new hat

[butlersrangers]

I wanted a simulation of the model 1889 campaign hat to wear on some of my Krag range outings.

None of the nice reproductions of a number of years ago seem to be available, anymore.

I spotted a promising South African Safari hat on eBay and made a successful bid.
It arrived today and seems to be a rather nice fur & wool felt. The brim is 3 inches wide and the crown is at least 5 inches tall.
It can be shaped with a nice fedora crease or into a handsome Montana peak.

The 'new-old' hat has an abundance of snowflake-vents, but they aren't that noticeable.

I am going to search around for a 'hatter' and see if it can be fitted with a good matching ribbon and bow for a reasonable price.

[scottz63]

That looks pretty nice. It will look better with the ribbon I do believe.

[Culpeper]

I've owned three of this one over the years.

http://www.dirtybillyshats.com/

19th and early 20th century
US26 1883 SpanAm Army hat.

[butlersrangers]

Culpeper - How have your hats from Dirty Billy's held up? Good photos and an objective review would be useful and probably of interest to KCA members.

There are lots of junk hats and opportunists on the internet. Quality hats command serious money, so it has become a treacherous market.

IMO - It has been difficult to judge the quality of Dirty Billy's headgear from his photos.
His model 1883 hat photo doesn't look good, whereas some of his other hats look "OK".

[Culpeper]

They have held exceedingly well considering the abuse I put them through in the wars. The first one went through Iraq as a daily wear item for three years in the heat, dust and rough handling.

The current went through five years of Djibouti, Somalia, Niger, and Kenya. The brim has a two inch tear in it but still fits my head. Again, daily use and abuse over years.

The third one I bought a year ago and have not put it in action. The second hat gives me the bum under the over-pass bridge look. I'm in no hurry toquit using it.

It will be money well spent if you are only going to use a Dirty Billy's hat in a sane manner. It will last decades.

I'm in Ohio and will get a pic in a day or so.

[butlersrangers]

Surviving original hats seem to be a mixed bag. Some follow the letter of specifications and others reflect a loosening of standards, due to rapid mobilization of new enlistments.
There were 'issue' hats and private-purchase hats. A soldier might go through 2 or 3 hats, during a year of active campaigns.
Officer hats were regarded as better quality. National Guard hats of the early 1900s and Spanish War Veteran organization hats further cloud what is correct!

The Campaign hats from 1883 to 1911 look similar, yet vary. It was truly a medium for men to express their individuality and vanity!

[Culpeper]

The pics are under a LED light bulb. I will try to get a couple of shots outside if it is sunny tomorrow.

[Culpeper]

Latest Dirty Billy's hat

[butlersrangers]

Thanks - That is a nice looking hat from a current source. Your 'Dirty Billys' hats have served you well!

My 'eBay hat' seems fairly close in color and has a very nice quality of felt.
The dimensions are good and I've located a Flint area 'Hatter', who will do the hat-band/bow.
I think, I may have them professionally 're-block' this Safari model hat.

[butlersrangers]

Ned, those seductive "Rengars Hat ads" are a Chinese Scam!

My search for a good campaign hat replica appears to have caused a barrage of "Rengars Ads" to appear, when I view my FaceBook page.

A search for reviews on 'Rengars Hats' renders nothing positive, just stories of consumers getting burned.

The photos in the ads appear to be stolen from other sites.

The internet is getting dangerous!