I looked at the Townsend blanks for myself, but got mine from this fine lady instead: http://www.snoods.com/hats.html. Like the Townsend version, it is a nice felt blank with a 4.5 to 5" brim. I did a faux tar pitch finish and I'm very pleased with the results. Hers are just a few bucks cheaper; $25.00 including shipping. I'm very very pleased with mine.
I do, however, understand his uneasiness with ordering online.