Millinery - Wooden Hat Block, Men's Open Crown Block 071

Millinery - Wooden Hat Block, Men's Open Crown Block 071

Maker: Unknown. Code 30

Head size 21 1/2" (54.5cm) Oval form.

Man size crown block, with a distinct gentle sloping dome, straight sides, very suitable for shaping a bowler, fedora, western or other open crown hat design.

Hollowed underside, to allow the block to be mounted on a Pouncing machine

History: Open crowns are for blocking men’s hats where the valley and dimples are added by hand after blocking. This is a very traditional way to shape the crowns and has been used for many years with a huge variety of shaping. Open crowns are in fact a complex shape with usually more slope in the front and back than at the sides – this helps prevent any bulge or forward lean when the valley and dimples are added. Of course they can be used without shaping too.

For further context see our link for a PDF publication of Men's Hat Making.  https://vintagedesigns.com.au/scientific-hat-finishing-and-renovating.html

In excellent vintage condition, some surface cracking (will not affect blocking). Some pen marking underside.  A slight chip on underside of pouncing base, will not affect integrity.  A beaut block.