Lincoln Bennet "The Lincona Hat" soft black felt hat?

[Pinkcoke]

Lincoln Bennet \"The Lincona Hat\" soft black felt hat?

I picked this up shortly after finding the Tress & Co bowler:
a size 7 1/4 soft felt? hat called " The Lincona Hat" by Lincoln Bennett. It has a 2" brim, 1 6/8" ribbon and I measured the circumference as 22 7/8" or 58cm. Again I have learned from the National Archives online that Lincoln Bennett were active from 1863-1966 but after that I'm stumped.

The last image's label is found just underneath the lining at the front of the hat.
I do not know with this hat if it was intended to be creased or round, brim up or down - or are these all personal choices?

In terms of condition this one isn't such a great colour inside but the construction is sound all over. As I said its very soft and consequently sort of dented in the crown's shape when 'puffed out' and like the bowler hat the end of its ribbon is fraying - are they normally kept this way or sealed to prevent further damage?
What would I call this sort of hat and how could it be dated?

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Hello,

Its a beauty! The style is very 1930's, as the brim is growing a bit higher and the ribbon is wide, and I would call it a snap brim Fedora. You could snip the frays off the ribbon ends, but be aware that some guys like the old frayed look on their vintage fedoras so don't cut it too clean or maybe leave it for the new wearer to decide. It is not a serious issue. The thinner, softer fur felts and unbound brim edges were much in vogue in the 30s.

I am not familiar with many of the UK hat makers, so I cannot date it 100% accurately. The interior construction and lining is beautiful, quite old fashioned and upscale...in the USA that "fancy" inner construction was not used as much after the 1920's, but UK makers may well have used it long after the USA makers abandoned it.

The crown is meant to have a soft crease, as you show it...and the shape of the crown could easily be changed by the new owner if they desire a deep sharp crease or pinch front. The brim looks best down in front, slightly up in back, but as it is a snap brim it can be changed to suit the wearer. Most men let the hat conform to their heads over time and individual whims, so don't worry about how you have it...it looks great the way you show it.

It is a highly desirable hat here in the states and they sell well. Size is about a medium/average, and you are lucky it is not a really small size (7 or smaller), as those small hats don't fetch the good prices.

If it were mine I'd price it high and wait for someone to fall in love...I will bet you won't have long to wait.

B

 

[Pinkcoke]

Thanks Barbara, that's a great reply and is giving me similar vibes to another answer I've had on the Fedora Lounge.

What price would you put on it? I don't know what a 'high' price for one of these is, there are some fedora's on etsy for £100 ($160)+ but none as old as this. Also the range of colours and shades is bewildering - I take it colour makes a difference?