This is my first post, as I've just joined COW as a member, however it's been several years that I have been around as a reader... even before the relaunch of the site (which I must say it's great!). I still remember Michaelson giving me my an advise on which Jacket to purchase more that 8 years ago (FYI, I went with U.S. Wings, and it's still my prized posession) back in Indyfan forum...
So why joined until today? To be honest, I feel belittled by the amazing knowledge and incredible collections here. In Mexico it's too difficult and/or expensive to get these things but, well, I'm trying, and I do want to feel part of this amazing community of people (e.g. Magnoli, Fedora, Michaelson, etc.).
But enough of introductions, here's my question:
I have been looking for a decent Fedora for some time. Yeah, I own the crappy Disney version, but I've never felt comfortable with it. In Mexico there are Tardan hats, but they have nothing that looks like Indy's. I was thinking of getting a Stetson, but -in all truth- I like the Raiders' version the most. HJ... way too expensive for a guy like me.
So after months of research it came down to two: Akruba and AB. However, I am not a daily hat wearer (like a recent poster), so after reading his post -an all your advises- I decided to go for the Akruba and reshape it using the COW instructions. That same day, call it "luck", a guy at e-Bay posted an Akruba with the following description (NOTE: The auction is no longer live):
THE AKUBRA FEDERATION
This hat is the Akubra Federation from the original run made back in 2002/2003
The ORIGINAL Federation is known to be the finest, most movie accurate Indiana Jones Fedora ever offered. This hat was a special offering by the Akubra hat company (Makers of many movie prop hats including Crocodile Dundee’s hat and hat band) and was produced in limited numbers specifically as a replica of the Indiana Jones Fedora.
PLEASE NOTE: This hat is from the original run in 2002, it is not one of the newer Federations that are being offered.
This hat is made of the finest quality felt and is an exact replica in every aspect to Indy's hat. The crown is the correct height, the brim is the correct width, the hat band is the correct width at 38mm and the color of both the hat and of the hat band are both correct as well. Other features are a dimensional cut snap brim, a roamed leather sweat band and full satin lining. The original Federation is long sold at from Akubra so here is a chance to get the perfect Indy Fedora for your collection, to wear or to add to your Indy wardrobe. If you are looking for a screen accurate, ultra high quality fedora then this is for you. There is simply no comparison with other Indy Fedoras, the original Federation truly is the top of the line.
This hat is a size 7-1/4 (UK Size 58) and measures a tad larger than 23" inside circumference
This Fedora has been sold out and unavailable for several years.
We are really thinning out our collection so my buy it now is VERY reasonable.
Please ask all questions prior to bidding. I accept Paypal and money orders.
Winner agrees to pay the actual rate for insured postage. Please feel free to email me with your zip code for a quote on shipping.
Thank you for looking!
So, since seller seemed to be really informed of the problems with Indy's replicas. I went off and bought it. After all, worst thing that can happen is that it is a regular Akruba. But I though I would drop by here and pop up the questions:
: Was there really an "original" Akruba Federation limited run that is a replica of Indy's?
(and if so which movie??? From the post the seller seems to be hinting at Raiders). I've tried looking for information here, but I don't see any, so... any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks and sorry for the first looooong post.
Best,
Henry Guemez
I thought that the original ribbon width was 39 mm, BTW.
Well, he would have at least had all the pertinent information.... 
