Ford soon to be wearing an AB....and new info..pics!!

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:24 pm

Well, I have news. I have the real Indy on my list for a Raiders fedora. Size 7 1/4. Only thing is, he does not know he is getting one!!!

A gift from yours truly. OK, the rest of the story.

I have been in contact with someone who can get the hat to Ford, without going through a chain of folks. The guy lives in the same neck of the woods, is all I can say. I will take pics of it prior to mailing it off, along with his name on the sweat, for the sake of posterity. I am tickled to be given this opportunity, and it is worth the price to me just to know that he owns one. Fickle? Perhaps, and I will go ahead and plead guilty right away. I am figuring I will put this website address in with the hat, perhaps permanently, on the sweat somehow.

Fedora

J_Weaver · Post by **J_Weaver** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:27 pm

Wow cool!

I thought for a moment you had gotten the contract to make hats for Indy IV.

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:39 pm

I thought for a moment you had gotten the contract to make hats for Indy IV.

I am working on it.

Fedora

IndyFlyer · Post by **IndyFlyer** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:46 pm

WOW, that is exciting indeed for you Fedora, Congratulations!

Now, don't go and get too big for us 'common-folk'....

Canyon · Post by **Canyon** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:48 pm

Fedora, this is incredible news.

For a moment there, I also thought that you were going to be supplying the hats for Indy 4.

I bet when he receives the hat, he's not going to believe how great it is.

I don't suppose you could stamp my phone number inside the sweat, could you?

rebelgtp · Post by **rebelgtp** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:54 pm

Thats very cool Fedora! Who knows maybe the hat will apear in Indy 4. Weren't the aldens used originaly in Raiders because of Fords preferance? I think we have the right crew around here to spot it if its used

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:55 pm

TRULY hope this is legit for you, Fedora, and not another scammer looking for a free A/B with the "I'm in the industry" thing. I can't think of a better gift over the years for HF than to receive such a fine fedora that stands out so amazingly reminiscent of that 'first' film. Congrats!

Thanks. I am not worried about his guy. Highly visible, well known, and all of that. Otherwise, I would not have given it a second thought. regards, Fedora

Dakota Ellison · Post by **Dakota Ellison** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:58 pm

Wow!!! Far out!!! Don't be surprised if he calls you. Hope all goes well. I can just see it now. Watching Indy 4 and knowing he's wearing an AB and knowing that this time I have the same hat only I got mine first!!! Too cool!!!

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 6:59 pm

A didn't know you knew my brother-in-law, Fedora? He lives in Jackson Hole too.

GOOD FOR YOU!!!

Guess now is the time to order me another brown AB before you get so jammed with orders, you'll be to busy to make hats for us old timers anymore.

HIGH regards! Michaelson

Bufflehead Jones · Post by **Bufflehead Jones** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 7:09 pm

I hope you are putting a note in the box explaining the hat and how to get in touch with you. I think it is a great way to get the info about the AB to Harrison. If he likes something (Aldens, his personal pocket knife) he will use it in the movie. In the fourth installment, we may see the most dapper Indy, yet.

Indiana Cromeens · Post by **Indiana Cromeens** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 7:12 pm

That is so awesome fedora, congrats! That so cool to know that Indy himself owns one now, and possibly you might be the man to supply hats for Indy 4!couldn't of happened to a nicer guy-really. CHEERS!

darthjones · Post by **darthjones** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 7:15 pm

This is awesome news! A note: at Lucasfilm, in a box, there was "Harrison Ford's favorite (Indy) hat." I was not allowed to look at it/ open the box but it was in there. When I asked they said it was from Last Crusade but his favorite nonetheless from that film.

So, since he has a history of designating a particular hat, the AB will no doubt be in the running!!!

Congratulations!

It would be great if he sent a picture back. THAT would be way way way too cool.

-John

Ripper · Post by **Ripper** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 7:16 pm

Fricken cool man!!

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 7:32 pm

Holy mother of schmoopie!!!!

That's exceptional. You know how cool it would be to go to the opening of Indy IV with an already screen accurate fedora?

bink

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 7:33 pm

Hey, that's awesome! Wouldn't Harry's name take up the entire sweat if you punched it in?

Hemingway Jones · Post by **Hemingway Jones** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 7:35 pm

From his fiddling with his lid behind the scenes, Ford seams to know his hats. This should remind him of what a proper Raiders fedora should look like.

Well done, Fedora, well done indeed.

Indiana Jerry · Post by **Indiana Jerry** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 8:07 pm

Sweet! If nothing else, Steve, I'm happy for you that you get a chance to send one to The Man In The Hat himself.

A great moment for this custom hatter!

Indiana Cromeens · Post by **Indiana Cromeens** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 8:07 pm

If fords favorite hat id a LC lid, maybe you should send him a LC style lid, and a raiders lid, I'd pay for one if that hurts your pocket book too much fedora. I love the LC lid you sent me, ford would too!

darthjones · Post by **darthjones** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 8:23 pm

Indiana Cromeens wrote:If fords favorite hat id a LC lid, maybe you should send him a LC style lid, and a raiders lid, I'd pay for one if that hurts your pocket book too much fedora. I love the LC lid you sent me, ford would too!

Oh, not to misunderstand - most all of the hats there at the time were LC lids because the others had been stolen. Seriously - and by lower-end employees. They had something like 5 jackets on hand when filming the "invisible bridge" sequence at ILM and by the time they were done there was only 1 on hand.

I'm sure Ford liked other hats too but the LC filming was most recent. I don't think he picked it out of all the films they did. Just the gut feeling I got while there.

Post by **Dalexs** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 8:26 pm

You guys do know that HF IS in fact a member here secretly watching everything we say, and now knows the big surprise!
Nice going Steve!

G-MANN · Post by **G-MANN** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 8:50 pm

Steve,
That's just great news! I hope it leads to a whole new Adventure for you.

Cheers,
John

Indiana Charles · Post by **Indiana Charles** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:00 pm

This is probably the most exciting news I've heared in a while

. A BIG

's and round of

to you Fedora. I look forward to hearing news on Ford's reaction. Good luck on landing that Indy IV contract

rebelgtp · Post by **rebelgtp** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:02 pm

Dalexs wrote:You guys do know that HF IS in fact a member here secretly watching everything we say, and now knows the big surprise!
Nice going Steve!

in the immortal words of homer "D'OH!"

oh well i'm sure he will still love the hat when he gets it.

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:04 pm

Nice going Steve!
_________________

Gee, I hope he is a reader here!! He will know it is coming, but is in line with everyone else waiting on a hat from me. (I worked 18 hours yesterday, making two hats to try and catch up some)

Now some more on how this came about. I actually did not seek this out at all. Never occurred to me, as I guess I assumed it would be difficult to get one in Harrison's hands. But, I am making a hat for this fellow who asked me why I did not give one to Ford himself? Well, I says, how would I do that? Then he told me. His agent and even himself, through doing work for the special effects at Paramount, can get it into his hands. Since this guy knows lots of important folks, (and that can be proven), I took him at his word. If you can't trust this fellow, no one can be trusted. A perk of making hats that folks like, that is, the Indy fedora, introduces you to some nice folks, and interesting folks.

I really do not want to give Ford a note, as I would feel kinda pushy if I appeared to want to persuade him to use my hats. But, if he likes it, who knows what will happen? So, I will just give him one and regardless of the outcome, I will feel good about it. I mean, he plays my favorite film character of all time. So, if something more comes of it, that is ok. If not, that is fine too. I have no illusions about this. It is enough for me to know he has one of my handmade hats in his wardrobe. That would make my day!! regards, Fedora

Indiana Jerry · Post by **Indiana Jerry** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:12 pm

Fedora wrote:I will just give him one and regardless of the outcome, I will feel good about it. I mean, he plays my favorite film character of all time. So, if something more comes of it, that is ok. If not, that is fine too. I have no illusions about this. It is enough for me to know he has one of my handmade hats in his wardrobe. That would make my day!! regards, Fedora

THAT'S what I'm talking about. This is just a great opportunity to give your favorite film hero something to say thanks, that he just might like. Anything else beyond that is a bonus.

Good frame of mind, Steve.

J

Jorenz · Post by **Jorenz** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:35 pm

That's amazing. I'm both happy and excited for you.

indyguy · Post by **indyguy** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:42 pm

Man i'm happy for you Steve, i'm even excited knowing I own a hat that harrison ford also owns,it would be a total bonus if he used it in the film

J_Weaver · Post by **J_Weaver** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:53 pm

I would like to see one thing. A pic of Ford with his AB on his head!

I think at that point we couldn say that Indy Gear has come full circle.

Indiana Blooze · Post by **Indiana Blooze** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 10:05 pm

Hey Steve,
Are you going to send him a brown one or a grey one?

Congrats, you da' man

G-MANN · Post by **G-MANN** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 10:48 pm

Man and If HF wore it in Indy 4, we would all already have screen accurate Hats. (Present AB owners). Now how cool would that be.

Cheers,
G-MANN

JerseyJones · Post by **JerseyJones** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 10:53 pm

Steve,

You know I congratulate you heartily my friend ! We must talk very soon !

Be Well

Ken

zeus36 · Post by **zeus36** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 11:15 pm

Great idea Steve!

What scene from Raiders will the hat be shaped? The idol? or streets of Cairo? or ????

Indiana Neri · Post by **Indiana Neri** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 11:18 pm

Congrats, Steve. After this, we will be able to say that Ford actually copied a bunch of fanatics, instead of the other way around

. Have you given any thought on which bash to give Him?!

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 11:28 pm

I think I will send him the Idol Grab hat. Tight pinch, camel humps on the top, and a flanged brim with some curl in the back. Turned of course!!!!!!!!

$\:D/$ Fedora

kalkamel · Post by **kalkamel** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 11:44 pm

Woohoo! Congrats, Steve!! Hope to see your name in the Indy IV credits as hat provider!!

marco polo · Post by **marco polo** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 12:02 am

Awesome news Steve!!

Snakewhip_Sable · Post by **Snakewhip_Sable** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 12:07 am

Very nice to hear this, Steve! You oughta have some telephone conversation recording device in case he calls.

People still use telephones, right?

Rusty Jones · Post by **Rusty Jones** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 12:19 am

J_Weaver wrote:I would like to see one thing. A pic of Ford with his AB on his head! I think at that point we couldn say that Indy Gear has come full circle.

Heh what a testimonial it would make for the AB site as well ;c)

I can see him putting on the hat: "whoa this is way nicer than the ones for the movie" or worse yet... "Why is it turned?" "where is the foam in the sweatband... oh well, I'll just have to fold the sweatband over" :c)

awesome, and good luck, I really dont see why they wouldnt want you craft hats for Indy IV, but they may have contracts or what not... and Mr. Ford, if you're reading this, thank you for a great character and like we tell everyone "Dont forget to post pics" ;c)

BendingOak · Post by **BendingOak** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 12:42 am

[/quote]Woohoo! Congrats, Steve!! Hope to see your name in the Indy IV credits as hat provider![/quote]

I would be so happy for you.

Indiana Jerry · Post by **Indiana Jerry** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 1:12 am

Rusty Jones wrote:... and Mr. Ford, if you're reading this, thank you for a great character and like we tell everyone "Dont forget to post pics" ;c)

oh, hey, good point, Mr. Ford, that is a de facto rule here, you have to post a pic...

(Good pickup, Rusty!)

3thoubucks · Post by **3thoubucks** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 1:14 am

Exciting news, Fedora!

Pitfall Harry · Post by **Pitfall Harry** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 1:25 am

Wow....

This is exciting stuff. I'm happy to hear something like this coming about for you Fedora. I have mentioned in a few different posts on here that someone should try an contact Lucas, Spielberg or Ford about using the AB in the new film. Glad to see in a roundabout way this came about.

I agree a note might seem pushy depending on what it said, however....It wouldn't hurt either to leave something along the lines of explaining why you sent it. Maybe a small note telling him your a big fan of both him and Indiana Jones and that this hat was crafted after the one he wore in Raiders.

Have you sent the hat yet? Will there be anyway of knowing that the AB does make it to him and doesn't just get shoved in a spot with his other fan mail....OR worse yet it gets sent to that warehouse where the put the Ark!!!

darthjones · Post by **darthjones** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 5:34 am

Hi. Steve, if you get a chance I am curious as to the amount of disparity you are going to put into the brim. I have the impression that the front is about 1/4 inch wider than the sides on the real thing.

Just my impression.

Are you going to go that far?

But just curious. And dang it would be cool if he sent pics. back. I'm just worried that, since Stetson uses his likeness for the license that he would have to disallow any real use of such a photo. Who knows.

I am going to eat some fritos.

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 5:48 am

Excellent news Steve!!!

I'm very happy for you and your firm

Regards,

Marc

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 8:55 am

I can see the DVD extra for Indy IV:

"Yeah, some fantatic hatter sent Harry a hat as a gift and Harry insisted on using it for the movie. Thing is, it's a really nice hat!"

Post by **Mike** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 8:56 am

Awesome news Steve! And I applaud you on making it just a gift instead of trying to hock a product, very classy move. I'm sure the quality will speak for itself, you don't need to.

I wish you the best of luck.

Mike

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 11:21 am

Thanks for the great response!! I am still a bit giddy with the thought that he will own one of my hats. I am not delusional as I know how the business end of any deal of this nature would work. That is, if by chance my hat was chosen for the film. But, HJ was never licensed to sell the hat, and they will look to a mass producer for the after film sales of the Indy fedora. Can you imagine how many folks are courting, or will be courting Lucas and Company, in regards to supplying the hat? Mind boggling. So, if they were by chance to choose mine, it would be a miracle indeed. But I am sure stranger things have happened.

What would be cool is if mention was made in the credits regarding Club Obi Wan, and how this hat actually came from this forum. The fact of the matter is, my hat would not exist if it were not for the folks here. What you see when you see an AB are the results of a bunch of guys and gals who put their minds together and came up with what we thought was a good Raiders fedora. All I do is just fashion these ideas in felt. I am not egocentric enough to think I actually came up with the replica by my lonesome. The ideas and nuances are not mine, they are ours. So, any credit needs to be spred out and not just be in one guy's court. That is indeed the truth of the matter. Regards, Fedora

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 11:32 am

JMO, old friend............

Actions speak louder than words. I'm the windest poster of them all (and my count number proves it), and have bantied theories and debated points for decades with the best of them.....but I have yet to make a single hat....a single jacket....a single item of gear....a single prop.

So, thanks for the kudos....but you guys who MAKE this stuff deserve all the accolades for what comes out the end of the 'production line' for us crazies who buy, wear, and/or collect these items.

High regards! Michaelson

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 11:34 am

I'm very happy for you and your firm

That cracks me up!! The firm consists of an old guy, who never grew up and spends his time trying to recreate a hat that was in a film 20 odd years ago!!

He handmakes hats in a guttted out 25 foot camper hat shop/recording studio and plays the Raiders March on his Bose cd/radio while he is doing so!! What a nut! Or perhaps eccentric would be a kinder term.

He keeps a dvd player close at hand so when he gets tired, he can load up Raiders of the Lost Ark, to get some inspirational energy. And he has this crazy Dutchman who lives in Germany who is doing the same thing!!!

Marc, we are a firm, yes, firm(ly) eccentrics.

Fedora

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Thu Apr 20, 2006 11:34 am

This is incredible news, Steve! Awesome, awesome, awesome. I know Optimo had similar contacts and they were planning on sending him a hat a while back but I have no idea if they did or not.

I've have heard HF say himself that he does not use the internet and doesn't like it and from what I can tell, he does not seem fond of wearing hats, especially those who make him look exactly like Indy. Not that he doesn't already, but can you see the comments he'd get by walking around in that hat?

And you think some of US get comments while wearing the gear!

I doubt he'd wear the hat in public but they seem so close to putting this thing together that I think if the hat makes it to him you honestly have a good shot at it being the next Indy hat. HJ cannot put out anything close to your work. It'd just be a shame if they went with them again.

I was thinking that you can possibly help this happen by leaving a small note in the brim that states the reasons WHY you make the hats. Because HJ no longer puts out the quality they once did, you stepped up for the fans to get a true, quality Indy hat. That will leave a place for the Indygear address if he decides to use it, but according to what he said in an interview a couple of months ago, that is most likely doubtful. But...you never know.
I'd be very hesitant to leave anything about Indy 4 as he may think it a ploy just to get them to use your hats. I'd just say that being such a big fan of the films that you couldn't pass up the opportunity to pass on your work to the person who made the hat so famous. It's being true without kissing his arse.
One thing I do know from talking to the Optimo crowd who have met Ford is that he LOVES good art and craftsmanship so I think the hat will speak volumes to him. Well...I hope it does for you, man.

Ford soon to be wearing an AB....and new info..pics!!

Ford soon to be wearing an AB....and new info..pics!!

very cool

indy