Just came to my attention last night this is the 25th anniversary since the release of the very first Federation.
Little did Steve, Ron or I have the SLIGHTEST idea back in 1997-98 that the little project we had created for HatsDirect would grow such legs and keep running through several iterations and a remain a top seller for the company a quarter of a century later!
We only wanted to expand on Steve and my practice of reblocking other Akubra models to an acceptable Indy design for fans. At the time, other than customs being Optimo, HJ, or Peters Brothers, there was nothing out there that remotely copied what we as a community wanted, or could afford without breaking the bank.
We wanted a tough real world hat, quality materials, blocked on original 1920’s-30’s blocks, and open crown so any bash from any film could be created.
Makes me proud I had a small part in that part of the hobby history.
Enjoy your Federations!
Thousands have been on real life adventures, performed exactly as they should in actual field conditions, and even appeared on screen!
Not bad for something a group of fans supported so long ago, as without the support of the community, it would have been a one and done.
I guess we all got something right!
Regards! Michaelson