Hat Recommendations

[Catdad]

Can someone please give me some good hat recommendations from the 1870's era?  My hair is on the long side (like Wild Bill Hickok's), however I have seen pictures of him in a hat and none I really like.  I want something that will help keep the sun (and what little rain we get) in Arizona out of my eyes.

[St. George]

There are a number of posts here that deal with your question - and some have links to dealers that I'm sure you'll find useful, so please take a look through the previous posts.

I'm sure you'll be well-supplied with dealer's names after this one's posted...

The cowboy hat was distinctive to the region - and you'll see Southwestern styles that aren't seen up North - in places like Wyoming, for example.

For example - yours will have a higher crown - to better cool your head - along with a somewhat wider brim - for added shade.

The 'Old Mexico' influence in Arizona would remain strong for years.

Your long hair would be common to the 1870's era - along with a long moustache.

Shorter hair came about as 'civilization' approached, with it's tonsorial parlors, and as men's fashions changed towards the turn of the century.

Take a look at the Time-Life series - 'The Old West' - for some good photos of period headgear, and then review some dealer's wares.

Buy quality - since it'll pay for itself in the long run in presentation, wearability/durability and satisfaction.

Vaya,

Scouts Out!

[gospel micah]

Howdy check out this websight they have lots of hats with large brim i have long curly hair  like wild bill myself but i have never bought a hat from them but i probably will someday i wear a high derby hat and some  hats like  a service hat and  davey crocket cap and more. heres the websight http://www.riverjunction.com/catalog/hats/hats.html

[Catdad]

Thanks for the link Micah!  I've looked at their hats in the past, but couldn't decide which one is best.  I am happy to hear I'm not the only "long hair" guy here   

[Deadeye Don]

Tonto Rim is another great source for reasonably priced hats.

http://www.tontorim.com/

[James Hunt]

For post civil war thru the late 1880's impression that is not Mexican I'd suggest you stay with a lower crown hat - unlike modern cowboy hats with the 6 1/2 inch height. The brim can be anywhere from 3 inches on out though, but 3 1/2 or 4 was common for the northern plains with wider brims in the south. But do your own research, as I have given you only "opinion". I See by Your Outfit is very available and but a starting point. There are many providers, check out Clearwater Hats on the web. They have hand sewn leather head bands and liners. Very correct, and when they make something from Hollywood they label it as such. And oh yes, to emphasis St. George's post - buy a quality hat (and they start at $150 or so) and it will withstand storms and stampedes. Otherwise you will be spending $80 frequently for a cheap one (which is also period correct for the time  ).

[Tommy tornado]

For the time period that you are talking about on the River Junction site good choices might be Hickok, Boss of the Plains, Union Slouch, the Scout, Confederate Slouch, or Flat Straw 4inch.  Just observations from other posts and Capt. Baylor's article.