Millinery - Wooden Hat Block, Men's Open Crown Block 080

Millinery - Wooden Hat Block, Men's Open Crown Block 080

Maker: Unknown. 

Head size: 22 1/2" (57 cm) Oval form

Man size crown block, with a flat, sloping to slightly tapered sides, very suitable for shaping a bowler, fedora, western or other open crown hat design. 

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

A well rounded crown, great for being left open but also suitable for shaping.

In excellent vintage condition, some pen marks and minor water staining.