Keith Brothers Hats & Caps

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Anyone know how late Keith hats stayed in operation or if the company (or its name) was sold to another bigger company? Were they ever part of Hat Co?

 

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Well I don't suppose anyone here might be an expert on Keith hats, but I did some research and all mentions of Keith hats vanish by the mid-60's in newspapers. So a good guess would be that they went out of business in the mid-60's.

Another thing that I noticed was how inexpensive they were sold. Most stores listed them cheaper than Champ hats, which were already in the lower-middle class price range of hats (I'm not dissing Champ or Keith quality, I'm just stating facts of price and clientele at the time).

 

[alanfgag]

Well I don't suppose anyone here might be an expert on Keith hats, but I did some research and all mentions of Keith hats vanish by the mid-60's in newspapers. So a good guess would be that they went out of business in the mid-60's.

Another thing that I noticed was how inexpensive they were sold. Most stores listed them cheaper than Champ hats, which were already in the lower-middle class price range of hats (I'm not dissing Champ or Keith quality, I'm just stating facts of price and clientele at the time).

Thanks for reviving this thread. It is very hard to be an expert on Keith Bros. given the tiny sampling of hats that have surfaced here. If you have one or if you have advertising images, please add photos to this thread. Dale's example of a 1960s hat is fascinating as there is almost a half century between it and the other examples posted. Did they remain under independent ownership all that time?

Price was always a key driver of business for the smaller hat companies in their competition with Stetson and HCA brands.

 

[Garrett]

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[alanfgag]

Beautiful straw weave... I wonder if from Keith Bros, or another Keith?

 

[BobHufford]

Western with a logo like Dale's.

$10 if someone needs it (not mine):

https://salem.craigslist.org/grd/d/keith-cowboy-hat/6670026287.html

 

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I also have a Western style one from the 50s. Will post pictures of it soon.

 

[Bill Hughes]

Don’t know if this Milan is Keith Brothers or another Keith?

 

[Bill Hughes]

Don’t know if this Milan is Keith Brothers or another Keith?

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I snapped a couple of pictures from behind the sweatband. Does the union label help date it?

 

[Hurricane Jack]

Keith Fine Finish, Supreme Quality Derby.

Softer & finer derby than the 1910's Stetson I had. No hidden tags or markings other than size written in chalk or soapstone.

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[Hurricane Jack]

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Reedless sweat

Taped sweat seam

 

[Rmccamey]

Fancy, indeed. Hardly shows its age and looks great. Hope it fits you comfortably so you can wear it for many years.

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Reedless sweat
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Taped sweat seam
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[Hurricane Jack]

This label is from the lid of a round white paper John B. Stetson box that belonged to Moon. According to the Keith bio posted above by buler the name of Keith Brothers & Co was formed in 1887, & judging from the invoice posted by Cigarband was still in existence in 1903.

From the bio I put together this timeline of the companies:

1858 - Keith & Faxon, 49 Lake St.

1860 - Keith, Faxon & Co. 45-47 Lake St.

1864 - 68-70 Wabash Ave.

1865 - Keith Brothers

1871 - fire, resumed business at stables on Prairie Ave. Built temp bldg at Dearborn Park & Michigan Ave.

10/1872 - 246-252 Madison St.

1879 - O.R. Keith & Co. Wabash Ave & Monroe St.

1884 - consolidated into Edison Keith & Co.

1887 - Keith Brothers & Co.

1903 - 239 & 241 Jackson St.

 

[JDB]

Hi Everyone, I am new here but found this thread while searching for some information about this new hat I acquired. Could you help me with some more information it says Keith on the inside. Does anyone know what era it is from? What is the snap on the side of the hat for? Anyone know what it may be worth? I have an upcoming wedding to pay for so trying to sell some things to help pay for it.
Thank you so much for your time!

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Hi Everyone, I am new here but found this thread while searching for some information about this new hat I acquired. Could you help me with some more information it says Keith on the inside. Does anyone know what era it is from? What is the snap on the side of the hat for? Anyone know what it may be worth? I have an upcoming wedding to pay for so trying to sell some things to help pay for it.
Thank you so much for your time!

Your “Keith” is one of the many hat brands made by Langenberg / Beaver Brand. I don’t know if Keith Bros. sold/merged with them, but I suspect they are completely separate brands that happen to share the Keith name.

Most hats made by Beaver Brand are less expensive models made to undercut the prices of the “big name” hat companies. They are often well-made hats, but they are rarely very valuable. Describe it well, take good photos, and list it on eBay: the market will tell you what it’s worth.

 

[JDB]

Your “Keith” is one of the many hat brands made by Langenberg / Beaver Brand. I don’t know if Keith Bros. sold/merged with them, but I suspect they are completely separate brands that happen to share the Keith name.

Most hats made by Beaver Brand are less expensive models made to undercut the prices of the “big name” hat companies. They are often well-made hats, but they are rarely very valuable. Describe it well, take good photos, and list it on eBay: the market will tell you what it’s worth.

___ Thank you so much for the info!

 

[fuzzyowl]

Came across this hat recently! Grizzly finish. I wonder what it's made out of!

 

[buler]

Wow!! Magnificent hat.

 

[alanfgag]

Wow!! Magnificent hat.

+1... thanks for sharing. Fur felt of unknown composition and earlier than 1934 from the union label. The feather is likely added at a later time. Wonder if it's hiding some damage or stain and if the original ribbon is still in place underneath. It's a rare bird - enjoy it!

 

[fuzzyowl]

Thanks! I looked under the feather band - no original ribbon, it mostly had a uniform darker colour probably from being covered so long. I was thinking of replacing it with a more modest / period correct grosgrain ribbon!