habigman Posted August 22, 2009 Report Share Posted August 22, 2009 R&M Wegener Lauterbach, Germany For over 190 years R&M Wegener (Headwear) has been an address for all kind of headwear for ladies, men and children. With skilled and trained staff of about 100 employees in the middle of Germany, Wegener produces headwear fashion and accessoires. Various materials are able to be turned into finest headwear: top hats, western hats, hats of fur felt as well as sport caps, fabric hats and fashionable ladies hats - from straw to fur felt. On about 9000 sqm Wegener's production and stock site are located in Lauterbach/Germany. Due to the good geographical situation many retailers, wholesellers and customers are visiting the facilities. History The first development of the company took place in very rough times. But all general managers in charge always knew exactly what to do and therefore were able to carry on their successful business policy. In 1816, a gentleman called Nicolaus Hinrich Dubbers founded the hat company in Hamburg/Germany. 1867 the trading company N.H. Dubbers was registerd in Altona/Hamburg. Owners in those times were Johann end Eduard Dubbers and Theodor Ferdinand Wegener. His sons, Robert and Maximilian Wegener, took over the management in 1884. The problem during this period of time was that the average salary in Hamburg had been increasing rapidly and therefore they decided to move the factory to Blitzenrod/Lauterbach located in Hesse. The surroundings were a big advantage due to the fact that they were able to build a powerplant for electricity run by water power which still exists and is being used. Officially the company started producing its products in May 1885. Besides that, building eight large family houses for the workers families was one of the major projects. In April 1888, after Nicolaus Dubbers left the company, it changed its name to "R&M Wegener GmbH & Co. KG". In 1904, with the age of 59, Robert Wegener left the company and both of his sons, Edgar and Kurt Wegener, took over the management. Between the two world wars the company built more houses which its employees were able to live in for very little rent. With this method and other social projects the company provided their employees, a very personal and close relationship grew between them and the management which can still be found today. During the second World War Edgar Wegener died and his brother Kurt took over the mangement. With him the company grew and expanded its sales rapidly throughout Europe. He was general manager for a long time in Lauterbach before he left the company with the age of 80. His sons Klaus Theodor Wegener and Hans Wegener took over the management after 1945. Klaus Theodor Wegener was responsible for initiating the extraordinay relationships to several hat companies in the United States and after working in Dallas/Texas at Resistol, R&M Wegener was granted the licence to produce Resitol hats in Germany from 1958 onwards. Till the 4th of September 1966, Klaus and Hans both managed the company in the fourth generation. But in the evening of that day Klaus Theodor Wegener tragically died with the age of only 46 in a car accident. He had two sons, Hans Theodor and Dirk Wegener, who were born 1949 and 1952. Today his oldest son Hans Theodor Wegener is the general manager of the company in Lauterbach/Hessen. With him the company grew and was able to celebrate many successes such as the supply of hats for the German olympic team. Because of Hans Theodor Wegener and his employees, the company is now very well-known on the international fashion market and sells its products to nearly every country in the world. Today R.&M. Wegener is a modern, rationalized company as well as still owned by the same family since over 190 years. http://wegener-headwear.de/en/aboutus.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted August 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2009 Wegener Biber (Beaver) , size 59cm, (1970s) The felt is a mix of rabbit/hare and beaver with a very nice finish. The color is very unusual and only really comes out correctly in one of the pics. This is the true color! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted August 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 Wegener Colonel (1966) This beauty belongs to Mario. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted August 29, 2009 Author Report Share Posted August 29, 2009 Wegener (1958) This was a rare find indeed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mario Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 Oops...I just double-posted my 1966 Wegener... *read before you post* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mario Posted September 1, 2009 Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 There was a time when US brands like Stetson or Resistol licensed Wegener to produce hats for the German(European) market. This one here is a 1960's Resistol that was made by Wegener. The color in the photos is not really acurate, as there is a slight green touch to the brown, which was not captured by the camera. There were some serious moth nibbles on the brim, so I added the black lining to cover the disaster area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted September 1, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 1, 2009 Mario, Thank you for posting your Resistol Wegeners! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted September 5, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2009 Wegener Homburg (1990s) This is nice grey Homburg with a thin Bowler ribbon treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted September 5, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2009 Wegener Velour (1990s early 2000s) This is a beautiful blue velour fedora with a cool purple liner. I would say this is one the best made modern production hats I own. I got this hat from my friend Herbert Jennissen who owns Hut-Neubarth Augsburt. Unfortunately Herbert told me Wegener is no longer making such great hats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted September 5, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2009 Wegener Green Forester (2000s) This is a really interesting hat. The brim is not of equal length side to side. Also a very nice back bow treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted September 5, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 5, 2009 Wegener Graf Lemberg (2000s) This is a nice Alpen hat with gold ribbon treatment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted November 5, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 5, 2009 Wegener Homburg, Dark Blue. This is a special model made for A. Breiter Munich. Very nice dark blue felt that is especially pliable for a Homburg (similar to Borsalino Homburgs). I am thinking early 1950s but it could be older (very early 40s?). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted February 4, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2010 Wegener Echt Panama, size 58cm. Haven't come across a Wegener straw before. Probably 1960s and a lower grade Cuenca (any ideas?). I like the blocking and brown ribbon treatment. Also nice comfortable sweatband plus light and airy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted February 4, 2010 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2010 Wegener Colonel, size 59cm. This one has a Homburg like look if not snapped. I am thinking late 50s early 60s. This was a mystery hat that turned out to be a nice find. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted April 5, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 5, 2010 Looks to be from the 1930s. I had it on watch but forgot to bid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted June 26, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 26, 2010 Resistol - Wegener Majestic Mix XX, Alpine, size 59cm. Probably early or mid 1960s. Very beautiful rabbit / hare / beaver mix (very pliable) olive heather felt plus unique liner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted June 29, 2010 Author Report Share Posted June 29, 2010 This beautiful Wegener belongs to Dinerman on the FL. Hard to date this one. Has similar sweat to my blue Homburg which is another hard one to date. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted July 6, 2010 Author Report Share Posted July 6, 2010 Wegener Super probably late 50s. Wegener did fantastic bow work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted December 31, 2010 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2010 Wegener Homburg, black, size 59cm probably late 1950s. All around super high quality and in great condition. Wegener detail work is some of the finest I have encountered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted February 8, 2011 Author Report Share Posted February 8, 2011 First pre WWII Wegener I have seen. This rare find belongs to Robert (RLK) on the FL. Seems to be a Beaver felt in extraordinary condition for its age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted April 20, 2011 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2011 Wegener Hat Holder Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted September 23, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 23, 2011 Wegener furfelt Hat. This one belongs to Fritz (Manfred). Don't see many of these older Wegener Fedoras. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
le.gentleman Posted September 23, 2011 Report Share Posted September 23, 2011 First pre WWII Wegener I have seen. This rare find belongs to Robert (RLK) on the FL. Seems to be a Beaver felt in extraordinary condition for its age. This is an amazing bowler - just look at the beautiful brim curl, simply outstanding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
le.gentleman Posted September 23, 2011 Report Share Posted September 23, 2011 I found a short German Wegenerabout the company - quite interesting and considering they are still in business in the same premises as they were 100 years ago, I am sure they have a remarkable archive. Basically, it tells that they still make hats in Germany but also in Asia and in Poland. A large amount of their revenue comes from private labelling hats for large German brands. As you can imagine though, the quality is probably not top notch. Ever since the 1950's, when one of the Wegeners went to the US in order to learn how to make Cowboy Hats at Resistol, they produce Resistol Hats in Europe under license. They still produce top hats although they do not look anything like the old ones and the company is supposed to remain in family when the current CEO retires soon. I will try to pay them a visit, when I am in Germany in November. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted September 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 26, 2011 Thanks! I haven't visited Wegener so would be very interested in what you find. I was told they no longer have a hatter available to make special order hats like the dark blue Velour posted in this thread. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted December 29, 2011 Author Report Share Posted December 29, 2011 Wegener Colonel, size 59cm. This one is probably late 1950s and in new condition. Really nice ribbon work which is a trademark of Wegener. Also very wearable! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted March 27, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 27, 2012 This beautiful Wegener belongs to Manfred (Fritz). Wide-brimmed 2-3/4 and high in the front 4-3/4 with bash. Out of the Box: After brushing and steam: It is a black beauty, is my opinion. The felt again stiff and strong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted April 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2012 This beauty belongs to Manfred (Fritz). Probably late 1950s. "Today was flea market day for me. I visit two flea markets near my home town. The results, three Homburger, one of them a really nice old Wegener. mid gray. The other Homburgs are old but unknown Manufacturer." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted May 16, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 16, 2012 Wegener Extra, size 59cm. At least from 1950 (newspaper sweat spacer from December 1950) maybe a bit older. I really like this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted January 11, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 11, 2013 This modern Wegener belongs to Robert (RLK) on the FL. Really like the double brim and brim stitching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted March 19, 2013 Author Report Share Posted March 19, 2013 Wegener Special, probably very early 1960s. This one belongs to Paddy on the FL. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted April 30, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 30, 2013 Wegener Trademark (1938 - 2000) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted May 13, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 13, 2013 Villa Wegener, 1884/85 1920s, Lauterbach / Blitzenrod, Vogelsbergstraße 139 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted July 6, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 6, 2013 Wegener Colonel Homburg, size 57cm, probably late 1950s. This great find belongs to Manfred. "Wegener Colonel Homburg, my flea market find for today! Condition is like new. A great hat for a 3,-EUR." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted October 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted October 25, 2013 Mario's Wegner Colonel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted December 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 2, 2013 A great flea market find by Manfred! "Wegener Homburger Cornet, probably from the 50s-early 60s size 56 Condition is perfect!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted December 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted December 2, 2013 A second great flea market find by Manfred! "The second one, also a Wegener but a Colonel with a unusual shape! 50s early 60s condition also perfect! I guess the same preowner but in size 55." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted February 4, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2014 Wegener Extra, measures 59cm, execellant condition, probably early 1950s. Same seller as the Borchert. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted March 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 10, 2014 Wegener Carrera Biber. This one belongs to Manfred. First Wegener I have come across with a sweatband cord. "My fleamarket Trip today was successful. Found this nice Wegener Biber Pork Pie ind mid brown in great condition. I guess he is from the 60s!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted August 24, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 24, 2014 Wegener "Seal", smaller size, probably mid 1950s. Really nice form, finish and color. Also a great thin ribbon / bow design. This one doesn't belong to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted September 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2014 Wegener Biber made for Wilhelm Maushard, Schopfheim, West Germany, 59cm, very good condition, probably late 1950s. A German hat shop model with no maker marks. I assume it has some Beaver (Biber) content based on the name. Unique bow design and very nice felt finish / color. I am fairly certain this hat was made by Wegener because of the use of the "Biber" name, bow design (see "Seal" below) and construction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted September 11, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 11, 2014 Wegener "Seal", measures 58cm, probably late 1950s. Very nice felt color and finish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted September 16, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 16, 2014 Wegener Postcards, pre WWII Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted September 24, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2014 R.& M. Wegener, measures 58.5cm, crown 6 inches open, brim 2 1/2 inches, non reed sweatband, 1920s maybe older. This is the first pre WWII Wegener I have encountered, after looking for a long time, so a rare find. All the original parts are in place except for the sweatband ribbon, although the bow looks original. What is interesting is the crown tip patch is off center. This could be why the patched survived. There is a paper label behind the sweatband but I do not want to take a chance damaging the sweatband. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted September 29, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 29, 2014 R.& M. Wegener Florett, probably late 1950s early 1960s. This one belongs to Manfred. "Wegener Florett in very good condition!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted September 29, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 29, 2014 R.& M. Wegener, probably 1950s. This Homburg belongs to Manfred. "Wegener Homburg, condition!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted September 29, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 29, 2014 Turns out I have this mini Porcelain Top Hat promo item from the shop (Th. Scheunpflug) that sold the old R.& M. Wegener soft felt that I recently acquired. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted January 10, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 10, 2015 Wegener "Super", size 60cm, probably later 1950s. This one belongs to Fastuni on the FL. "The second one is a 1950's Wegener with more supple and stiff felt. Also HEBECO marked leather, plus a paper label under the liner." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted May 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 22, 2015 HR Logo, Quelle:HR Hutfabrik Wegener 24.10.2014 | 03:01 Min. | Verfügbar bis 24.10.2015 | Quelle: HR http://www.ardmediathek.de/tv/hessentipp/Hutfabrik-Wegener/hr-fernsehen/Video?documentId=24296386&bcastId=3473942 Very nice video of the current production area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
habigman Posted August 2, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2015 Wegener Seal "Manhatten", probably late 1950s. Great ribbon / bow and finish. This one belongs to Manfred. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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