Mending Civilian Headgear

[dirtyshirt]

A question for all-
I have a Tim Bender "Bee Hive" slouch hat that I have owned for years. It got thrown in a pile of stuff and stowed away for about two years and when I retrieved it to start getting my kits back together to return to the hobby, there was a massive hole that had rotted out.
Obviously, I can not simply discard this hat after its years of campaigne. Has anyone heard of or seen mending jobs on wool felt hats? If not, would one simply cut out the rot and claim to have received a "close call" on the battlefield? I have attached a photo below. Thoughts?

V/R
Brandon Jolly

[tenfed1861]

Re: Mending Civilian Headgear

There was a recent discussion on this topic.One of the things we said was to simply leave it.It will give it a very good campaigned look.Too many of us walk around wearing slouch hats that are "too nice".Just wear it as it is simply because it does make it a more beleivable campaign look to it.

[M_Kupsch]

Re: Mending Civilian Headgear

Brandon,

Depending on the size, if you get the notion to sell it, let me know!

[reddcorp]

Re: Mending Civilian Headgear

I wouldn't do a thing. That hat is looking good, war-worn with character.

A. Redd

[Swag]

Re: Mending Civilian Headgear

I agree with the rest of these individuals it looks great, may not keep your head dry anymore, but its definitely a great campaign hat.

[western reb]

Re: Mending Civilian Headgear

Keep it the way it is, it's a good visual of a well worn, well used, lived in campaigning hat.

[Chad Wrinn]

Re: Mending Civilian Headgear

If you look in Echoes Of Glory page 169 SGT. T.J. Duckett's hat has a bullet hole and has a hand-lettered sign to show-off his close call. I think soldiers were pround of their " Battlescars".

[Andrew Kasmar]

Re: Mending Civilian Headgear

Hi,

Agree with the other guys keep the hat how it is, it looks well used in campaigns or the battle scares idea is cool.

Andrew Kasmar

4th Missouri Company E

[HOG.EYE.MAN]

Re: Mending Civilian Headgear

Brandon,

I rememeber seeing you wear this hat....... Awesome hat indeed.

I would say go without fixing it......... However, if the hole is too massive, then you might make it worse out in the field.

Good luck,

[dirtyshirt]

Re: Mending Civilian Headgear

Thanks for the feed back fellas. I was afraid it may keep deteriorating, but for the last year or so it hasn't gotten any worse. Schwieterman, I'll probably see ya again soo.

Thanks!
V/R
Brandon Jolly

[Steve Acker]

Re: Mending Civilian Headgear

That hat will be the perfect hat. Let it rot off your head. Or you could give it to me so it can rot my head.

Seriously, wear it. It looks great.

Steve Acker

[shillcw]

Re: Mending Civilian Headgear

I have an idea, put a ramrod through it and go as Steve Martin's G-G-Grandfather ...???

[wmkane]

Re: Mending Civilian Headgear

The hat looks pretty good for a campaign hat, but the mildew/mold has got to go. I'm assuming that THAT is what the white and blueish colored stuff around the hole is . . . When is the last time you saw that much mold growing in the bright sunlight that would occur on a soldiers head?

[C.R. Henderson]

Re: Mending Civilian Headgear

A good way to kill the mold/mildew is wit equal parts of water and vinegar. Lightly moisten the affected area with said mixture and allow to air dry in a dry area or outside on a clear day. Awesome hat, Brandon!