T3 Wanderer - Nice Hat - I miss the Maple Leaf Snaps and the "Brag Tags"
Original T3
About 10 years ago I found a T3 Tilley floating in the lake (no ID inside, no body attached). Since then I have worn the treasured hat hiking and on several long sailing ocean passages. Between the salt, sweat, and sun, it is finally wearing through. Repairs have been made with sailcloth and stitching,.... but it's time has come.
T3W Replacement
Today I received a T3W that I ordered as a replacement. While a fine hat, I am a little disappointed that there are No Maple Leaf Brass Snaps, and surprisingly NO Brag Tags. These were quirky items that gave the hat personality and character. (Many people enjoyed story about the elephant eating the hat, and the zookeepers retrieval) The patina on the brass snaps and eyelets , while dull, reflected many past memories and adventures.
Sadly, a Tilley is now... just another hat.
Sometimes changes are good, sometimes you have to maintain tradition... and quit while your ahead.
I hope I can get 10 years out of the new hat, but will keep my original as a " wearable log book" of memories.
Thanks