Hey there, Alex (and others),
Thanks for the compliments, guys. The more I look at this hat, the more I love it. Anyway, in answer to your question, Alex, initially I put the 'Fuller's Earth' on simply to give the Fed more of a 'used-in-action' look. When it's too pristine, it doesn't give me that Indy vibe I'm looking for. HOWEVER, now that I've applied it (basically brushed some in all round it, and added some at the base around the ribbon), I think that it ever so slightly LIGHTENS the hat to about the shade I expect to see from an Indy fedora. That makes me happy as well. =) There are a lot of people on this site who wouldn't DREAM of applying 'dirt' to their hats, though (especially on the very day they received them!), and I can totally respect that. It was SO hard to make the decision to put a bit of dirt on the hat, especially if it were to rain (which...I mean...come on...this is England). =) After the premier, I'll try to get rid of as much of the Fuller's Earth as possible, so I can wear the hat in a light drizzle. =) Take care!!
-Steve H
EDIT: To Steve27752: Posted below is a picture of the inside of the hat. Now you can see what I mean about why it would be difficult (perhaps not prudent) to remove the little bit of plastic at the top of the hat. This is very similar to what Christy's does with their hats...it's not really a problem, I don't feel...but it's all about preference, isn't it? =) Included are a few pictures of the hat NOT on my head with the Fuller's Earth applied.