After selling hats in downtown Seattle for 84 years, the Byrnie Utz store closed its doors in September, 2018. For anyone interested in the details, The Seattle Times ran a story last year. Link here.
They were a wonderful company that sold Akubra hats along with many other brands.
Recently we obtained some of their remaining stock. We’re able to offer these hats at sale prices. They are limited to stock on hand. Browse the hats to see if you can find one that fits.
We also received some very interesting antique items that reveal the world of hatselling.
A Hat Stretcher
The hat stretcher will stretch a hat about a half of a size. Any more than that and you will damage the hat.
Old Stetson Boxes
Gold Embossing Tool
The gold embossing tool was used to print the name of the hat wearer. Since hats were worn by nearly everyone prior to the 1960s, it was easy to get yours lost among the others, especially in a restaurant or any place with a coat check.
Closeup of the embossing tool
A closeup of the embossing tool reveals the name: The Name-o-Gramer.
We’ll miss Byrnie and the part of Seattle that has been rapidly disappearing for the past ten years.