Cap reshaping

[stuart a.]

Hi all
just bought a lovely hj flak cap the only thing with it is it is a bit flat having lost a bit of shape is there a good way to reshape the cap without damaging it
stu

[Adrian Stevenson]

Hi Stuart, you can carefully reshape a cap using steam from a kettle. I have done this myself with great sucess to a schirmutze which was badly stored for 60 odd years. Obviously great care needs to be taken!

Cheers, Ade.

[Stahlhelm]

The advice above from Adrian sounds good to me, as well.

Chris

[Paul R.]

Well I just thought that a voice from the world of conservation I would add a comment. First of all one should not perform such a attempt as this. If this is a visor too much moisture can cause a lot of problems. First off the intense heat and moisture may ruin the leather band, rust the wire visor shaper, rust any metal insignia prongs, loosen any glue. Warp any cello diamond, and compromise the fabric. I have seen first hand steaming gone bad. From both a professional hat blocker and a novice attempt a reshaping with steam. It may seem okay for the short time be you need to look beyond this point.
Of course as always. It's your stuff to do as you see fit with. Just my .02 cent worth.

[Mike H]

.

Stuart,

Can you provide some photos? This would give us a better idea of what needs to be done and how.

Mike

[Stahlhelm]

Well I just thought that a voice from the world of conservation I would add a comment. First of all one should not perform such a attempt as this. If this is a visor too much moisture can cause a lot of problems. First off the intense heat and moisture may ruin the leather band, rust the wire visor shaper, rust any metal insignia prongs, loosen any glue. Warp any cello diamond, and compromise the fabric. I have seen first hand steaming gone bad. From both a professional hat blocker and a novice attempt a reshaping with steam. It may seem okay for the short time be you need to look beyond this point.
Of course as always. It's your stuff to do as you see fit with. Just my .02 cent worth.

Thanks, Paul!

Those are some considerations I hadn't considered.

Chris

[stuart a.]

hi all
thanks for the replies will get some pics posted tommorow
stu

[stuart a.]

okay heres the cap in question any help would be greatly appreciated, not bothered if nothing can be done as i love this cap anyway but thougt it was worth an ask
stu

[stuart a.]

side view

[stuart a.]

from the inside