Pale Rider hat arrived

[Marshal Deadwood]

My new 'Pale Rider' hat arrived from 'Last Best West'. Longfellow did an outstanding job. Hat is as good of quality as iv seen in hats. I recommend 'Last Best West' highly. Very highly indeed.
BTW, this stlye hat dates by photo record to at 'least' to 1858.
If anyone is interested in the photo docum, just email and id be more than happy to share.

Marshal Deadwood

[Lone Gunman]

Having looked over several pictures of these I think I'm going to try to reshape an old hat I have into one. Does anyone have any idea what sort of apparatus might be employed to get that bell shape? My first thought was a carefully measured length of heavy tubing, like maybe neoprene fuel line hose, that could be slipped into position after the crown was well steamed. I'm sure somebody has a better plan.

[Delmonico]

A wooden block that can be taken apart is what is used.  I think this one falls under the "Kids don't try this at home" catagory.  You will run into ither problems because of the way the hat was shaped before.