Hardee Hat

[sooporcow7]

Hello everyone, I was curious to see if anyone has a review of the FCSutler Hardee Hat. I will not be using the hat a lot so I would rather not pay $125 for one. I saw FC has one but I was not sure what people have heard or what the thought about it. Thanks!

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

That was one of the first Federal hats I bought several years ago and will offer this: it does not conform favorably to originals, but can be a decent hat for the money. It is lacking the correct felt, stitching on the brim, leather sweat band, stamping of the interior crown, lacquered interior crown, heighth of originals, any hand finishing, and doesn't hold a shape without some work. Aside from that, if you're looking for something that kind of somewhat,almost, remotely, from a distance, looks like a US Army dress hat, you've got something. If you want something right, look to several other vendors like Dirty Billy, Tim Allen, Tim Bender, or even Jarnagin.

[sooporcow7]

Oh boy I didn't realize they were that far off. I guess it would be better to do it right and spend the extra money. Thanks!

[97th private]

Oh boy I didn't realize they were that far off. I guess it would be better to do it right and spend the extra money. Thanks!
I picked up a like new Dirty Billy Hardee on this forum for $65...They can be found for a reasonable price and you still get the top quality you want to look for.

[sooporcow7]

I was never interested in them until I saw one in person, very sharp looking. I have an event at Spanglers spring in 2 weeks so I wanted a hardee, but I didnt know hwo many times i would actually use it. but I suppose I could always use it once and then sell it if I don't think I will ever use it again, or i can wear it to school (haha) : )

[PVT.THIB]

Tyler,
On a side note..I tell my Fiancee I can use my stuff on a regular basis outside of reenacting (i.e.wearing my hat to do yard work, my haversack as a messenger bag, etc). But I know full well I would never do it. It is just a way to justify purchases. Don't kid yourself with wearing your Dress hat outside of reenacting..they just look silly!

[97th private]

I was never interested in them until I saw one in person, very sharp looking. I have an event at Spanglers spring in 2 weeks so I wanted a hardee, but I didnt know hwo many times i would actually use it. but I suppose I could always use it once and then sell it if I don't think I will ever use it again, or i can wear it to school (haha) : )



Here is some info and photos off of Dirty Billy's website, You can do a lot with these hats, If you dress them out folding the left side and adding the proper cords and brass etc.., make sure you are doing an early war or prewar impression because if you look at the Western Federal soldiers in original photos, they ditched all that extra decoration.

US Enlisted Uniform Dress Hats

*Infantry Hats were always folded on the left until 1868. All other branches of services were folded on the right.
The model 1858 dress hat commonly called a hardee hat by reenactors, began in 1855 as a cavalry hat, which included a chin strap and draped with cords.
A representative of our national government, Mr. Charles Semner, while visiting Denmark, saw the Danish Cavalry wearing a hat complete with plumes and chin straps, which impressed him. Upon his return, he heartily suggested what became the US Army Dress hat as an alternative to the slow to make and uncomfortable to wear M1854 Shako.
The crown shape block for the 1855 hat, as well as other variations, continued through 1872. Termed the M1858 Army hat, variations included height of crown from 5.5 to 6.5 inches and brim widths from 2.75 to 3.5 inches, with two rows of stitches on the outside edge of the brim and black oil cloth or painted cloth interior crown reinforcement. http://www.dirtybillyshats.com/us_dresshat_pictures/usdresshat_5801.jpg
55 58
http://www.dirtybillyshats.com/us_dresshat_pictures/labels_01.jpg The labels above are three common labels found in original hats. http://www.dirtybillyshats.com/us_dresshat_pictures/usdresshat_crease01.jpg
Western units preferred the Army Hat over the forage cap. The hat underwent wide varieties of personalization. The center crease (left) and the telescope (right) were the most common.

http://www.dirtybillyshats.com/us_dresshat_pictures/usdresshat_telescoped01.jpg

[Yellowhammer Rebel]

I have learned the hard way to buy the right stuff the first time. The sutler row stuff does not even hold up as well for the most part as correctly made stuff. My federal forage cap for example bought from X mainstream sutler fell apart in no time!! I recommend Tim Bender's hats. I own one of his and one of Dirty Billy's both are good hats but I like my Bender better. I think that it is better made. It maybe just my opinion but it is still my opinion. I have wasted so much money over the years going to just do it cheap. As Ross said the farbsutler stuff does not even really resemble the actual artifact.
So take some advice from one who wasted so much money and do it right the first time!!

[Rob Weaver]

Unless you plan to do a lot of modification on the hat, or to punch it down so that it no longer resembles a dress hat anyway, spend the money and get a good hat. That's a big recommendation from me, because one of my themes is buy what you can afford. Chances are, if you're only going to wear it occasionally, then you're going to want your hat to look and feel like a dress hat. The cheap ones don't. Furthermore, cheap ones don't hold a shape in storage, so when you want to wear it, you're spending 45 minutes with a steam iron and a can of starch. You won't wear a dress hat outside reeacting, not even to mow the lawn. They're heavy, clunky, can't wear them in your car AND your left ear will get sunburned while your right one won't. I had a cheap hat when I started doing Iron Brigade. It was all that was available at the time. When I upgraded, I never realized how much of the character of the hat I was missing before.

[Rescue901]

I bought one back in 98 for Gettysburg 135th from FC. It was the only time I wore it. Sat on the shelf unused for a few seasons until I finally took it, beat it up a little,and creased the center. It is now a respectable, campaign worn looking slouch which I'm going to retire at the end of this season if not sooner as the brim is starting to detach from the crown.

As for buying hats, my own choice is Dirty Billy's. They cost a little more but are worth it in my book.

[ILYankee5]

Just echoing what everyone else has said. I got a telescoped bender this past year and must say it is great. I think Mr. Bender and I spent almost 45 minutes on the phone going over just exactly what I wanted so he would get it right. Then a week later it arrived at my door step. Very nice. But agreeing with others, Dirty Billy does a great job also. You may also want to check out Clearwater Hats. I know several people who have owned hats from them and they do good work as well.

Best of Luck!

[sooporcow7]

Hello again, thank you for all of your comments, the concept of wearing it to school was mostly a joke since I realize it would look rather out of place.:D I have tried to convince myself I would use my gear more also but to no avail. I have decided that I will most likely buy from Dirty Billy since I have purchased from him in the past and like his work and helpfulness. Again, thank you for all your input, I probably woul dhave bought the FC hat and worn it once, rather than pay the extra and wear it several times, I suppose it is worth spending the extra $60 for a much better quality hat.

Thanks again!

[sooporcow7]

Oh Darn, Bill has run out of felt appears and it would take 12-16 weeks to get one made. Does Mr. Bender or clearwater hats dress their hats or would I have to do it myself?

[ILYankee5]

I know Clearwaters don't, but you may want to ask Bender.

http://www.benderhats.com/contact.html

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Clearwater does not make Hardee hats. I might recommend that in these financial times you might advertise a "looking to buy" and get a decent used one from somebody. Dress hats are one of those things some guys have more than one of and somebody may be looking to unload one they aren't using.

[97th private]

Clearwater does not make Hardee hats. I might recommend that in these financial times you might advertise a "looking to buy" and get a decent used one from somebody. Dress hats are one of those things some guys have more than one of and somebody may be looking to unload one they aren't using.

Yep..That is how I am getting the one, I just bought. I hope Juston got my check???:D

[ILYankee5]

Clearwater does not make Hardee hats. I might recommend that in these financial times you might advertise a "looking to buy" and get a decent used one from somebody. Dress hats are one of those things some guys have more than one of and somebody may be looking to unload one they aren't using.


Ross,

According to their webpage, I thought they did??


http://www.clearwaterhats.com/civilwar3.htm

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

Ross,

According to their webpage, I thought they did??


http://www.clearwaterhats.com/civilwar3.htm

Well I'll be dipped in chocolate and laid out on a conveyor, it seems that they do, although they had not offered one in the past few years (at least when I enquired). The one in the picture is an officer model with bound brim but with enlisted dress on it, so I hope they do better on the ones ordered from them.

[ILYankee5]

Well I'll be dipped in chocolate and laid out on a conveyor, it seems that they do, although they had not offered one in the past few years (at least when I enquired). The one in the picture is an officer model with bound brim but with enlisted dress on it, so I hope they do better on the ones ordered from them.

You are deffinately right about the type of hat and trim!! I do Lewis and Clark reenacting also, and they made our Corps of Discovery Hats as well and they are not offered on the site. I'll be honest though, every event I have seen them at, I have never seen a Hardee in their tent. And who knows, we all know how sometimes sutlers are with websites...these may not be offered anymore.

Oops...sorry Mods for kinda going a tad off subject..:eek:

[Bill_Cross]

I once wore my Tim Bender Hardee on the plane to GA for an event too far away to drive. I looked like an Amish terrorist, but no one prevented me from getting on the plane, even with my muzzle loader stored in checked baggage. ;)

[OVI]

All things being equal, Tim Benders Army hats cant be beat. I own two of them. One is still in fairly dress condition and the other has begun the process of being modified. I got my first Army Hat from Mr Bender at his tent at Antietam140 and that was about the only good thing I have to say about that event. Mr Bender is a delight to work with and you will not be disappointed. Remember the sage adage: Good coat, good hat and good blanket. They are the most visable pieces of your kit.

Kent Dorr - Ohio
"Devils Own Mess"

[Curt-Heinrich Schmidt]

Hallo!

IMHO...

Both DB and TB are superior dress hats.

I have two of Billy's, his "1858" and his "1861."
I have one of Tim's.

Between the two makers, though, Mr. Bender's is a tad "closerer" to the originals (not not that originals did not vary amongst themselves).

CHS

[hiplainsyank]

The other point about proper "expensive" hats is that they don't shrink up badly after rain. A wool felt hat will be practically unusable after a good soaking, and you'll either have to wear a tight hat or get rid of it. But one from a good vendor made of proper fur felt will hold up to the elements. You'll actually save money in the long run.

[doughboy]

I have a clearwater enlisted Hardee that I have had for over 10 years. Awesome hat.
Christopher wilson

[Nick61stnewyork]

I got a Tim Bender Dress Hat. Its worth the extra money.

http://www.benderhats.com/1858.html

[Mule Gil]

I wore this one in Afghanistan. I also had a standard grey forage cap over there as well.


http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l203/MuleyGil/NEW022.jpg

[97th private]

I wore this one in Afghanistan. I also had a standard grey forage cap over there as well.


http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l203/MuleyGil/NEW022.jpg

That is not a hardee hat..Where was this pic taken? a junkyard somewhere

[Mule Gil]

It was taken in the NE section of Afghanistan, near the police training compound and the airport. There are lots of old Russian tanks, airplanes, helos, etc, left littering the countryside.

Yes, I know it's not a Hardee hat. I was following the thread drift towards wearing your reenacting gear outside of the battlefield, though I WAS on an old battlefield. The Northern Alliance was very active, fighting the Taliban in this area.