Club Obi Wan

I figured this would be the best way for me to source other felt as I am gonna offer a couple of other hats in the upcoming years. Like a classic Bogey.

I know we are spread out all over the US. I also know there are 10 felters in the US. I know of only 4. That leaves 6 that I really need to know about. Hatters generally will not share their good sources, and they are not on the internet either. Most are really old factories, but if you looked and asked around, you might stumble upon one. All that I need is the name, and if possible, a phone number. If you find one that I do not know about, and they make felt bodies, I would gladly pay you with a new hat. This will be worth it to me, because this is very valuable info to someone just starting out like me. These felters can be anywhere. In small towns, and in big cities. Thanks for the interest. Fedora

Just to confirm, you just want US sources, Fedora?

Can you list the four you know?

Yes, US and Canadian sources. The 4 that I know are Winchester, Hatco, Bollman and Seratelli. So, put on your hats and jackets and lets look for some true artifacts. Thanks, Fedora

Well I found these:

STRATTON HATS INC
Phone: 708.544.5220
3200 Randolph St
Bellwood
IL 60104

LANGENBERG HAT C0
Phone: 573.237.2166 or 573.237.3892
101 Southgate
Hwy C
New Haven
MO 63068

GERISH CO JAY
Phone: 201.403.0655 or 212.226.3989
2 York Ave
West Caldwell
NJ 07006

and

BOLLMAN HAT CO
Phone: 212.564.6480 or 800.437.0003
Suite 1130, Empire State Bldg
5th Ave
New York
NY 10118


Hope one of those is right!

In Christ,
Shane

McFly, I imagine those people make hats, but whether they wholesale felt to other makers is another story altogether.

You could be right. Where I found them, it said that they make felt bodies, and they were listed among the other 4 that Fedora says he knows.

In Christ,
Shane

Try also:

Kangol Inc
3 Westchester Plaza,
Elmsford
NY 10523

Phone: 914.592.2595
Fax: 914.592.1126
Fax: 800.431.1802

http://www.hatsuk.com/furfelthood.htm

This is in the UK but thought I'd post it anyway:
http://www.macculloch-wallis.co.uk/home_mill.html

clear water hat co.
http://www.clearwaterhats.com/

Rand Hat co.
http://www.randhats.com/

Aztex Hat co.
http://aztexhats.com/

So far, no show. Stratton Hats own Winchester. Langenberg and Gerish import, and I knew about these guys. The other ones listed in other posts don't make felt. There are some companies out there that just produce the felt bodies. Anybody live close to Biltmore in Canada? They might sell just bodies in pure beaver, and high content beaver. But somewhere there are 2 or 3 smaller felters who are unknown online. Those are who I am after. All the so called online felters, I already knew about as I have access to those too. regards, Fedora

time to pull out the phone book and yellow book
Adam

I'm close to Smithbilt. I'll see what I can find for ya.

They say antwerp is the Felth Capital of the world or something.. But that aint the USA .. Hope you find the info you need !

Well, Australians tend to think its rabbit fur felt (like in the Akubra's) is tops

Here's what I found in about 15 minutes of searching.

North Valley Hat Co.
8356 Liberty Rd., S.
Salem, OR 97306
USA
Tel: 503-371-1110

Crown Cap (1987) Ltd.
1270 Notre Dame Ave.
Winnipeg, MB R3E0P3
CAN
Tel: 204-775-7740
Fax: 204-786-2526



Krystal Cap Co., Ltd
16 Plymouth Ave.
Toronto, ON M6J 1Z1
CAN
Tel: 416-603-1475
Fax: 416-603-6661
Or call: 877-322-0042

Ganka Inc.
1401-T Des Pins W.
Ancienne-Lorette, QC G2E1G9
CAN
Tel: 418-872-2814
Fax: 418-872-6296
Or call: 800-463-3350

LaMart Mfg. Corp.
80 Ainslie St.
Brooklyn, NY 11211
USA
Tel: 718-384-6917
Fax: 718-384-0235
Or call: 800-237-1168


Korber Hats, Inc.
394-T Kilbur St.
Fall River, MA 02724
USA
Tel: 508-672-7033
Fax: 508-673-0762
Or call: 800-428-9911

Bailey, G.S., Hat Co.
3201-T N.E. Loop 820, Suite 275
Ft. Worth, TX 76137-2434
USA
Tel: 817-232-9707
Fax: 817-232-3480

Midway Industries Ltd.
8270 Pied IX
Montreal, QC H1Z 3T6
CAN
Tel: 514-722-1122
Fax: 514-729-1122

Smithbilt Hats Ltd.
1235-T 10 Ave. S.W.
Calgary, AB T3C0J3
CAN
Tel: 403-244-9131

Master Hatters of Texas
2945-T Market St.
Garland, TX 75041
USA
Tel: 972-864-5523
Fax: 972-864-5524
Or call: 800-926-4287

Alboum W Hat Co., Inc.
1439-T Springfield Ave.
Irvington, NJ 07111
USA
Tel: 973-371-9100

Lambert Cap & Glove Co.
105 Elm St., P.O. Box 740
Chillicothe, MO 64061
USA
Tel: 660-646-2150
Fax: 660-646-2152
Or call: 800-986-3337

M & B Headwear Co., Inc.
2323-T E. Main St.
Richmond, VA 23223
USA
Tel: 804-648-1603

Manufacture De Chapeaux Magill Inc.
9600-T Boul. St. Laurent
Montreal, QC H2N1R2
CAN
Tel: 514-381-8561
Fax: 514-381-8795

West Penn Hat & Cap Corp.
1000-T Threadway
Creighton, PA 15030
USA
Tel: 724-224-5203
Fax: 724-224-6338
Or call: 800-245-6645

Ontario Glove Mfg. Co., Ltd.
500-T Dotzert Court
Waterloo, ON N2L6A7
CAN
Tel: 519-886-3590
Fax: 519-886-3597
Or call: 800-265-4554

Brizel Leather Corp.
367-T Southern Blvd.
Bronx, NY 10454
USA
Tel: 718-585-1100
Fax: 718-585-1904

The North Valley Hat company is in my neck of the woods and I already contacted him last year. He just makes Cowboy hats out of his home. I went and visited him. I had him sew a bound edge on one of my vintage hats. Does nice work but doesn't make felt.

fedoralover

Milano Hat Co.
10203 Corkwood, Suite 101
Dallas, TX 75238-1200
Tel. (214) 342-0071
Fax (214) 342-1285

Dorothea Knitting Mills Ltd
Canada
Phone: (416) 421-3773

Don Livingston's Longhorn Hatters
2447 Lockhill Selma
Suite 701
San Antonio, Texas 78230
Tel. 210-348-7042

I am in the process of communicating with Dorothea, Longhorn, and 5 other hatteries, and will get back to you [all].

In Christ,
Shane

Here is one you can buy hat body's from.

MANNY"S in NY

212-840-2235

Awww! Yeah, Manny's is one. Nice job. lol

You might try

California Millinery Supply Co.
721 South Spring St.;
Los Angeles, CA USA 90014;
(213) 622-8746.

and I hear that "Headquarters International" sells felt bodies.

Headquarters International
42 West 39th St. 4th Floor
New York, NY
(212) 840-0990

In Christ,
Shane

Fedora, you have a PM.

have you seen this one yet? I don't know if its worth anything & there are other links at the bottom of the page.

http://www.hatsupply.com/beaver.htm

Thanks for all the input fellers. What I am looking for will not be online. I knew about all of the ones listed. I am looking for a small felter, who will not be listed online. It could be, that they simply do not exist, but it is just a lead that I have been on for the past 6 months. See, the thing is, if these felters exist, it will not be well known, except among established hatters, and then they would never divulge the source. I have seen some felt, in some nice browns and grays from a supposedly small felt maker, and it is very good. I am quite satisfied with my supplier, but the colors offered are just too limited. I will always use my current supplier due to the fact that I have only seen one felt that was just a nudge superior than mine, but that is the only one. So, the search continues. Sherlock, where are ya when I need ya? Fedora

I've been in communication with Optimo, Borsalino, The Village Hat Shop, Seratelli, Stetson, Shorty's Hattery, Dorothea Knitting Mills Inc., Makins Hats, Baron Hats, Texas Hatters, HatBook.com, and the North American Felter's Network. The only place I've gotten in reply from any of them was Manny's Millinery in NY. Optimo and Borsalino have yet to reply, Stetson had no idea that 10 even existed, Baron Hats said I'd have to get back to them when the owner returned, HatBook.com said good luck, and the NAFN said that they only work with people who make felt by hand.

So I don't know... but I've been looking hard, I'd really like one of these hats... lol. I'll continue my search. However, I don't think you'll be shipping out any free hats, Fedora.

In Christ,
Shane

Fedora wrote:Thanks for all the input fellers. What I am looking for will not be online. I knew about all of the ones listed. I am looking for a small felter, who will not be listed online. It could be, that they simply do not exist, but it is just a lead that I have been on for the past 6 months. See, the thing is, if these felters exist, it will not be well known, except among established hatters, and then they would never divulge the source. I have seen some felt, in some nice browns and grays from a supposedly small felt maker, and it is very good. I am quite satisfied with my supplier, but the colors offered are just too limited. I will always use my current supplier due to the fact that I have only seen one felt that was just a nudge superior than mine, but that is the only one. So, the search continues. Sherlock, where are ya when I need ya? Fedora

Fedora,
I think this is just more BS. Consider where you heard the info from. He is the Hype Master.

Steve,
I have not had any luck with the felter of whom you speak, but in the hunting process I have found Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster and evidence of UFO's.
Regards,
Rick

have not had any luck with the felter of whom you speak, but in the hunting process I have found Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster and evidence of UFO's.

It is amazing what you run across when doing detective work!! The best bet would to have asked Bigfoot. I think the private felter and him are in the same category. Fedora

Here's a couple in Chicago

Yom's Hat Manufacturers
4225 N. Pulaski
Chicago, IL
phone:773-583-3395

or

Bill The Hatter
3130 N. Lincoln, Ave.
Chicago, IL
phone:773-525-4287

Fedora wrote:

have not had any luck with the felter of whom you speak, but in the hunting process I have found Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster and evidence of UFO's.

It is amazing what you run across when doing detective work!! The best bet would to have asked Bigfoot. I think the private felter and him are in the same category. Fedora

When you do offer the Bigfoot fur hat, I'm in.

In the meantime I'll ask around...this is Hollyweird, after all...

J

Winchester Hat Corp.Winchester Tn. A felting factory.



These pictures were posted on the net and this Liar told people it was a small private felting plant. He made out like he was the only hatter getting the worlds most special beaver. He even has a hype name for it Sterling beaver . You see he tells people his felt is the best in world since it is only pure belly beaver and this small magic firm only makes a limited amount each year since its so special . He called it a Boutique felting plant and he is the only one that can buy from this Magic Beaver felt plant.

Well I sent the pictures to the Winchester Hat Corp. and they said yes sir thats our felting factory in Winchester, Tenn. They make cowboy weight and fedora weight hat body's.

Its funny how Lies always come back to bite you in the ###!!

Winchester Hat Corp makes most of the beaver and rabbitt felt used by the majority of the hatters in the USA.

Steve AKA Fedora even made a post on COW asking for help in finding this Magic Boutique felt factory and offered a free hat to who ever could find it.

Well here it is for all the world to see. Fedora "My size is 7 3/8 please"

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...equip/mixed.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...equip/baume.jpg

More pictures

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...ip/blocking.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...quip/blower.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...uip/breaker.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...ip/breaker3.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...p/burlaprap.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...equip/donut.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...quip/drying.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...equip/dying.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...feed_blower.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...ip/felting2.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...ip/felting2.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...dequip/fur2.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...dequip/fur3.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...dequip/fur5.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/.../inspecting.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...inspecting2.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...equip/mixed.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...quip/mixing.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...p/pouncetip.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...pouncewheel.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...dequip/shop.jpg

http://www.######.com/forumpix/...quip/tipper.jpg

None of your links work.
The Winchester factory in question here is a large white cinderblock building that is located about 6 miles from where I'm sitting. I've never seen a car parked in front of it, but have been told it's a small operation that is usually closed by 3 in the afternoon everyday, so if anything, it's a VERY private small operation. I have YET to meet anyone who works there...or even KNOWS anyone who currently works there, and I've lived here for 15 years now.
Regards. Michaelson

Michaelson wrote:None of your links work.
The Winchester factory in question here is a large white cinderblock building that is located about 6 miles from where I'm sitting. I've never seen a car parked in front of it, but have been told it's a small operation that is usually closed by 3 in the afternoon everyday, so if anything, it's a VERY private small operation. I have YET to meet anyone who works there...or even KNOWS anyone who currently works there, and I've lived here for 15 years now.
Regards. Michaelson

Sorry about the links try this one.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=2760

They close at 3 PM. Maybe you came by after they closed.
.

They have 49 employees and made around $1M in 2003. Good business.


Might be fun and meet up for a factory tour. They are real nice folks!!

Yep, I've been up and down that street by the plant, and let me tell you, it's the lowest profile business I've EVER seen in my LIFE! There's a sign on the side of the building, but when you drive around the place, the back of the building is abandoned and all it's windows are broken. The front doors are chain and pad locked, and not a soul in sight, and yet they do all this work! Onlythe UPS man seems to know about them. REALLY weird business. Maybe they're vampires and only work at night! It's a thought! Regards. Michaelson

p.s. Well, darn. I looked at all the photos, but the faces were blocked out (as they should have been for privacy reasons). I was hoping I'd recognize somebody, but foiled again!

Glad I could help.

Why don't you Fedora and myself hook up and take a tour and have lunch one of these days We can take Greg the manager with us.

Fedora and I have been talking about that recently. If he can shake loose in the next few months, sounds like a plan. I'll even drive us up in the old Plymouth! At least we'll LOOK like we belong in the area. (grins) Regards. Michaelson

Michaelson wrote:Fedora and I have been talking about that recently. If he can shake loose in the next few months, sounds like a plan. I'll even drive us up in the old Plymouth! At least we'll LOOK like we belong in the area. (grins) Regards. Michaelson

Sounds good to me. Maybe we can get some COW folks and Fedora lounge guys to go with us.

Humm. I'll need to get a bigger car then.... You don't mind riding on the fender, so you Sharpe old buddy? Steve already called shotgun! Regards. Michaelson

I'll fly in. So the car won't be a problem. Heck i'll even treat for lunch.

You guys got a mate called shotgun?!?!?!? scary...

In Franklin County, TN, and certain areas here, it's always safer to have someone in the car called 'Shotgun', if you follow my meaning? (grins) Regards. Michaelson

Well more or less, but im beginning to imagine TN as the wild wild west or kind of an 8 mile state

Yep. There are areas that not much has changed in the last 100 years. Those are the areas you either don't go into, or go with a GOOD friend who knows everyone. I'm sure there are areas down where you live too, my friend! Regards. Michaelson

Yup, there are but usually you dont wanna go into them because, its not that im a racist or anything but where i live gypsies want you for 2 things either to buy drugs from them or to rob ya and these places are usually filled with them

So, YOU need to find a friend called 'Shotgun' too! (grins) Seriously, and in case you really didn't know what the slang term 'shotgun' means, in the days of the old West, the guard on a stage coach was called the shotgun rider, as he carried and used his short barreled shotgun should someone try to rob the stage. Since those times, anyone who wanted to 'call' the front passenger seat in a car, truck or anything else, they'd say 'SHOTGUN', meaning they wanted to ride up front with the driver! American slang. Confusing if you don't know the history behind the terms!
High regards. Michaelson

UHm, the nearest friend i have to Shotgun is one that is called "El Peludo" which would translate as the hairy one but i dont think that would scare anyone

Michaelson wrote:In Franklin County, TN, and certain areas here, it's always safer to have someone in the car called 'Shotgun', if you follow my meaning? (grins) Regards. Michaelson

I got your drift. I never leave home without Ole Betsy.