We were working on the hats for several actors on the production of "3:10 To Yuma", when, just as shooting was to begin in New Mexico, Russell Crowe,  the consummate professional, and perfectionist (which is why his performances are always spellbinding), decided that he wanted a different hat from the one that was provided to him. He truly realized how important the hat was to his character and to the movie at large, and he insisted on something very unique and memorable. The problem was, they needed something right away. So, working with the amazingly gifted costumers Linda Mathews, Terry Anderson, Tangi Crawford, and Christine Cantella, under the sure guidance of  Master Costume Designer Arianne Phillips, an extraordinary hat was created. Mr. Crowe had a few excellent suggestions when he saw it, and after making a few adjustments, the incredible hat came to life! 

We realized when the very first ads came out for the movie that everyone's efforts was well worth it. Mr. Crowe's  hat, just as he predicted, developed a personality all its own, giving that extra layer to his character and to the movie itself. And it worked wonders. The reviews for the movie are peppered with words like "masterpiece" and "instant classic". And Mr. Crowe has once again created a brilliant performance for the ages as the arrogant, amoral outlaw Ben Wade.

Baron Hats is proud to have been a part of what has already become another classic western hat. And therefore we have created this reproduction, which we call "The Yuma", inspired by the original. A hat that has that rare quality to be as modern as it is classic.

The original hat has many unique aspects, including the use of one of the rarest embroidery fabrics ever found. It was crafted in France in the 1930s and only a small roll of it existed. Because there is no other embroidery like this anywhere in the world, it is virtually priceless.

To recreate an exacting pattern woven material for our "Yuma" reproduction, Master Hat maker Mark Mejia, journeyed throughout Central and South America looking for just the right weavers who could reproduce the intricacies of the original embroidery. This meant not only finding the right mill that had the very rare machines to replicate the fine detailing of the original, but also the craftsmen with the experience to create it.  He finally found such a "Fabricante de Textiles" in Mexico. After a number of versions, they finally came up with a reproduction weave that Mark enthusiastically approved to put on our reproduction "Yuma" hatbands.

As part of the movie's story, this special hat needed mystical symbolism, so surrounding the hatband of the original are various American Indian spiritual amulets. Mark went back to some of the same sources so that this hat would be as exacting as possible. Therefore, surrounding the band are seven specially jeweled genuine turquoise semi-precious stones, hand wrapped and sewn into the fine hand-tooled leather band. Behind them are a row of four vertical  gold plated eyelet's. The band is finished in the back with a "crow's paw" fringe, with a hand picked and shaped Abalone shell charm.

The hat itself is crafted from the actual block used for the original, and is completed with grosgrain binding on a special pencil roll brim. It's no wonder that everyone who has seen Russell wearing his hat, either in the movie or on the posters, can never forget it. This is truly something special, unworldly, magical and almost eternal!

"The Yuma" can be ordered in 100% Western Weight Fur Felt or 200XXX 100% hand-brushed Beaver.  It can also be ordered either "New" or "Aged". The aging process is the same that we used on the original hat, and most of our other production hats.

We also offer the hats with our FlexPay Payment Plan, in which you can order the hat in three equal monthly payments. There is no extra charge or interest for this service, and your hat goes into production as soon as we receive the first payment, so you receive the hat on the same schedule as if you paid in full. (Check out the "green box" below to order with "Flex Pay").

As with all our custom hats, "The Yuma" comes with our special Lifetime Guarantee, a signed and numbered Certificate of Authenticity, our custom engraved leather sweatband and silk-satin lining.

"The Yuma" has now also become our most anticipated and requested of all time. So in honor of our reproduction, we are offering the hat, at a very special price, for a very limited time!