Calling all GREEN HORNET fans...

[temponaut]

I'm cross-posting this from the Costuming Forum, as strictly speaking this item is meant for display rather than wearing, and some members may look at one forum but not the other.

Several months ago I ordered a custom-made replica of the chauffeur's cap worn by Bruce Lee as Kato in The Green Hornet. It's for a GH display I'm putting together.

The replica, made by Baron's Hats, has at last reached the "approval" stage. Before shipping, Baron's sends photographs to the client for review and approval. Baron's guarantees that they will do their best to satisfy the client's requests for changes.

I started scrutinizing the replica and noticed some things I liked, as well as a couple of things that didn't look quite right to me.

And then it hit me: Why trust my sole judgment when, to paraphrase Jerry Seinfeld, "I have access to some of the most deceitful, duplicitous, deceptive minds of our time. Who better to advise me?"

Uh... to put that in the positive light in which it's intended: the RPF is home to some the most knowledgable, exacting, observant prop and costume aficionados in the world. Rather than relying on my sole judgment, I'd like to call upon your collective sharp eyes and minds.

What changes, if any, should I ask Baron's to make to this replica?

Here are a few reference photos of the real thing, followed by the recreation Baron's has made for me.

First, the real McCoy:

And now the replica:

I would be grateful for your opinions and recommendations. I will make a list of them for Baron's. Please don't hold back; I'd like to hear your criticisms even if they might require major revisions. I'm not sure how far Baron's is willing to go in order to satisfy a client... but here's their guarantee:

"We guarantee Absolute Satisfaction - Absolutely 100% of the time.... Baron Hats will rework the hat, depending on the nature of the complaint, until the customer is satisfied with the hat."

And, for anyone who's interested, here's a link to Baron's Hats:

Baron's Hats

Many thanks in advance for any comments you can offer.





Thanks to WackyChimp, host extraordinnaire. :thumbsup

 

[franz bolo]

It doesn't look like the original hat had a glossy band. It looks like black leather.

The band ends hang out a little longer on the original.

The band buttons don't look all shiney or decorated.

The space at the top of the band and the rim of the hat looks too long.

To me, the original looks like a softer material. Notice the wrinkles? Alsmost cotton rather than wool.

The original doesn't have the band (knob) thing.

FB

 

[temponaut]

Thank you, FB. All excellent observations. :thumbsup

What do you think of the color?

 

[Darth Kahnt]

Your color looks a little more grey than the original but that could just be the lighting for your photos.

 

[temponaut]

Thanks, Darth Kahnt. I wondered about that, too. As you wrote, the Baron's replica may appear to be greyer because of the bright lighting. Also, in some screengrabs from the show, the color of the chauffeur's cap looks either a lighter or darker grey, and in some it even looks black.

Thanks again for your comments.

 

[mez7]

change the silver buttons on the band to black, along with changing the band to something flat not glossy, that stands out the most

and to me it seems like the hat has some texture in the section under the band, like ribbing of some sort, almost corduroy like in its look, can really be picked up in the first 2 pics,

 

[temponaut]

Thanks, mez7, and everyone else who posted your suggestions.

With the help of your observations, I've now sent the following analysis of the original cap vs. the Baron's prototype to Baron's, together with a request for modifications.


Analysis of Baron’s “Kato” Cap Recreation and Request for Modifications

KEY TO DIAGRAMS

A: ORIGINAL chinstrap is flat black leather; REPLICA is gloss/patent leather.

B: On ORIGINAL, space between top of leather strap and crown is narrower than on REPLICA.

C: ORIGINAL chinstrap is rounded at ends; REPLICA is pointed.

D: On ORIGINAL, buttons at ends of strap are flat black and smooth (leather covered?); buttons on REPLICA are gold and textured.

E: On ORIGINAL, ends of straps extend farther beyond loops than on REPLICA.

F: Rounded ends of straps on ORIGINAL appear to be slightly wider than strap itself, and/or have something embedded under the leather, in order to prevent slipping under loops.

G: On ORIGINAL, distance between ends of straps and buttons is greater than on REPLICA (overall length of chinstrap may be shorter?).

H: Left side of strap on REPLICA is secured with rivet; no such rivet appears on ORIGINAL.

I: Color of ORIGINAL appears to be darker than color of REPLICA (lighting in photographs could be a factor).

J: Fabric used in ORIGINAL appears to be softer than that used in REPLICA (note wrinkles).

K: On ORIGINAL, area between visor and crown incorporates a ribbed band (see L); REPLICA does not.

L: Example of ribbed band of similar type as on ORIGINAL; not sure if this band is part of the cap itself or removable. (Image of German officerÂ’s cap from hollywoodprop.com, used for example only.)

M: Distance between strap loops is less on ORIGINAL than on REPLICA (again, may indicate chinstrap on ORIGINAL is shorter overall than that on REPLICA).

Image of German officerÂ’s cap from hollywoodprop.com. Used for example only.


Thanks again to all who offered their suggestions. I'll let you know how Baron's responds.




Thanks, Pilot, for hosting. :thumbsup

 

[temponaut]

This weekend, Baron's sent me photos of the new, improved Kato's cap replica, based on the suggestions kindly offered by the sharp-eyed members of the RPF.

I've posted the new photos in the thread in the Costuming Forum, here:

Kato Chauffeur's Cap: Version 2

The new shots are in Post #7.

I would be grateful for opinions. Should I ask for any further revisions before accepting delivery?

Many thanks in advance, everybody. :thumbsup

 

[kdawg1]

Much Much Much Better. That really looks good now.

 

[temponaut]

Thanks, kdawg1. Glad to have one thumbs-up for the revised version. :thumbsup

Would anyone else help out with an opinion before I go back to Baron's with decision?

The new photos are in Post #7 of this thread:

Kato Chauffeur's Cap: Version 2

I'd be grateful for any comments or suggestions.