Aussie hats

[Yanis]

I found an importer for Akubra, David Morgan, in the state of Washington. I think I'm getting closer. The decision on what style to get is pretty hard though.

The Cattleman and Snowy River are popular styles. Mine is the cattleman.

The fold up side was said to have started in the first world war when the diggers pined the badge to one side of the hat they wore. Not sure why but it seem to stick.

John

[old1955]

I have the Akubra Territory. Larger (verandah) brim all round.😄😄😄

[Handyjack]

The Cattleman and Snowy River are popular styles. Mine is the cattleman.

The fold up side was said to have started in the first world war when the diggers pined the badge to one side of the hat they wore. Not sure why but it seem to stick.

John

I believe the side of the hat was pinned up so it would not be hit by the rifle the soldier was carrying, particularly if the bayonet was fitted.
https://www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/slouch/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slouch_hat

[bsrlee]

Since you are a Norte Americano you may find that a 'Tilley' hat is more readily available, looks similar to an Akubra/Castlemaine or what ever felt hat but its made of several layers of canvas so its a bit cooler (also 4 brass vents on the sides) and can be washed if it gets funky from sweat and bug repellent. I have a couple and a friend has worn his just about everywhere for the last 20 or so years and it shows no signs of wear. I did a quick check and they seem to have a bewildering variety of styles these days, it used to be one style and light or dark colour.

[Dakotapix]

I'm currently giving a careful look at the Banjo Paterson hat by Akubra. No quick decision coming yet though.

[Fuzzie]

My favourite gardening hat was a seagrass wide brim hat that outlasted 5 straw hats. I do however have great fondness for my Vietnam era giggle hat, works well with ear muffs and absorbs sweat and can be washed.

Nobody voting for Norm's towelling hat?

[Dakotapix]

The Banjo Paterson hat by Akubra it is. Just ordered this morning from a US retailer. I'll try to supply a photo when it arrives.

I appreciate all the comments and suggestions from you all. It's been fun and informative for me. Thanks for your help.

-- Chuck Bjorgen (AKA Dakotapix)

[Dakotapix]

Here it is. The hat arrived after just a two day wait from DelMonico Hatter, New Haven CT. It's a bit on the large side but the seller will be sending some "reducing" tapes. I temporarily fitted some pieces of card stock in the inside band and it will be fine. Again, thanks for all your help and advice.
hat2.jpg

My miniature Schnauzer, Willy, has already taken an interest the hat so I'll need to keep it stored safely.

[crowie]

Well sir, now you have the look of an old time Aussie Cocky [aka farmer]

[chambezio]

That's a great looking hat!!
You will no be known as the "Aussie" where ever you go
There are so many stories and songs about hats they have quite a reputation in the formation of Australia over the years

[Dakotapix]

There's a general feeling here in the states that when John F. Kennedy became President in 1961 and chose to not wear a hat during his public appearances, that was the beginning of a demise in hat wearing by men in the U.S. I actually did wear a fedora in the late sixties but my profession, newspaper photographer, made it tough to survive some of our severe Minnesota winters without a better cover like a wool stocking cap.

[rustynail]

I believe there are three t's in Minnesottta when its cold>