John Helmer Haberdasher at 969 SW Broadway (at the NW Corner of Broadway & Salmon streets) in Portland, Oregon delivered my new Camel-color Bowler (with chocolate-color grosgrain ribbon and edge binding).
The rabbit-fur Bowler usually costs about $165.00, but since I custom ordered the camel color of the hat body and the specific ribbon/binding an require a Long Oval fit, it cost an additional $25.00 over and above the covers' base cost. As a result, I paid $190.00 for a "perfect hat" and waited nearly 6 weeks for Magill Hats of Montreal, Quebec to hand-manufacture and ship the hat across the North American continent to my favorite haberdasher.
This hat will not only be used for daily personal wear, but I also plan on using it while in costume on stage. (Using it in this dual capacity will enhance its utility and extract the most value for my investment).
I've been doing business with John Helmer since 1975. The family has been doing business at the same location for over 96 years (since 1921). Their customer service is exemplary and the prices are moderate. I could buy less expensive has made from wool, but I want to wear these for the rest of my life. (I view buying rabbit fur as a minimum requirement for a newly-manufactured hat with a preference for beaver fur). Magill is a good medium-priced hat.
I began looking into a simple, black, rabbit fur felt Homburg hat for my next purchase. Magill makes them for $165.00, but my size requirement forces yet another $25.00 charge for a custom order. The Homburg is a "dressier" option for more formal occasions, yet not quite as formal as a top hat. (Remember, Sir Winston Churchill and many other dignitaries wore a Homburg on numerous occasions).
I have considered going all-out and make the $275.00 + shipping cost investment to buy a bespoke beaver-fur Homburg from Northwest Hats in Eugene. It should see a lot of wear as a "church hat" and for weddings and/or funerals. (Obviously, the formality of the occasion dictates the type of cover being worn to the particular event).
Any comments? Opinions?
The rabbit-fur Bowler usually costs about $165.00, but since I custom ordered the camel color of the hat body and the specific ribbon/binding an require a Long Oval fit, it cost an additional $25.00 over and above the covers' base cost. As a result, I paid $190.00 for a "perfect hat" and waited nearly 6 weeks for Magill Hats of Montreal, Quebec to hand-manufacture and ship the hat across the North American continent to my favorite haberdasher.
This hat will not only be used for daily personal wear, but I also plan on using it while in costume on stage. (Using it in this dual capacity will enhance its utility and extract the most value for my investment).
I've been doing business with John Helmer since 1975. The family has been doing business at the same location for over 96 years (since 1921). Their customer service is exemplary and the prices are moderate. I could buy less expensive has made from wool, but I want to wear these for the rest of my life. (I view buying rabbit fur as a minimum requirement for a newly-manufactured hat with a preference for beaver fur). Magill is a good medium-priced hat.
I began looking into a simple, black, rabbit fur felt Homburg hat for my next purchase. Magill makes them for $165.00, but my size requirement forces yet another $25.00 charge for a custom order. The Homburg is a "dressier" option for more formal occasions, yet not quite as formal as a top hat. (Remember, Sir Winston Churchill and many other dignitaries wore a Homburg on numerous occasions).
I have considered going all-out and make the $275.00 + shipping cost investment to buy a bespoke beaver-fur Homburg from Northwest Hats in Eugene. It should see a lot of wear as a "church hat" and for weddings and/or funerals. (Obviously, the formality of the occasion dictates the type of cover being worn to the particular event).
Any comments? Opinions?
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