Honoring Our Veterans

November 1, 2024

Veteran’s Day is November 11th and here at David Morgan, we hold a deep respect for all those people who’ve given their service to their country. Many of our team members here have family who have served in the armed forces, and today, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every veteran and their families out there. To those who’ve worn the uniform, we owe a debt that words alone can’t repay. We’d like to highlight a few products that might serve as great gifts to those great people.

The Aussie Slouch Hat

For veterans, especially those who might recall seeing this classic hat on the heads of Australian comrades in World War II, the Aussie Slouch Hat is both a symbol and a tool. This open-crown style is the same rugged, military-grade headgear that the Australian Defense Force has trusted for generations. It’s made from high-quality rabbit fur felt and built to last, keeping its shape through the roughest weather and hottest days. Whether you’re out on the ranch, hiking, or simply appreciating the great outdoors, the Aussie Slouch brings with it a touch of history—and a whole lot of functionality. And it doesn’t hurt that it’ll only look better with age, just like a trusted friend.

Heavy Duty Work Glove

A good work glove might not seem like much, but anyone who’s spent their days in the field knows it’s often the little things that make the biggest difference. Our Heavy Duty Work Glove is crafted from American bison leather, which brings a unique durability and flexibility that regular leather gloves just can’t match. They’re rugged yet pliable, able to stand up to heavy lifting, whether it’s handling wood, metal, or just keeping your hands safe during a day’s honest work. Many reviewers say these gloves are among the best they’ve ever worn, providing solid protection without sacrificing the comfort needed for a full day’s wear.

Hornback Crocodile Belt

For the man who appreciates quality craftsmanship, the Hornback Crocodile Belt is as striking as it is sturdy. Crafted from genuine hornback crocodile hide, each belt has a unique texture and pattern, ensuring no two are alike. It’s the kind of belt that makes a statement—a fitting tribute to anyone who understands the value of something built to last. Perfect for an everyday belt or for special occasions, it’s a piece that’s sure to be handed down with pride, carrying with it the stories of a life well-lived.

Y-Back Hopsack Suspenders

Not every man goes for the classic suspender look, but for those who do, the Y-Back Hopsack Suspenders are a top choice. Made with durable materials and a comfortable, secure fit, these suspenders are ideal for both everyday wear and formal occasions. They keep everything right where it needs to be, giving a nod to the generations who lived before the days of synthetic belts. It’s a small way to step back into tradition, showing pride in the hard work and dedication that our veterans and elders have instilled in us.


On this Veterans Day, we at David Morgan salute the veterans, the hard workers, and the dedicated men and women who value the rugged, the durable, and the dependable. We’re honored to bring you products that reflect the same steadfastness and commitment.

If you order by Monday, November 5th we can confirm your delivery in time for the holiday. Give us a call if you need priority shipment or help confirming your delivery date. Thank you to all the veterans for your service.

Happy Father’s Day from us at David Morgan

June 14, 2024

Father’s Day means a lot to us here at David Morgan. For today’s blogpost, we wanted to celebrate the life of David Morgan and share some of the story of how we got to where we are today.

During the family trip to Australia in 1962, David Morgan discovered a whip making enterprise still operating as it had been during Victorian times. An engineer by training and vocation, and with a long interest in craftwork, he carried this interest back home to the United States. He and his wife, Dorothy, imported a few whips for sale initially under the company name of Austral Enterprises, with the company name being changed to David Morgan in 1978.

As David and Dorothy’s young family grew, so did his interest in braiding and leatherwork. Always a problem solver, David had each child contributing to the craft at an early age, first lacing dog boot sets at $.02 per set. David reflected on the several trips to Australia in the 1960’s, where he learned the inner details of the leather and braiding trade from some of Australia’s top whipmakers. Along with the details of whipmaking, they taught him the history behind whips and their uses and the teachings connected with David. By the early 1970s the business had expanded to include braiding supplies and braided goods manufactured in David Morgan’s own leather workshop.

Eddie Bauer, creator of the famous Eddie Bauer clothing company, opened a store in the Seattle area in the early 70’s. Eddie Bauer himself strolled into our store, then located in the Ballard area of Seattle, and was enamored by the authentic Australian products. Eddie Bauer took a particular liking to the Slouch Hat made by Akubra, the same hats worn by the Australian military. Soon after a collaboration between David Morgan, Akubra, and Eddie Bauer was made. Eddie Bauer called the iconic Aussie accessory the “Digger Hat” and the hat’s success was vital to the Eddie Bauer brand at the time. At home it was all hands on deck for the David Morgan family, unpacking the boxes shipped by sea from Australia, brushing each hat, adding the puggaree and chin strap before shipping out.

In 1973, the US placed an embargo on kangaroo skins and products, effectively stopping the supply of Australian whips and braided goods to the US. Throughout this, David decided to keep the trade going, producing an American style bull whip using an Australian braided belly construction. This whip style, the 450 Series, proved popular among stuntmen and performers, most notably Glenn Randall Jr who used them in a small film (at the time) called Raiders of the Lost Ark. Once the embargo on kangaroo products was lifted in 1981, David switched to crafting these whips from the stronger kangaroo leather and the company renewed the importation of Australian leather goods.

Once reaching mainstream popularity, The Indiana Jones movies were the catalyst for revitalizing an interest in whips. David’s No. 455 10 ft Bullwhip became an icon when it was so skillfully woven into the story by Glenn Randall Jr, the stunt director for the first movie. We supplied over 30 whips to the studio for the four Indiana Jones movies. The resulting publicity brought in more orders than we could easily handle.

Even when we had a two-to-three year backlog of orders, David was adamant that we not increase the price unduly as he wanted those customers who appreciated the craftsmanship to enjoy the whips, not just the rich. Instead, he focused on continuing to produce quality whips and training the next generation of braiders. We are still producing these whips to David’s specifications and quality, with grandson Alex Morgan and son Will Morgan contributing to the effort.

David Morgan died on July 8, 2015.

In the last few years of his life, David was challenged first by Alzheimer’s disease and later by a stroke. Through determination and hard work, David regained enough strength after his stroke to still enjoy his walks through the neighborhood. David was kind, helpful, gregarious, generous, and an excellent problem-solver.

Almost 10 years later, we try every day to hold the lessons that David taught us close to our hearts.

Father’s Day is just around the corner!

June 4, 2024

Father’s Day is almost here. If you order between now and June 7th we can confirm your delivery in time for June 16th. Here’s a few gift suggestions for those caring father figures in our lives.

Adori Leathergoods

Adori Leathergoods is an Australian manufacturer that has deserved reputation for outstanding quality in the top of the line wallets they produce. From the fine leathers used to the careful stitching and turned edges, these wallets will provide years of use and enjoyment.

Geier Glove

For over 90 years, the Geir Glove company has been producing some of the world’s finest leather gloves for men and women — for work, dress, driving, and riding. Geir is known throughout the West for their quality materials. Made from full-grain deer, goat, kangaroo, bison and elkskins – Geir has made a glove that fits any use case you made need.

Celtic Jewelry

The Celts were skilled metal workers, with a strong interest in gold, silver and bronze ornaments for themselves and for their horse trappings. Our authentic Celtic jewelry is drawn from both modern Welsh and older Celtic sources, with design as timely today as it was two thousand years ago. Most of our Celtic jewelry collection is exclusive and only sold at David Morgan.

We at David Morgan send our appreciate to all of the fathers who have been the mentors, friends, and life-long partners in our lives. We hope that we can help find that special something to help send your gratitude to those people who matter the most.

Western Fringed Gauntlets Part of USA Olympic Uniform

February 15, 2018

Fringed Gauntlets, photo courtesy Team USA.

 

The US Olympic Team’s official uniform at the Winter Games includes fringed gauntlets by Ralph Lauren. These gloves have been a staple of the West for over a hundred years, when they were obtained by trading with the Indians. Our gauntlets are made of deerskin by the Geier Glove Company. Geier has been making driving and work gloves here in the state of Washington for over 70 years, and more recently moccasins. Their leather gloves and moccasins are known throughout the West for quality in fit and wear. Full-grain deer, goat, kangaroo, bison and elkskins are used. And, they are made in the USA!

 

Geier Deerskin Western Fringed Gauntlets

 

 

July 1st, Repeal of Proscription

June 23, 2017

July 1st celebrates the repeal of Proscription. In 1746, after the Battle of Culloden, the Parliament of Great Britain enacted Proscription to assimilate the Scottish Highlands. The Dress Act was part of this Act and made wearing the Highland Dress illegal. No Scot was allowed to wear their clan’s tartan or kilt. Over thirty years later, on July 1st 1782, the Proscription Act was repealed and Scots could once again display their tartans.

If you have Scottish ancestry, this is your day to proudly wear your clan’s tartan.

 

 

WESA 2013 a Great Success!

February 1, 2013

The Western and English Sales Association convention in Denver was a tremendous success. This year, Alex and Mike took reins of the booth. They met a few of our vendors and met some new wholesale customers that we’ll be excited to do business with.

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Denver from the hotel room.

It’s a cold day for those of us from Seattle! Temps down to zero at night.

denver at night

Denver Federal Building at night.

 

fire dance

The fashion show begins with a fire dance.

 

fashion show

Fashion Show

 

fashion show

Fashion Show

 

fashion show

Fashion Show

 

 

fashion show

Fashion Show

 

downtown denver

Downtown Denver

 

mike long oval

Mike makes a long oval

 

david morgan booth

The David Morgan booth

 

just one beer

Just one beer will do

 

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Edward Strozier and Will Conner from BC Hats

 

dinner

Dinner companions: BC Hats, Shady Brady Hats and Akubra Hats

 

alex at booth

Alex watching the booth

 

 

 

 

 

WESA photos

March 3, 2011

Our trip to the January Western Equestrian Sales Association ( WESA ) in Denver was a success. The January show is larger than September’s, giving Will and Mike a chance to introduce Akubra Hats to more dealers (and make more friends). 

Chico Basin

We visited Chico Basin, a large working ranch that offers guest stays and educational programs.

 

Horse in Chico Basin

Chico Basin

 

Restored Schoolhouse

Restored Schoolhouse (built in the late 1800s).

 

Jose and Jose Cerrillos

Jose Luis Cerrillos and his son, Jose of Continental Leather Fashions

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Bonita of Silverton Shirts

Larry and Jaya Knapp

Larry Knapp and his wife, Jaya of Cordon y Cuero

 

Gretel Underwood 

Gretel Underwood of Gretel Underwood, Inc.

Will Conner and Will Morgan

Will Conner of BC Hats and Will Morgan

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John Brady, Shady to his friends, of Shady Brady Hat Company

Rick Richardson and Kim Tune

Rick Richardson and Kim of Two Gray Hills 

 

Brian, Tom and Barry

Brian, Tom and Barry of Farm Boy and Farm Girl ClothingDale, Charon and Leo

Dale, Charon and Leo of Geier Glove

 

Bruce Chacon

Bruce Erickson of Chacon Belts

Linda Bodick

Linda Bodick of Kabana

 

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From left to right:  Tinka and Tisha (Edna Designs), Pam (Whimsical Originals), Pat Dahnke & Christina (Designs by Pat) and Michelle (Red Star Riggings Hat).

A Weekend of Whip Cracking

January 8, 2009

John Leonetti stopped by the store just after Christmas to introduce his friend, Paul Johnson.  Along with Will Morgan, they examined and photographed several of David’s whips.   

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John and David

 

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David and Paul

Below are some photographs from David’s collection.  (Some photos courtesy of John Leonetti)

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6 ft Pocket Snake made by David Morgan  

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Deer Hoof with thong from Beau Hickory, made in the 1970s.

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Peruvian whip from Bernardo del Carpio

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Peruvian whip from Bernardo del Carpio

 

On Sunday, Will, John and Paul spent the day cracking whips at the SANCA facilities with BWAHAHA (The Barton-Wright Applied Hopology And Historical Antagonistics League).

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Neal Stephenson on left, John Leonetti on right

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John, Paul and Louie Foxx

LEARN MORE ABOUT:

Whip Cracking

Braiding Whips

 

“Australia” The Movie

November 18, 2008

kidmanjackman

Jackman and Kidman

On November 26th the epic film, Australia opens in the US.  Almost 450 Akubras were used in the filming of the movie.  The hats were designed by milliner, Rosie Boylan, who says,

“With the men’s hats, my role was to create a range of strong character looks that carried the epic Hollywood styling of the film. I took the cinematic vision and worked with Akubra to translate their classic hats into customised pieces.”

And Managing Director Stephen Keir, the fifth generation of Keir to take the helm at the family owned and operated Akubra says,

“We sent fresh, new open crowned hats off and they then had to make them look like they’d been worn through anything from war to years in the outback.  Our hats are renowned for their durability so I’m sure ageing them was an art in itself.”

This isn’t Akubra’s Hollywood debut, with past movie credits including The Man from Snowy River, Crocodile Dundee and 3:10 to Yuma.

By the way, do you see Hugh Jackman wearing a riding coat?  The Driza-Bone riding coat is an icon of the Australian Outback, where drovers would herd cattle over long distances using stock whips.

One familiar hat in the movie is the Slouch.  Also known by Australians as “The Digger”, it is has been worn by the Australian military since 1885.  David Morgan has sold the Slouch since 1965.   These photos are of extras in the movie.  

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Wearing a Slouch    

Many people wonder why we use the term “bash” when we talk about creasing a hat.  The word “bash” comes from Australia where soldiers would receive their hat unshaped.  They were required to bash it into the proper military form.

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Read a review of the movie, “Australia”

LEARN MORE ABOUT:

The Slouch

Whips

Driza-Bone