Hat Block: Gerner & Co, 'Ferora' and 'Pork Pie Crown' Molds, Soter Bros Brim

Description

These are the most interesting antiques.  They are the molds used to make men's hats.  The rounded mold is marked "Fedora" on the underside as well as the number 6 (or 9) and the company name "GERNER & CO CLEVELAND OH" It measures 8" x 6.5" x 6" tall. The second mold is what I believe is called a Pork Pie Crown, or a western mold.  It is also marked  "GERNER & CO CLEVELAND OH" and had the number 4, 7, and 59 on the opposite side on the makers mark on the underside of the mold. It measures 7 3/4" x 6 5/8" x 4" tall.  One of the three brims is marked " SOTER BROS" on the right hand side with the numbers 6 3/4 and 3 on the back of the mold.  It measures 13 x 12 x 2 3/8". The second and third brims do not have a makers mark on them,  One I belongs with the Fedora, has the numbers 7 and 2 3/8 marked in the back. it measures 11 7/8 x 9 1/4 x 2". The last rim is considerably heavier than the previous two. It is marked with a 235 A and 7 3/8 on the back, and measures 12 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 2 1/2".  All of the molds are in good use able condition.
I found them at an estate auction of a collector in eastern Iowa. I have no idea how long they were in her possession or their history prior to the sale. The wood is smooth and well worn, so at one point these were well used and loved.