Vintage 1950s Schoble Fur Felt Fedora Hat Mens Size 8 1/8 XXXL 3XL
$295.00
Brand Poppy's Vintage Clothing
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This is a wonderful vintage fur felt fedora made in an interesting shape - a high crown and a narrow brim. The lining is printed on the top with the Schoble coat of arms, but the sweatband is gold stamped with “Biltmore”. Frank Schoble & Co. was founded during the 1880s in Pennsylvania, and I believe closed its doors during the 1950s. Biltmore was founded in 1917 as the Fried Hat Co. in Guelph, Canada, and changed its name to Biltmore during the 1920s - it still exists today. One of two things happened - either Biltmore bought out old Schoble inventory and added their sweatband or were perhaps Canadian agents for Schoble. There is no doubt that this is a Schoble as the felt is substantial and of superior quality. Even though Biltmore produced nice quality, the felt on this hat is a cut above. There is a re-order label affixed to the interior, under the sweatband, so perhaps someone can identify that label (see close-up photo). There is no size indicated, but from the measurements, it is a size “8 1/8”, which is a size XXXL or 3XL, very very large. It measures 25 1/2” around the sweatband and 9 1/4” by 7 1/4” across the opening. The brim measures 1 5/8” in width and the crown measures 5 3/4” in height. The edge of the brim is turned and the crown has a single gutter crease, like a homburg, but has front pinches. The hat is in a very attractive charcoal grey tone. The crown has a black grosgrain band around the base with a bow at the side. It is in very good condition with no pronounced wear, tear or soiling - the sweatband is a little out of shape as the original owner used “spacers” under the sweatband for a smaller fit. Otherwise, this is very clean and obviously well cared for over the years. The sweatband is gold stamped with the original owner’s initials “LF”. Schoble fedoras are highly sought after and it is almost impossible to find quality vintage fedoras in this 3XL size, so this is a great acquisition if it fits!