Antiques Roadshow Hats

[NonEntity]

Did anyone see the hats on last night's episode of Antique's Roadshow?

It was from San Antonio, and they were featured in the middle-of-the-show segment which focuses on collectible items of local interest--in this case, Western hats in a SA museum.

Most were sombreros, a couple with tall, cone-shaped crowns, and others with the shape we all associate with the sombrero. One ornate, silver-finished one was actually made in Paris and another was made for some general or official of the 1920s and was beautifully decorated in colorful Maya motifs on the crown and both sides of the brim. One of a kind, it could only be appraised at "five figures."

Probably of most interest to those here was a classic Western style John B. Stetson made in the late 1800s in pure beaver fur felt that appeared to be in perfect condition. The appraiser said it was worth $800 to $1200, but would be higher if it were a bit older.

If anyone here saw that Stetson, please weigh in with anything more you might know. Speculation, as always, is welcome.

 

[tonyb]

Yeah, I saw it too. In light of the prices some significantly less historically significant lids are fetching these days, I'd think that a genuine late 19th century Stetson in good condition would be worth more than that. But ...

 

[Brad Bowers]

It was the first time I can remember seeing hats featured at all on the Roadshow. I was thinking that his values were rather on the low side of things, too. We may have our fingers more closely on the pulse of online hat auctions than he does, but we also have a bit of a different market.

Brad

 

[NonEntity]

I know next to nothing about vintage sombreros, but I, too, was thinking his appraisal for that late 19th century Stetson in pristine condition was WAY low.

Did you notice the strip of paper between the crown and the leather hatband? I suppose the museum curator placed it there to prevent the band from staining the felt, but it seems that it could have been removed for just the few minutes it was featured on camera. What else could such a strip of paper be for?

 

[Tomasso]

It was the first time I can remember seeing hats featured at all on the Roadshow.

Same here, mind you they rarely do clothing of any kind.