habigman

J. Hückel´s Söhne "Durit", FP 5 1/2, possibly late 1920s early 1930s and made for the French Market.  Fantastic Velour Color and Finish!  This Velour belongs to Daniele on the FL.

INDUSTRY COMPASS. YEAR 1922. VOLUME III, "German Austria, Czechoslovakia. Hungary. Yugoslavia, (SHS State)"

(This is a very good reference that I recently stumbled upon.)

Page 4436: Filz und Wollhüte (Siehe auch Hüte) / Felt and Wool Hats (See also Hats)

Page 4437: Filz und Wollhüte (Siehe auch Hüte) / Felt and Wool Hats (See also Hats)  

Page 4527:  Hutbänder / Hatbands,  Hüte / Hat Factories (Siehe auch Stroh, Filz- und Wollhüte  /  See Also Straw, Felt and Wool Hats)

Page 4528: Hüte / Hat Factories), Hutfabriksmaschinen / Hat Factory Machines, Hutformen für Hutmacher  / Hat Blocks for Hat Makers a) Aus Gusseisen / Made of Cast Iron   b) Aus Holz / Made of Wood, Hutformen für Modistinnen (Aus Appret Draht u Steif schleier) / Hat Blocks for Milliners (Made from Appret Wire and Stiff Veil), Hutkoffer / Hat Case, Hutmacher Ofen  / Hat Maker Oven,

Page 4529 Hutpackpapier / Hat Packing Paper a) Braun Patenthutpack / Brown Patent Hat Pack b) Zellulose / Cellulose, Hutschachteln (Siehe auch Kartonnagen)  / Hat Boxes (See Slso Cardboard Boxes), Hutschmuck  / Hat Decoration, 

Page 4530: Hutschnüre / Hat Cord,  Hutschweißleder / Hat Sweatband Leather, Hutsteife / Stiff Hat, Hutstumpen / Hat Felt Hoods 

Page 4851: Strohhüte / Straw Hats

A. Trahy PLZEN PILSEN "Weiner Spezialität", Wool, 58cm possibly later 1920s early 1930s.  This Stiff Felt was sourced by A. Trahy PLZEN PILSEN (Bohemia)  but I am not sure from what Austrian company (see below).  This black Wool Felt has a very nice hand and is very dense.  

Natural Light

This is the original owner "Ludwin Franz Roll", who was born November 29, 1899 in Karlsbad, Bohemia, Austria and died April 11, 1953 in Krems an der Donau, Lower Austria, Austria.

I did some searching and I found another Wool Stiff Felt of mine with the same Paper Label format and matching "Farbe" (Color) and "Form." numbers.  The Forms, Liners and Bow Designs are also similar. 

The only difference is the above Paper Label has St. Veit (Sankt / Saint Veit) in the far left corner.  Sankt Veit an der Glan Schafrasse is a small town in the South East corner of Austria and I couldn't find any Felt Hat production in the town.  My guess is this is the source of the Wool used for the Felt.  This Wool Stiff Felt was sold by a shop (Ludovikus Hagens Wwe) in a small town (Lustenau, Voralberg) in the upper North West corner of Austria.  This Wool Stiff Felt is posted at the top of this thread. 

Hückel Weilheim "Extra", 58 cm possibly mid 1950s.  The Black Smooth Finish Felt has a very Soft Hand and easily dry creases.   The "Extra" goes back to J. Hückel´s Söhne and here is a similar earlier example.  

https://germanaustrianhats.invisionzone.com/topic/6-johann-hückel´s-söhne-hückel-hutfabrik-weilheim/page/7/#comment-2940

Both the early "Extra" and later "Extra" were also worn Brim Up.  

Open Crown

Natural Light + Brim Up which I think is a better look.

Hello Mathias,

Sorry for the late reply.  Some how I missed your post!   Fantastic find!  I really like the Felt color and finish.  Your hat was made in 1976 based on the paper label.  The quality is high because the original family still owned Borsalino and the hat was made in the old factory.  

My friend Radek Polach is now the leader of the August Hückel's Villas Restoration Project.  I received the following article / videos from Radek.

Experts Determine What Came Be Saved In Hückel's Villas  (Article and Video)

https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&tab=rT&sl=cs&tl=en&u=https://polar.cz/zpravy/novojicinsko/novy-jicin/11000019459/odbornici-urcili-co-z-novojicinskych-huckelovych-vil-lze-zachranit

The Guild of Hatter Masters was founded in Nový Jičín 390 years ago (Article and Video)

https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&tab=rT&sl=cs&tl=en&u=https://polar.cz/zpravy/novojicinsko/novy-jicin/11000019483/cech-kloboucnickych-mistru-vznikl-v-novem-jicine-pred-390-let

On 10/28/2023 at 10:29 AM, Juergen said:

Hello Habigman,

I am sitting here with a very old and good friend who also tries to find out about this company. He worked there once being about 20 years old. When he visited Miesbach some weeks ago he met the "Heimatpfleger" of Miesbach and this guy was very interested in the personell experience of my friend.

Checking the internet we found thes remarks/questions/pictures and he was very exited...  Have you find out more about this fabrication facility and the son of Otto who died in february 1969. the son with the same name disappeared and is not to be found!

I will be glad to foreward your short message to him if you reply to our question!

Best regards

Jürgen

Jürgen,  Good to meet you!  As I mentioned above I am not sure if Miesbacher Velourhutfabrik is related to  Ernst Kohlndorfer Miesbach / Oberbayren Velour Hutfabrik. Unfortunately I haven't done any follow up research since making that post.  I would be willing to look into this further so maybe we can work together.  -Steve Heck

P. & C. Habig Wien "Special Zefir" "Ventilo", 60 cm possibly later 1950s.  This Hat belongs to Stefan on the FL.

Richard Schwarz Wien, possibly later 1920s early 1930s.  Sourced but no Hat Company information. Fantastic Light Green Velour.  Has a new Band and is missing the Liner or internal Crown Patch.  I would like to thank Brent from the FL for sending this great looking Velour my way.

Natural Light

Carl Ceschka Wien, Sourced By Richard Schwarz Wien,  probably WWII era. This one belongs to Justin on the FL.

Not a Hat Factory.  Sourced Hats. 

DIE BÜHNE (Wien), "Kleider machen Leute, der Hut — den Herrn",  Von KommerziaIrat Richard Schwarz / THE STAGE (Vienna), " Clothes Make the Man, The Hat— The Gentleman", By Commercial Counselor Richard Schwarz, Issue 232 1929. Österreichische Nationalbibliothek

What use is the most beautiful suit, if hat, tie and shoe are not in harmony with it or even shabby!
Unfortunately, it is still not clear to every gentleman (or, say, every Austrian) that he can give his appearance only through the correctly chosen tie, the correctly chosen hat that harmony, which appears elegant and distinguished. The Englishman and the American have recognized this for a long time and this year they turn their wisdom all the more eagerly as the fashion is particularly colorful.

What is modern? What’s gonna be modern? The lightweight velour hat, which is a specifically Austrian product. It is already heavily bought by England, France and America. One hand washes the other: in return for this comes the Panama, which was already worn strongly last season in England and America. Ecuador is already rubbing its hands with pleasure.

As far as the shapes are concerned, the "Snapper" is no longer bent slightly at the front, but rather strongly. On the other hand, for elegant wearing it is not bent at all and lets it, in its calm form, imitate the "Homburg" a rimmed hat . This elegant hat still reigns supreme, especially in bright colors.

For those gentlemen who love their comfort and sigh heavily under the torments of the proper suit during the heat of summer, I also have a joyful message: The American fashion of jacketless is also becoming a fixture in Western countries in Europe, and is likely to permeate our territory as well. In the summer you will wear the silk shirt with the beautiful, cheerful tie and no jacket - with a light, elegant hat, which will be either a "Snapper" or a Panama. So also with this half negligent dress it will be the hat, which gives the outfit and the whole appearance of the gentleman the elegant touch.

Side Note: I usually avoid fashion related articles but I found this one interesting because it mentions a Light Weight Austrian Velour Hat and a the Jacketless trend / movement circa 1929.  The bottom right photo is of a man wearing a slightly snapped (normally worn without snap) Lightweight Velour with tie but without jacket.

J. Hückel´s Söhne "Jota" "Seal Velour", 55 cm, possibly late 1920s into 1930s.  A first of a kind Paper Label Type with some old elements.  This fantastic "Seal Velour" belongs to Panos on the FL.

Open Crown

On 11/27/2023 at 3:44 AM, Rachel Frost Hatter said:

I have only just seen your replies I'm afraid! That is very interesting to hear that his workshop is still there. Thank you for this information 

I will have to check and see if the status is still the same. 

On 7/28/2023 at 8:05 PM, Michael said:

Like brand new, so happy I found this gem.

Sorry for the late reply.  Super find!  

Brüder Böhm, Daniel Zikeli Wien  "Rekord", 58cm possibly later 1950s.  Based on the paper label I believe this Homburg was made by Brüder Böhm and  sourced by Daniel Zikeli Wien.  

I found Daniel Zikeli in the "Austrian Hat Industry Guide (1926)" as Daniel Zikely Wwe (Widow) so he had passed away. The location "X. Laxenburgerstr. 30" is the same as the what is printed on the Liner and stamped on the sweatband. 

https://germanaustrianhats.invisionzone.com/topic/217-austrian-hat-industry-guide-1926/

Thank you posting the photos.  It's probably from the mid to later 1950s.  

S. J. Fraenkel Wien "Siror", 57cm possibly late 1950s.  I would like to thank Brent on the FL for letting me know about this fantastic Velour.  The high quality golden brown Velour is very closely cropped and has high gloss.  Great looking thin ribbon / band color and bow design.  Also the close cropped Velour allows for the matching Brim Binding. 

Mayser "Spezial", 57cm possibly later 1950s.  This Homburg belongs to Stefan on the FL.

Stetson "Excellent" Made under License by Mayser, Especially Made for Carl Kellner Hamburg, measures 58cm,  possibly early 1960s.  The paper label is missing so not sure it's Black, could possible be a Dark Charcoal Gray.  It's a later Form but the Felt is pliable and easily dry creases.  I like the color of the the Band / Binding and also like the Bow design.  

Open Crown

J. Hückel´s Söhne "Durit", FP 5 1/2, possibly late 1920s and made for the French Market.  The Light Brown Velour has high gloss and easily dry creases.  The wide Ribbon / Band is an interesting Reddish Brown.   It has a tall 6 inch Open Crown and 2 1/2 inch Brim.  

Open Crown

Natural Light

C. G. Wilke "Helios", 56cm, Wool, date marked 03/1934.  This Wool Stiff Felt belongs to Martin on the FL and here.   The overall condition is excellent.   The Liner is really fantastic. The gloss of Liner material and Liner pleats mimic the Sun as in "Helios".  Also always great to have a date mark.  

"Habig Hüte", Brass Figurine, 5 cm possibly early 1900s.  I believe this depicts mid 19th Century Austria.  There are no production markings.  

Rockel "Velour", labeled 59cm but fits 58cm, possibly 1930s. The Dark Metal Gray Velour is in very good condition. The glossy color coordinated Liner is striking. Rockel Alsfeld didn't get started until the mid 1920 but found a nitch producing affordable high quality Fur Felt Hats. 

Open Crown

According to the seller Christine, this Rockel "Velour" belonged to her father Hans Terpe (see photo below) , born in 1913 in Nünchritz near Riesa/Saxony as the youngest of 7 siblings. Hans learned the trade of lathe operator at the Riesa steelworks and made it to the foreman at JUNKERS. Later, around 1943, he took over the inn of Christine's mother's family through marriage. He died of a heart attack in Markkleeberg near Leipzig/Saxony in 1966.

Hans Terpe 1935.

Unfortunately Christine doesn't have a photo of her father wearing the Rockel "Velour"  but she did have this 1945 photo of Hans wearing a really fantastic Snap Brim Hat with a Crown Crease Clip!  

Here you can see the Crown Crease Clip in action.

Christine with her father Hans (wearing a Snap Brim Hat) and dog Hasso in 1949. 

P. & C. Habig Wien "Export Qualität", 58cm, probably 1959 based on the Paper Label. This is Homburg Hat was made for Hut Brömme Nürnberg. Overall very high quality.  Great Form and Felt Color + Finish with contrasting Band and Binding.

Open Crown

P. & C. Habig Wien Berlin "Spezial Biber / Beaver" "Echt Biber / Real Beaver" Stiff Felts in detail before.  This would be at the highest price point because of the Biber / Beaver Felt and possibly made specially for the P. & C. Habig Berlin store at Friedrichstrasse 82 which didn't survive WWII.  P. & C. Habig Wien were known for lighter weight Stiff Felts. I have never seen this color Paper Label (probably due to it being a Biber / Beaver Felt)  before so a first.   The Liner Crest has the K. K. (Imperial - Royal) Hof-Hut Fabrikant. so could be from WWI era or it was still used for a time period post WWI.  This fantastic Stiff Felt belongs to Randy on the FL.