Now official. Crystal Skull fedoras are ABs.

Indiana · Post by **Indiana** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 10:47 am

Wow, I hadn't seen that article before. Why would Baron Hats say such a thing?

Steve and Marc- I am shocked! Absolutely Shocked! So suprising!

Congratulations again!

Maybe the hatters will get a ticket to the premiere?

Rabittooth · Post by **Rabittooth** » Sat Sep 22, 2007 12:03 pm

The whole thing is so cool.
I really remember reading all the posts Fedora made on his quest for the perfect Indy hat before he ever tried his hand at doing it himself.
I didn't understand most of it. But I was there.

Now he's found the most screen accurate hat. Many of them in fact...right in his own shop.
Life is just so astounding sometimes.

-Rabittooth

eazybox · Post by **eazybox** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 2:09 am

quote: "Why would Baron Hats say such a thing?"

What a difference a few words can make.

If Mark Mejia had only said, "That's a closely guarded secret... but it wasn't us," we might still be waiting for the official announcement.

So in an odd way, the Parade feature just helped the truth to get out sooner...thanks, Mark!

But, if anyone bought the Cliffhanger thinking it was from Indy 4, they should be given the chance to return it for a full refund.

Jack

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 2:25 am

Why would Baron Hats say such a thing?

I don't think we know that they did: all we have is a TABLOID saying they said that. For all we know, they're being misquoted or quoted out of context here, so it's entirely possible that they never really made a claim to making the hat. I certainly don't remember any such claim ever being up on their site. :junior: -IJ

eazybox · Post by **eazybox** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 3:03 am

IndianaJones wrote:
Why would Baron Hats say such a thing?
I don't think we know that they did: all we have is a TABLOID saying they said that. For all we know, they're being misquoted or quoted out of context here, so it's entirely possible that they never really made a claim to making the hat. I certainly don't remember any such claim ever being up on their site. :junior: -IJ

They only claim officially to have made a hat for TOD. You're right, the statement could easily have been taken out of context by Parade; but, as far as I know, no one made an effort to set things right until the official announcement was made. In any event, it's really good to have that official announcement!

Jack

Dostacos · Post by **Dostacos** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 3:04 am

IndianaJones wrote:
Why would Baron Hats say such a thing?
I don't think we know that they did: all we have is a TABLOID saying they said that. For all we know, they're being misquoted or quoted out of context here, so it's entirely possible that they never really made a claim to making the hat. I certainly don't remember any such claim ever being up on their site. :junior: -IJ

did Barons make the hat for Temple of Doom?

Dan

eazybox · Post by **eazybox** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 3:11 am

did Barons make the hat for Temple of Doom?

Dan

They claim to have made a hat for TOD, yes, but were not the only supplier. Some were Stetsons, because of the product placement agreement, and Richard Swales of Herbert Johnson has aid that he supplied hats to all 3 films.

Jack

Mulceber · Post by **Mulceber** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 3:27 am

Yeah, their claim to have made a TOD hat or two is perfectly plausible given the fact that about half the gear for TOD was left over from Raiders, and the other half came from a variety of sources, most of which were not the ones we traditionally associate with the films (ie. HJ, Wested, etc.). :junior: -IJ

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 10:41 am

If Mark Mejia had only said, "That's a closely guarded secret... but it wasn't us," we might still be waiting for the official announcement.

So in an odd way, the Parade feature just helped the truth to get out sooner...thanks, Mark!

In all fairness, I heard that Mark denied ever saying what he was quoted as saying. But, the press is wanting news on the new film and it seems false news is better than no news. But, I bet he sold a few hats due to that ad.

I actually talked to Mark during my short break as he had been given my number. He was looking for a felt supplier as his old one must have went belly up. So, as a favor to the costumer, I gave Mark some sources, but could not help him out with the ribbon. Marc Kitter would have walked across the Atlantic and put his foot where the sun don't shine.

Fedora

agent5 · Post by **agent5** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 11:52 am

One of the hats in a few scenes of TOD do look like the Baron Indy hat, but the majority of scenes appear to be the Stetson.

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 12:16 pm

The liners will be another good story when the time comes, and there is indeed a story around the liners. The hat we saw Spielberg picking up, had the liner removed, perhaps for heat exhange reasons since they were shooting in NM and the heat was up around 107 if I recall correctly.

But a little teaser to help until we tell is whole story might be in order. I really should let Marc tell this one, since it actually happened to him.

Marc is talking to the costumer about the hats and liners. He has a sample there, and I think it was the one that Gmann mailed in. So, the costumer turns the hat over and looks at Marc's crest. He then asks, "by the way, what does that writing mean on your crest?" Marc pauses, as we were both scared of getting into trouble with our theft of the Staff of Ra Headpiece crest. Marc then recites the line from the film that refers to the 6 kadam height............. a pause on the costumers end, followed by a huge belly laugh. " No, he says, we certainly can't use that!!"

McFly · Post by **McFly** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 1:08 pm

Well it's a good thing the costumer had to go to the bathroom during that part in the movie and missed the line!

That's really weird. So... the two stories we have to look forward to now are the liner and gray hat stories. Remember these people - so we can ask about them later!

In Christ,
Shane

michaelb · Post by **michaelb** » Sun Sep 23, 2007 1:33 pm

Well, I was just thinking... It states, "Mark Meija, owner of Baron Hats, which created Ford's specially aged "Cliffhanger" Fedora."

It doesn't really say that HE made any hats for THE movie anywhere. Just that he makes a version of Ford's famous hat...

It may be that he was contacted and interviewed due to his website and they just printed what he does, not realizing that he has nothing to do with this particular movie in anyway... And it doesn't sound like he made any statement of such either... However, knowingly or not knowingly, he didn't contradict them as well...

2 cents,

MB

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 7:05 am

Oh gosh yeah, on that liner, I really started to panic when the custumer started asking about our logo...

Here's a part of the conversation:

Customer: "Marc... on that crest there on the liner... it's really beautiful, but just the advertising is a little over the edge if we show that. I don't think Steven would like that"

Me: "No problem. We'll just use Steve's liners instead "custumer". It's just the logo in plain gold on white satin, without our company name."

Customer: "That logo... what does it say anyway?! - What LANGUAGE is that to start with???"

THAT'S when I went "uh oh - I sure hope we're not into any legal problems here", so I asked carefully:

"Did you see the movies lately?"

Customer: "Yes, just recently"

Me: "Well... ummm... it says "and take one kadam away, to honer...."

Pause

Customer: "Bwaaaaahahaaaahaaa!!!! - You guys are really something *lol* We can't use that for the movie Marc. That would just *lol* Oh my..."

I relaxed quite a bit when he started laughing that hard!!! I though about mentioning that 3PO and R2 were on the walls of the WOS as well and that Lucas might get a kick out of this, but thought I'd better shut up then waking any sleeping dogs.

Regards,

Marc

Mark Brody · Post by **Mark Brody** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 9:48 am

Wow, thanks for that Marc! I was wondering what you guys did for the liner. So if it wasn't the headpiece to the staff of Ra, what did you do?

VP · Post by VP » Mon Sep 24, 2007 9:51 am

That's a closely guarded secret.

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 10:09 am

What VP said

Regards,

Marc

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Mon Sep 24, 2007 4:06 pm

Right on! I don't mind the wait myself...just as long as you charge me the going rate BEFORE you became big wigs!

Congratulations Steve / Marc!

Thanks! I'm actually considering not going QUITE as high on the price as originally calculated. The new price is just supposed to either cut down on the turnaround times or to make my dream come true and make a living from this passion (which would also cut the turnaround times). I'll probably start with a little less and than see if it works out or not.

Regards,

Marc

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 8:30 am

Yep, there's a lot of stuff in this thread and you need to read through it, since most of the questions have already been asked and answered. When I get the time, I'm going to try and clean out the deadwood from this thread, though I think it'll still be a long read with all the pertinent info still intact!

EDIT: Skimming back through this thread, much of it is congratulations for getting the job. Since we've all had plenty of time to add our congrats, and Steve and Marc are well aware of them, I'm going to clean 'em out so it's easier to find the juicy bits of information.

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 9:54 am

WOW! I just cleaned out three pages worth!

Again, we all are happy for Steve and Marc and congratulate them on a job well done and well deserved. Since the majority of posts were basic congrats and well wishes that had been up long enough for Steve and Marc to read them, I edited them out and kept the juicy bits and questions so folks won't have to sift through pages of "good job" posts in order to find the information they're looking for in this thread. Feel free to continue adding your congrats to this thread, but keep in mind that I will be pruning it again from time to time in order to keep this thread in good order.

Jersey Raider · Post by **Jersey Raider** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 4:55 pm

Im glad to hear Steve and Marc got the job. Truly amazing!! I wonder how other hatters, especially HJ reacted to that news!! maybe they thought they would be approached about the new hat. maybe not....even so, they might just look into providing more accurate indy hats in the future. just a thought...

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 5:28 pm

i don't think HJ cared IMO.

Castor Dioscuri · Post by **Castor Dioscuri** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 5:50 pm

I hear ya, G! I wonder (out of mere curiousity) if HJ was ever even considered at any point in the production process to provide their fedoras, considering that quality issues aside, there still was that nostalgic association.

Going out on a limb though, I suppose that the all of the HJ folks that had been involved with the OT (stealing an abbrieviation from Lucas' OTHER famous series) have since either retired, branched out, or otherwise have disavowed any association with HJ, hence the only thing left with today's HJ to associate it with Indy would be the name alone. Of course, correct me if I'm wrong, as that was all just a guess...

I guess I kinda answered my own question there... Though I haven't examined an AB myself to authoritatively judge it for myself, I'm sure that the fact that AB landed the contract is testament to the quality that only a fan could ensure!

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 5:56 pm

didn't steve mention that HJ was the first to get the punt?

what would have been nice...and possibly given AB a run for the money....is if richard swales was asked to come out of retirement to make a hat......but that's a pretty far stretch....and he might not remember the raiders specs.....ah well, would have made a nice story though

Chiliana Jones · Post by **Chiliana Jones** » Thu Sep 27, 2007 6:41 pm

again, congratulations Steve and Marc! you have made us all proud!:D

regards

Rio

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 1:18 am

When the custumer called me up the very first time and we chit chatted for round about 45min, he asked me about the original supplier...

After talking a little forth and back regarding block shapes and how the bow was complete off on the current HJs, I recommended getting one, soaking it in water and then to put in on his desk over night and try it on the next morning to see if it still fits. And then to call me up again.

I didn't want to sound snobbish, but rather to point out that the HJ most probably wouldn't hold up to whatever they'd do with it. Seems like the confidence in our own products did impress him one way or the other. Thanks to the people in here, we DO have the possibility to claim that our hats are tried and true.

Regards,

Marc

K on the run · Post by **K on the run** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 2:33 am

What's all this then?

Adveturebilt suppling the hat for Indy4 OMG

No seriously

Congrats guys it makes me proud, as a gearhead, to witness this fantastic achievement

I'm truly humbled but the fact that I have to deliver on your great work.

High regards Gentlemen.

PS. sorry for being the last COW to congratulate you, been terribly busy lately

IndyK · Post by **IndyK** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 3:02 am

What "K on the run" said....

)

Congrats hatters!

Cheers
Indy-K

IndianaWill · Post by **IndianaWill** » Sun Sep 30, 2007 5:20 pm

Hey Marc!

They do hold up! 100% Beaver,"They do love the water!" Most beavers do! When they are made well, they take the punishment!

And also, want to say Congrats!!

IndianaWill (Rev.Will)

Have a Great and Blessed Day!!!!!!!!!

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 11:02 am

Let me add my 2 cents here on the HJ vs. the AB. One of the requirements needed was the ability of the hat chosen, to be able to hold up to lots of water...........and the costumer wanted high quality clothes for Indy, due to the nature of the films. He was not looking for costume quality items. So, the outfit that Indy wears in this last film were designed with durability being a prime factor. I could go into it and tell you exactly what that meant in the selection of the final Indy outfit, but can't do it. And some things, I will never be able to say, out of respect for other vendors.

But, one thing is for certain. The costumer responsible for the Indy outfit spared no expense in getting exactly what he wanted. He seems to have approached the outfit the same as most folks would when deciding what material to use, that is, which would hold up to the rigors of the work of the stuntmen, along with Ford. Needless to say lambskin was not the leather to use for heavy duty wear. To some, the drape of the new leather will be lacking, when compared to the lambskin used in the other jackets. But face it, lamb looks and feels good, but it also tears too easily. It is better suited for gloves and jackets that are worn going to the office, rather than for an action film. The new film used real world materials. How many bikers use lamb for protection when riding a motorcycle?

One more thing. The hats we made were all sent creased to what you will see on the film. Unlike the other hats from the films that were sent open crown, these hats were sent creased. So, what you see on the film is not only our hats, but our crease jobs as well. We were sent pics to use to copy, and each hat had to be a clone. I had to use a ruler to put in each crease exactly the same length as the others. When I would get Marc's hats in, I would pull out the ruler to make sure his creases were clones of mine. Same goes for the front and back height of the hat after it is creased. This is a first for the Indy films. We were given more responsibility for these hats, than the other hatter was given for the other films. They trusted us, and I think relied upon us for putting the right hat on Indy's head. And from the feedback we have received from them, all have been very satisfied with our efforts. Fedora

Post by **Michaelson** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 11:18 am

There is an odd hat in the mix, and it was an accident. And I doubt you will hear this story anywhere else but here.

Since you posted this in the public area of the forum....no, the world has this information now.

Regards! Micaelson

Spaniard · Post by **Spaniard** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 11:49 am

Hey Fedora,
did you see that Raiders hat?, any comment about it?

Regards

rhboyd · Post by **rhboyd** » Mon Oct 01, 2007 3:29 pm

Thanks a lot for these great stories, Fedora... it's a little thrill to get the inside scoop... in whatever dollops you can dish them out!

very very exciting, in a vicarious sort of way!
cheers,
-r!

<- HEY!!! I'm an archaeologist!!!

Fedora · Post by **Fedora** » Tue Oct 02, 2007 4:31 pm

Hey Fedora,
did you see that Raiders hat?, any comment about it

No, but I wish I could have. Got the specs though from the stitch Nazi.

Fedora

Since you posted this in the public area of the forum....no, the world has this information now.

Yeah, I guess so.

But, since Indy Gear did not get to make the announcement, but the Spielberg film site did, it is the least I can do to bring some info back to where it belongs. As long as I don't say TOO MUCH, I think it is great PR for the film. Just the fact that Ford is going strong at 65, while they have lost stuntmen left and right is a great teaser for the stunts alone. I am told this film is gonna blow folks away, and all involved are saying it is the best one of all. I believe it too. I think it will end up being most of ours "second" favorite film. Hard to top Raiders, but they seem to think they are doing it. That is GOOD news. Fedora

fedoralover · Post by **fedoralover** » Sat Oct 06, 2007 6:22 pm

Wow Steve, it is great to get a little inside info on the materials being used for the film. I'm with all the other fans here who are anxiously waiting for the spring, not only for the movie, but when you will be free to give us all some more info.

regards fedoralover

Red Dust · Post by **Red Dust** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 12:33 pm

Congratulations Steve and Mark!!!

Prehaps you guys should write the list out of all the people that had there had made by you after you sent your special order for the new film... then people could say hey.. i was 21 hats away from the Crystal Skull order!! maybe??? what do you think?

Red Dust

Marc · Post by **Marc** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 1:35 pm

Well some fans had theirs made DURING the CS Fedoras, as the amount of hats needed was increased several times after we though we're done. And therefore gone back to "normal" orders again.

Regards,

Marc

Red Dust · Post by **Red Dust** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 5:28 pm

Is there any possibilty that I was one of those lucky People??? fingers crossed

I ordered in feb with steve... Please say its so.... Lol

hanson · Post by **hanson** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 8:10 pm

i just got back into town 2 oct. and found an email from steve giving me the good news. not only was he double checking my spec;,but, that he had also got the contract, and explained about the delays. i got my raven bashed ab yesterday and it casts the famous "hello marion" shadow on my wall when i walk in my door (or anywhere practically) without 'moviemagic' lighting. this was my litmus test. the crease, taper,pinch,and brim all are perfect. my wife made me stop walking in and out repeating "hello darlene". she did let me wear it to bed for some strange reason. go figure. thanks a millon steve. regards, hanson.

Odo · Post by **Odo** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 3:59 am

Hi Steve, I'm the guy who orderer from Argentina. It's great to know you (both) wish to keep the quality and the details of your hat along time, as didn't happen with other gear (HJ for instance). That was another reason (besides quality) for choosing yours, since if the AB remains the same, is gonna be THE indy hat. At least for the die hard fans.

PS: How do you all guys kill time through the waiting period instead of becoming anxious? Shall I stop thinking 'bout it, and be surprised some day?

binkmeisterRick · Post by **binkmeisterRick** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 7:57 am

Odo wrote:PS: How do you all guys kill time through the waiting period instead of becoming anxious? Shall I stop thinking 'bout it, and be surprised some day?

Yep. That's the best plan.

Welcome aboard, Odo!

Odo · Post by **Odo** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 10:21 pm

Thanks. I don't even remember what hat was I talking about. Otherwise, I'll start walking round in circles, borthering any guy round here...
I think I'm going to reassume my never finished grail diary to keep my self busy.

nicktheguy · Post by **nicktheguy** » Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:05 pm

drool......droool.......May 22nd.......drool

KJB · Post by **KJB** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 7:29 pm

It's been said before, but it's worth saying again: a HUGE congrats to Steve and Marc!!!!!

I take my AB off to the both of you

I bought it as a sort of "Christmas gift to myself" two years ago...time flies, but this hat keeps on truckin, that's for sure.
I had my fingers crossed for Adventurebilt and I'm glad all your hard work got recognized. That's an honor you guys have EARNED.
Keep em coming, and wear em with pride!

VP · Post by VP » Sun Oct 14, 2007 5:53 am

It's been said before, but it's worth saying again: that's one great avatar.

Rabittooth · Post by **Rabittooth** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 9:03 am

Speaking of cool avatars...Red Dust...

Do you have a larger version of your avatar? Did you paint that or something? ....it's extraordinarily cool.

-Rabittooth

Red Dust · Post by **Red Dust** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 6:47 pm

Heres the big picture.

Wested Jacket, Wested Shirt, Todds bag strap, What price glory 1941 gas mask bag, Ebay Gunbelt (which has been replace with Todds now), Cheap pants.. waiting for wested's, Alden 405's, Todd's Wells Lamont gloves, Ebay whip 12ft £45,

And i'm waiting for my AB.. so i got a screen shot of harrison when hes leaning his arm against the fire place and edited it on my existing non SA hat i wore. Brought exposure up etc seprated myself from the elements with photoshop....... BTW i do hope my AB looks as good as that when i get it. (ravens bar style)

SORRY TRYED TO KEEP IN THE PERAMETERS OF TALKING ABOUT THE FEDORA 8-[

Red Dust

sebas · Post by **sebas** » Fri Oct 19, 2007 11:44 am

Steve and Marc,

One word: WOW. As we say here in Spain, "enhorabuena" congratulations! What a great story. I've been glued to the screen reading every detail about how you guys landed the gig.

As many of us have expressed here, being a part of this forum over the years -dissecting every nuance of Indy's various fedoras- it's beyond thrilling to see that -through AB and its artistry- "Indy Gear/COW" has ceased to be merely a fan site and has effectively earned itself a place in Indiana Jones film history and canon. Wow.

Thanks again guy,
Abrazos all around.
Sebas

Whipcrack · Post by **Whipcrack** » Mon Oct 22, 2007 12:03 pm

I have not been active here in the last year and ½. Family, work and just getting tired of waiting for Indy IV slowed my interest. However, READING THIS POST BRINGS ME BACK 100%. I am not a big hat guy. I have two Indy fedoras (not Adventurebuilt) and only wear them infrequently. However, OUR OWN STEVE and MARC ARE MAKING THE LIDS FOR HARRISON FORD FOR INDIANA JONES IV!!!!!!!!! I am shocked, happy, surprised, in awe. To think that of all the lid guys in all the Countries, States, cities, towns and backwater dives Indy IV reached out for one of our own. IMO it is validation for everyone here and a real tribute to Steve and Marc.

Fedora has diligently spent time with everyone on COW, discussing, educating, explaining and all the while perfecting his craft. He has been more than understanding taking time to answer many, many questions and I learned a great deal reading his explanations. I can smell a sales pitch a mile a way and Steve never gave me even a slight whiff of $$$ in his discussions here.

I read all of your comments carefully and find Steve and Marc humble, genuine and very down to earth. It is 1000 X more difficult to get a contract like this if you are not among a favored few who work with the movie industry all the time. Adventurebuilt was obviously chosen because they hit the nail on the head and are that much better than everyone else. I can’t wait to see their results on the big screen. I WILL BE ORDERING ONE AS SOON AS THEY ARE AVAILABLE and will tell anyone who will listen: “THE GUYS WHO MADE THE INDIANA JONES HATS FOR INDY IV MADE THIS ONE TOO!!!!!!”

I can’t ever remember using caps in a post but it is defiantly justified here. May I suggest to Mike and administration the site home page be changed to reflect: Club OBI WAN, Home of the Indy IV Fedora!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!
Bill Walton

Altern · Post by **Altern** » Sat Nov 03, 2007 6:35 am

Same here. Haven't been around for ages.

And i can't believe my eyes.

Sometimes, in life, you have that true moment where you feel something right happened and i think i'm linving that kind of moment.

You earned it, both of you Steve and Marc.

I hope you had a great time making those hats and i certainly hope you'll continue to make some incredibly good hats for indy fans.

Needless to say that now we'll have the "true" indy hat.

Congratulations and welcome to History guys