be cut down to whatever length suits your face and head. Whatever looks right to you really. No standard size I don't think.
Cavanaghs are some of the best hats, famous for their selv-edge, which was a hump of felt of that was felted over itself to make the brim stronger. DON'T CUT IT OFF OR I'LL CUT OFF YOUR FINGERS!
With the amount of hats produced reduced, felters don't have a reason to make hats with a Cavanagh Edge. It's a lost art, and can only be found on vintage hats!
It's already done I'm afraid, the brim was wayyyy to big for my face shape, even after the cut I still think it's a bit too big but Im waiting to see if it grows on me. It's a great hat though, been wearing it all day:)
Congrats on that amazing find! You're a really lucky guy!
Okay - so far ... people around here like pics a lot. Oh yes .
Well, at least, that's what I wanna see. Could you show us some pictures of that fine hat? Can't wait to really "see" it.
Just wondering George how much did you get the hat for? I'm looking for a good hat to hang on the wall of my hometheater. Plus I have a lot of antique stores near me. Great find and glad to see your happy with it.
I bought it for 20 bucks..hehe. I'll probably have some pics tommorrow. i also found a safari shirt today so I'm really happy, I'll wear that in the pics with the hat. I'm still a tad confused on the colour of the pants. i was looking today and found some that were ok, I'll buy those tommorrow.