Very late (1982) original family Borsalino (size 61 cm) made for the German market. Looks gray in photos but casts a olive hue. Missing liner but other wise in good condition.
A very rare pre 1940s Brüder Böhm Velour that I picked up from M_Jones of the FL. This one has all original parts and was made for the French market. It has a high crown and no liner (logo patch missing). The velour finish is more natural and doesn't have the slick seal fur like look but still very nice. Diana at Maryland Seamstress http://www.marylandseamstress.com/ did a great job replicating the top stitch on the ribbon.
I picked up this beautiful very rare pre 1940s Anton Peschel Velour from M_Jones of the FL, size 58cm. This is the one that was hacked up but the felt survived. He had it nicely restored by Optimo. The slick - shiny velour finish is very similar to pre 40s Hückel velours. The Peschel liner label still lists Neutitschein but made in CzechoSolvakia so post WWI.
I found some info on "The Star Clo. Co. Macon, GA". The company was owned by David Wachtel Sr. who immigrated from Austria / Bohemia in 1867. His son David Wachtel Jr. born in Macon 1895 was also involved in the business and took over sometime after his father's death in 1920s (not listed in 1930 census). I have no idea how long the business lasted after 1930.
Heather green (very thick felt) F. G. M. Försterhut, size 57 (fits like long oval 58cm). The tapered crown is about 6 inches open and the felt ribbon close to 3 inches. The company patch is missing. Probably late 1950s early 1960s. I am very happy about this find.
Appears F.G.M. is Franz Gober München.
Dealer, as the company founded in 1902 by Franz Gober Bayerland in Munich, specializing in sports and trachten / costumes hats, which they purchased from various producers and sold via catalog to a wide radius.
Brabant Homburg, size 59cm. This one is probably early to mid 60s. Has some really nice black felt and sweatband. Not sure about the Brabant connection but appears to be German made.
If it was my size I would have probably had a heart attack when it arrived! The velour finish is beyond description. Yes it is amazing the info you can find on the Net. Hope all is well with you!
This Johann Hückel´s Söhne belongs to RLK of the FL. It will be interesting to see the restore.
"A bit of wear on this one although the felt appears intact. Seems to have shrunken a bit and the unmarked 2-1/4" wide sweatband is held in only at the back seam. Would be about a size 7 as it fits like a 7-1/8 without the sweatband."