In the annals of fashion and craftsmanship, the beaver hat stands as an iconic symbol of elegance and luxury. Its origins can be traced back to the rugged landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, where trappers ventured into the wilderness in search of the prized beaver pelt. This article delves into the intricate process of transforming beaver fur into the fine felt that adorned the heads of the social elite.
The Superiority of Beaver Fur
Beaver fur possesses unique characteristics that make it ideal for hat making. Its microscopic “teeth” interlock when exposed to heat and moisture, creating a strong and durable felt. This interlocking mechanism, akin to modern Velcro, gives beaver felt its exceptional quality.
The Hat-Making Process: A Journey of Transformation
The journey from raw beaver pelt to finished hat is a meticulous and time-consuming process:
-
Shaving and Cleaning: The first step involves shaving the hair and wool from the pelt, leaving only the soft under-wool for felt production.
-
Bowing and Batting: The wool is separated using a bowing process, creating fine layers of varying textures. These layers are pressed together to form batts, the building blocks of the hat.
-
Cone Formation and Fulling: Batts are layered and folded into a cone shape, with the direction of the nap reversed each time. This cone is then subjected to fulling, a boiling process that entangles the fibers and thickens the felt.
-
Planking and Shaping: The cone is planked to ensure an even appearance and then dipped into hot water, causing it to contract and thicken further. It is then molded into the desired shape over a wooden block.
-
Finishing Touches: Once dried, the hat undergoes a finishing process that includes dyeing, waterproofing, and trimming. The outer nap is groomed, and the brim is cut and set.
The Decline of Beaver Hats: A Shift in Fashion
The popularity of beaver hats reached its peak in the 17th century, but their reign was short-lived. The invention of the silk hat in the 18th century, along with the urbanization of population centers, led to a decline in demand for beaver felt hats. By the mid-19th century, beaver hats had become a symbol of the past, replaced by the more fashionable silk toppers.
Modern-Day Legacy: Beaver Felt in Cowboy Hats
Despite their diminished popularity as everyday wear, beaver felt hats continue to be prized by modern-day cowboys. The durability and water resistance of beaver felt make it an ideal material for hats designed to withstand the rigors of the open range.
The making of a beaver felt hat is a testament to the skill and artistry of hatters throughout history. From the raw pelt to the finished product, each step in the process requires precision and attention to detail. While the beaver hat may no longer be the ubiquitous fashion statement it once was, its legacy lives on in the form of modern cowboy hats, a symbol of the enduring spirit of the American West.
How Watson’s Beaver Fur is Made
Why was beaver fur superior to hat making?
Beaver fur was superior for hat making because these spines are prominent on its inner wool. Much like modern Velcro, this fur characteristic was exploited in the creation of felt. Hatters differentiated the quality of felt used in construction and hats made exclusively from beaver were designated castor.
What is a beaver hat made of?
Our Beaver Hats are made from high-quality felted beaver fur. Beaver fur felt is a long-lasting, dense and nearly waterproof material made from a blend of beaver and/or rabbit/hare fur with felt. It is known for its exceptional durability, lasting 5-10 times longer than wool-felt.
Are cowboy hats made of beaver fur?
The durability and hardness of superior felt hats became old-fashioned and unnecessary. By 1848, beaver hats could be purchased for as little as 12 shillings. Modern high end cowboy hats are still made with beaver felt. Just how much beaver fur is in the mix of a modern beaver hat is a trade secret.
How do you make a hat from a beaver pelt?
To make felt, the underhairs were shaved from the beaver pelt and mixed with a vibrating hatter’s bow. The matted fabric was pummeled and boiled repeatedly, resulting in a shrunken and thickened felt. Filled over a hat-form block, the felt was pressed and steamed into shape. The hat maker then brushed the outside surface to a sheen.