I know the X-rating system has been discussed but . .

[Levallois]

Evening folks,

I need opinions about what an "Eighteen X Quality" rating might mean for a hat. I realize the X-rating system has been cussed and discussed before in this forum but even after reading the threads that came up in a search, I don't understand it. If I am reading these threads correctly, each manufacturer had their own rating. Also, lower numbers on older hats might be better than larger numbers on newer hats. So 18X may mean 18% Beaver or something else entirely? The question is 18 on a scale of what? I don't know who made this hat but I think 18 is a weird number to pick when 20 would be better and not that much more. Anyway, if you've got some ideas, I'd love to read them.

John

 

[Fedora]

Basically it means little today. It is a terminology that is used differently by different companies. Generally speaking, the higher the x count, the finer the hat. But not always. I really liked it when the x's referred to beaver content. The more x's, the more beaver, and the higher the price of the hat. Nowadays, a pure beaver hat could sport a 100 x rating, or a million x rating. The difference might be only a gold band on the hat in place of a ribbon. The extra x's were added due to the expensive band. Fedora

 

[Levallois]

Fedora,

Thank you for the reply. This hat is no younger than the 1950s and could go back to the 1930s, so 18X is probably pretty good. It feels good and looks good so therefore it is good is my motto.

John

 

[Johnnysan]

Let's see a photo...sounds like a great hat!

 

[Levallois]

Johnnysan,

Here are photos:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/Levallois/MillerBros4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/Levallois/MillerBros.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/Levallois/MillerBros2.jpg

Nice old cowboy hat.

John

 

[Johnnysan]

Levallois,

Nice hat. If you're in the mood to track down some history, here's an article for you regarding the old Miller Brothers Hat Company:

http://www.rootsweb.com/~txnavarr/business/miller_hat_factory/reunion.htm

Some of the folks listed might still be available to discuss your find.

 

[feltfan]

Nice hat

Thanks for the photos.

Is there a name for that particular style of
cowboy hat, with the "pinched" top?

 

[Levallois]

I think I'd call it an older version of the Cattleman crease. I'll check in some books when I get home tonight.

John