Beaver Hats
From tricorn to topper, the stylish
beaver hats shown above were in such demand that hatters bought 100,000
pelts each year. Discarding the long, coarse guard hairs, the
hatter shaved the soft underfur from the skin, then twanged the string
of a huge bow through it. The vibration of the string made
the hairs hook together. The matted pile was flattened, covered
with wet linen, and kneased into a conical hood that was shrunk and
thickened by being boiled, treated with acid and beaten. While
hot, the felt was molded into the desired shape over a wooden block and
ironed, it's nap was raised with a wire paddle.
My name is Stephenie Flora. Return to [ Home Page ] All [ Comments and Inquiries ] are welcome.
My name is Stephenie Flora. Return to [ Home Page ] All [ Comments and Inquiries ] are welcome.