Making Hats

[crockett]

I'm not that expert on hats. I'd like to know if ribbon edging of the brim is pc? Also on chin straps- how chin straps were connected, and the best way to put in a hat band and what type hatbands are pc?

 

[Artificer]

The only questions I can answer for you is about ribbon edging on the brims of hats and yes, it is PC for all of the 18th century for both civilian and military hats. The amount of trimming ribbon and what type/s had a lot to do with how affluent the civilian was, or what they issued to Enlisted Soldiers. Of course the Officers' hats were trimmed with much more expensive ribbon/lace and often of Gold or Silver thread lace, according to the Regiment.

I, too, am interested in replies to your questions by more informed folks on this subject.

Gus

 

[Stophel]

What kind of hat are you talking about?

 

[crockett]

I was thinking mountain man because I think that was the focus of the original question. If I recall the inventory lists the fur companies stocked wool felt hats which would have been less expensive than fur felt hats. Wyeth said they were so stiff they'd stop a bullet (I assume he was just joking). In any event the hats were probably not edged in ribbon if "economy" hats however some of the post 1840 "cowboy" Stetsons look to have a ribbon edge.
On the chin straps- try riding around places like Wyoming and holding on to your hat before the wind grabs it. There is a Miller painting of a trapper that has fallen off his horse, with his hat on the ground, and it looks like there are two separate straps that you would tie under your chin- no bolo or sliding devise that held the straps together.
BTW, I was at a rodeo a year or so ago and from the parade they all came riding into the arena and the wind was strong enough that day to blow all the hats off the Rodeo Queens and barrel racers- didn't have chin straps- probably a fashion thing.

 

[FiremanBrad]

What about a "rolled brim" on the same style hat? PC??

Edit to add...

Would this hat work for 1835-1840, as a Trader on the Sante Fe Road?

 

[FiremanBrad]

 

[FiremanBrad]

I'll ask in correct forum, sorry.