habigman

Early 1800s factory location being restored today.

JHS 1902

JHS sole agent H. Haymann for the U.K. British Colonies and far East. Very early 1900s. Interesting to note the use of nutria along with rabbit and hare.

Visited K. & R. Lembert Hutfabrik (established 1861) in Augsburg with Dieter from the FL. Mr. Christian Lembert gave us a tour of the factory which is much as it was 80 years ago. They have all the machines to mass produce hats but only have about 10 employees today. They also have a large number of antique wooden blocks and flanges. Also machinery for Velour finishes. Unfortunately I wasn't allowed to take pictures in the factory. Today they only make lower end traditional style hats for whole sale order. They also make more specialized women's hats to order. I bought a Dreispitz in honor of the Derbynator! At the factory store. With Mr. Christian Lembert holding the Dreispitz. I inquired about this vintage Lembert hut holder and Mr. Lembert kindly offered it to me.

Continued.

Johann Hückel´s Söhne factory early 1900s maybe older.

The TONAK (originally Johann Hückel´s Söhne) factory and surounding villas. They wouldn't allow me to take photos inside the factory. Felting and hat making are done at the same site. They produce ~ 40,000 felt hoods a month. They are only at ~ 30% of capacity. I was told they were bought by a firm out of the Netherlands. http://www.flickr.com/photos/26044488@N04/sets/72157626380182461/ Hückel family grave site with memorials. http://www.flickr.com/photos/26044488@N04/sets/72157626504629948/

A. Peschel & Brüder Böhm factory sites. http://www.flickr.com/photos/26044488@N04/sets/72157626379978905/

A. Peschel & Brüder Böhm factory sites. http://www.flickr.com/photos/26044488@N04/sets/72157626379978905/

This is size 58c modern Mayser Panama that I picked up from my friend Herbert Herbert Jennissen at Hut Neusbarth Augsburg. I really liked the ribbon treatment and overall look of this one. Probably sourced from Dorfzaun.

This one belongs to RLK (Robert) on the FL. Full 2-3/4" brim. Probably a late one '70's-'80's

Nagy Hut Wien XV1 Homburg. Measures about 58.5 cm. A very unique charcoal color. Very interesting sweatband that is 2 1/4 inches in width. Very nice short hair finish with contrasting binding and frayed bow. I am thinking at least 1930s. Nagy Hut is a famous hat store in Vienna which is still in business today. I am not sure who made (paper label only has model numbers) this one for them but I think it's a real nice example of the style.

Famous hat store chain in Vienna with their own line of hats.

This beauty belongs to alanfgag (Alan) on the FL. It appears to be in NOS condition. I am thinking early 1960s maybe late 1950s. "Anton Peschel arrived today... these pictures taken just out of the box, before steaming the storage marks from the brim. A very beautiful deep brown velour, lighter than it looks and quite formable. How to wear it... how to wear it... "

1920 Census at 3315 N. 5th Street Philadelphia, PA 1930 Census at 3315 N. 5th Street Philadelphia, PA

I found this one at local antique mall. Turns out the people that started the shop were originally from Galicia / Austria / Poland. What I could find is listed below. Gray, size 7 1/4, Cav edge but not sure of the source. The original owner / hatter was a man named Morris Tropp (originally from Galicia / Austria / Poland) who was originally at another address and pops up at the one on the hat in the 1920 census (listed as Hatter). He is no longer around as of the 1930 census but his wife is listed as running the shop. It must have kept going because my hat appears to be from the 1950s. The area is really run down today so probably didn't survive the 1960s. Original location from the 1891 Philadelphia City directory. His brother? Wolf is also listed. I found Wolf had a hat shop at 77 Livingston St. Newark, NJ (1891 Newark City Directory).

The future of the Mayser hats is now secured - brand protection through outsourcing abroad Since 2002, the Lindenberg based company Mayser has been establishing its own company in Roznava, Slovakia, which, as of April 2011, will be producing all headpieces of the Mayser brand. Currently already, Mayser-Roznava is manufacturing all fabric articles of the brand. The further modern development of Mayser-Roznava and the training of its staff prepares the company for its future tasks with great effort, dedication and commitment. Throughout this, a quality management and control system takes centre stage in addition. The manufacture at Mayser-Roznava allows to continue offering hats of traditionally known high quality on the world market. Established in Lindenberg, a tradition is thus being pursued that dates back to the year 1833. Based on the following criteria, it is our will and objective to continue providing our customers in all the world with the famous Mayser quality: - Solid fashionable designs - Use of best materials - Best workmanship - Perfect services - High social competence - Innovations The following continues to be located at Mayser in Lindenberg: - The design department (modistes & studio) - The procurement department - The marketing & sales and the delivery departments - The quality control department The dye-works, raw manufacture and a technical division in Lindenberg ensure,beyond that, the maintaining and advancement of the know-how. We do not only secure jobs in Lindenberg, but commit ourselves also to quality made in Europe, certainly with due regard to the applicable social standards. Manfred Jordan Executive Partner Mayser Group Lindenberg, July 2010

The Ottmar Reich Hutfabrik in Lindenberg closed about 20 years ago but will be revived as a hat museum / exhibit hall.

Echter Borsalino Export Qualität "Gulaela" possibly late 1950s. The "Export Qualität" designation was added in the mid 1950s. The medium weight black Felt is very dense and has great smooth finish plus very pliable. The lower profile Form results in a unique look. The overall condition is excellent.

JHS promo pocket mirror from Robert (RLK) on the FL.

Old Neutitschein postcard from Robert (RLK) on the FL.