Silk Hat ID

[Nathan N]

Hello, first post here!

I’m trying to date a silk hat with the case. Based on the very faded label it was certainly made after 1863 but I’m trying to determine if it’s still pre 1900’s

The faded font is hard to read but here is what I think I’m able to make out (most likely German):

??? Hellings
Bunn
Gegründet (established) 1863

Photos provided and thanks in advance for any assistance!

 

[lkranieri]

I believe your hat is marked J.W. Hellings and Bonn (in Germany). I found a much newer hat with the J.W. Hellings and Bonn label and will look for more information about Hellings.

 

[lkranieri]

A search on the Fedora Lounge led me to this statement: "What is funny is the Gotisches Haus Hat Museum Bad Homburg thought the maker was Hellings Bonn which I told them was actually a hat shop and P. & C. Habig Wien was the hat company that made the hat."

 

[Nathan N]

How interesting! Definitely already turned up more info than I could find. Thank you!

 

[lkranieri]

This image is from a post on the FEDORA LOUNGE.

 

[Nathan N]

I’m currently searching with the new information you’ve provided.

I’m still at a loss as to how old this hat is. I hear they really hard to date

 

[lkranieri]

...and from a 1928 publication. Hut is German for hat...

 

[Nathan N]

Seems like they’ve changed their label quite a few times over the years…

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

That is a great looking hat. You are right these can be really difficult to date. My overall 6th sense tells me it is post 1900, but not t00 much later than 1920s. What is the sweatband made of, and is that lacing going through it?

 

[Nathan N]

The sweatband feels like leather. Here’s a close up of the edge. And yes, it is laced through.

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

In the close up the sweatband looks like fabric, with an almost netted look to it.

 

[Nathan N]

It may be, it’s stiff to the touch but pliable

 

[Nathan N]

The netting pattern seems to be embossed onto it

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

A search on the Fedora Lounge led me to this statement: "What is funny is the Gotisches Haus Hat Museum Bad Homburg thought the maker was Hellings Bonn which I told them was actually a hat shop and P. & C. Habig Wien was the hat company that made the hat."

That is interesting, although in the newer hat's marks it say they have been making hats since 1865. So they themselves claim to be hat makers, not just a hat shop. Hmmmm.

 

[Nathan N]

That is interesting, although in the newer hat's marks it say they have been making hats since 1865. So they themselves claim to be hat makers, not just a hat shop. Hmmmm.

I was wondering the same

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

The netting pattern seems to be embossed onto it

OK, I can see it now. Interesting indeed. I might be way off here, but are you sure this isn't woman's formal riding hat?

 

[Nathan N]

It may be! It was a gift from my husband because I collect antiques and he knew I liked it. It’s 22.5 inches in circumference so a small/medium size from what I understand, so it’s very possible. I know nothing of it’s intended use/activity

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

22.5 is not small in mens hats, it more of a medium. If it is a woman's hat 22.5 would be on the larger size for a woman's hat, which is a good thing as it increases the value. Women's formal riding hats are less common too and highly sought after.

 

[Nathan N]

Funny, I thought a little of Mary Crawley in Downton Abbey during scenes where she was riding haha. (Idk if you watched Downton)

 

[Nathan N]

Any idea as to its value? Thank you so much for the info so far!