How to get the peaked/sharp shaped crown to your Janke schirmmutze?

[vonleonhausen]

Hello to all!

I've recently received my Janke cavalry cap ordered from Extra Klasse an I really love it! Except for one thing...

The front side of the crown is very round as you can see on the first attached picture.

I like the saddle shape as is, but I would like to get the peaked look to my cap (see last two pictures below).

Any tips to get the sharp/peaked shape?

I've heard that you can reshape your cap when you take it under the shower with you? But I have the feeling that the upper front part of the crown is very stiff so not sure that's gonna work out as.. Also, I invested in it, so I prefer not to ruin it by mistreating it already... Your tips and tricks are very welcome!

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[Erich B.]

You can try bending the cap spring at the highest point of the crown--if you bend it at the angle you want (basically making it form a 90 degree angle) it might help to shape the top. If the padding is very stiff and full on the front sides, it may not make a difference in the overall shape. I've seen some caps that have been soaked and dried on a form to change the shape of the crown, but sometimes they don't look very good after drying (and the sweatband usually becomes wavy).
Erich

[vonleonhausen]

You can try bending the cap spring at the highest point of the crown--if you bend it at the angle you want (basically making it form a 90-degree angle) it might help to shape the top. If the padding is very stiff and full on the front sides, it may not make a difference in the overall shape. I've seen some caps that have been soaked and dried on a form to change the shape of the crown, but sometimes they don't look very good after drying (and the sweatband usually becomes wavy).
Erich

Hi Erich,

Thank you for your answer!

I tried to bend the highest point of the crown, but it seems to be very hard like there's a vertical plastic stiffener that keeps the roundish shape... Very annoying! Is there a way to get this stiffener out you think?

[pauke]

I don't imagine you will be able to achieve the sharp look to the peak you want by hand reshaping. Most likely it would take cutting and re-sewing to create the Erel or Welhausen look IMO. Just buy an original!

[Erich B.]

The front stiffener could be removed but I wouldn't recommend doing that. Once you start taking the cap apart, you might find that it still won't take the shape you want, and it will be difficult to repair if you go too far. Visor caps were made with different shapes and profiles during the period and IMO it looks pretty good at this point. If you do re-enacting, over time it will acquire some 'personality' with wear and use. If it's for display only, I would leave it as is and if you find one you like better in the future, you can sell this one.
Of course, it's your cap and ultimately your choice!
Erich

[BenVK]

As the guys have already mentioned, you won't be able to achieve a pointy crown because the cap was not constructed that way.
But you could pinch the crown to create the same look as this one below.
The best method is to steam it but there are risks involved with that i.e. steam can destroy leather sweatbands and effect the lacquer on the visor.

[vonleonhausen]

I don't imagine you will be able to achieve the sharp look to the peak you want by hand reshaping. Most likely it would take cutting and re-sewing to create the Erel or Welhausen look IMO. Just buy an original!

The front stiffener could be removed but I wouldn't recommend doing that. Once you start taking the cap apart, you might find that it still won't take the shape you want, and it will be difficult to repair if you go too far. Visor caps were made with different shapes and profiles during the period and IMO it looks pretty good at this point. If you do re-enacting, over time it will acquire some 'personality' with wear and use. If it's for display only, I would leave it as is and if you find one you like better in the future, you can sell this one.
Of course, it's your cap and ultimately your choice!
Erich

As the guys have already mentioned, you won't be able to achieve a pointy crown because the cap was not constructed that way.
But you could pinch the crown to create the same look as this one below.
The best method is to steam it but there are risks involved with that i.e. steam can destroy leather sweatbands and effect the lacquer on the visor.

I have finally decided to leave it as is! After pushing the sides of the crown a bit downwards, it has adopted a less "new" shape and I'm happy with it now!

Thanks a lot for your answers gentlemen, it helped me take the right decision!