habigman

Homburg Hut, Die Neue Form, Der Wiener Hutmacher + Dermotta Wien Homburg This cardboard stand is probably from the late 1940s early 1950s. It mentions the Homburg hat as a new style which is interesting. More like marketing an old style under an Anglo-American name.

J. Hückel´s Söhne, 58cm, probably 1930s or older, it was modified along the way (see below). This is a very stiff heavy weight felt (nothing to do with quality) which probably has to do with the 'Derby' model name (stiffer soft felt hat). The crown tip patch is missing but the triangle shape is similar to the Carl Kellner Hamburg logo. Some minor felt issues that are made more apparent by the lighter felt color. Felt spacer strip stitched to the crown about one inch above the brim line was added after paper label. The ribbon was either reattached or replaced.

Echter Borsalino, size 5 1/2 Point, probably 1930s. This Echter Borsalino was later (1980s?) setup in a military crease. It was sold by Carl Kellner Hamburg (I have a some other hats from this shop). The felt is very thick and stiff which is not usually associated with Borsalinos. I have no idea if this stiffness is a later result of trying to make into a military style hat. Unfortunately the sweatband (a real beauty) is damaged but over all the hat is in good shape. I think the bow is especially nice and also the tip patch.

Carl Kellner Hamburg, 58cm, probably 1930s or older. I believe this hat could have been made by J. Hückel´s Söhne (modified? see below) based on what is left of the paper label. This is a very stiff heavy weight felt (nothing to do with quality) which probably has to do with the 'Derby' model name (stiffer soft felt hat). The crown tip patch is missing but the triangle shape is similar to the Carl Kellner Hamburg logo. Some minor felt issues that are made more apparent by the lighter felt color. Appears this hat was modified because of the felt strip stitched to the crown about one inch above the brim line was added after paper label. If so the ribbon might not be original.

PH. Möckel Hutfabrik, Homburg vor der Höhe, Hoflieferant Sr. Maj. d. (Seiner Majestät des) Kaisers u.(und) Königs (Official supplier to his Majesty the Emperor & King) und Sr. Maj. d. Königs v. (von) England ("Official supplier to his Majesty the King of England", measures about 59cm, 130 grams, probably pre WWI. In very good condition except for slight damage to the sweatband. Also rare stitched liner (only seen this once before) on a stiff felt hat. PH. Möckel Hutfabrik (1806) made the original Homburg style hat for King Edward the VII of England. I have only come across two old Möckels' (another Melone and Top Hat) and they were in very bad condition.

Brüder Böhm Wien Post Card (April 8, 1918) I picked this one up recently. It was sent to a hat store owner (Franz Karzen) in Wamberg, Böhmen, Austria (today Vamberk, Bohemia, Czech Republic).

Brüder Böhm (1936) Posted by Robert (RLK) on the FL.

Posted by Robert(RLK) on the FL. First President of Czechoslovakia 1918-1938

Posted by Robert (RLK) on the FL.

J. Hückel´s Söhne (JHS) were famous for their Velour hats but they also made fantastic Melone (German for Bowler, Derby). I know JHS made at least three models of Melone, the Plume, Flexible and Elastic. The Plume was the lightest at 126 grams. They have a longer nap that produces a very nice finish. The felt make up is probably a combination of rabbit, hare and maybe some nutria. From left to right, Plume (126 grams), Flexible (152 grams), Plume (126 grams). I am pretty sure all three are from the same time period of the 1930s.

P. & C. Habig Wien, size 57cm but fits fine, very good condition, 1950s. Really like the brim flange and overall form.

Melone + Oktoberfest!

Mini Ceramic Top Hat, Th. Scheunpflug Spezialhaus für Herren u. Damen-hüte, Erbrischestrasse Ecke Stollngasse, Freiberg, Saxony. Probably early 1900s.

Mayer Hut, Gray Velour, 1953. This one belongs to Baron Kurtz on the FL.

No model name. This hat belongs to Baron Kurtz on the FL. Probably late 1950s early 1960s.

Located in Nürnberg. Established 1862. Appears to be a Hutfabrik but could be a retail outlet. I found them listed in the 1911 "The American Hatter Trade Directory".

Located in Osnabrück - Oldenburg. I am think this is a shop and not a hat maker. This Marke Spezial Homburg belongs to Lecky on the FL. He found it in vintage shop in Munich. Unique blue color and mid ribbon. Probably early to mid 1950s.

This Erko Velour belongs to Lecky on FL. He found it in a Munich Vintage shop along with another hat. I believe this hat is from the 1930s. It has had some fixes to the sweatband and possibly the ribbon has been replaced or poorly fixed.

This Wilke Caballero belongs to Fritz (Manfred). Probably late 1950s. Hybrid Homburg - Fedora style unique to the German market.

This Hückel Weilheim Box Bow Stingy Brim belongs to Mike on the FL. Date stamped 1968.

German Velour, probably from around WWI, could be a Bradenburg maker. The sweat and liner have some damage but everything else is fine. A very nice old Velour!

I decided to take some new photos of my old Brüder Böhm Velour. Le Jacquard: Journal de L'industrie Lainière (1905) Habrard-Brunel, new products, in Tain (Drôme), successor to Rostaing.

P. & C. Habig Berlin Kreissäge (Boater), measures 59cm, thinking 1920s. I don't believe I have encountered a P. & C. Habig from the Berlin (see above postcard) so very rare plus in mint condition. The straw + weave are very flexible and light weight. I am very excited about this one. Austrian Coat of Arms, Eagle with Hammer and Sickle P. & C. Habig Berlin!