My first vintage hat

[thunderw21]

Howdy all,
I picked this up today at an antique shop. I asked the owner if she had any vintage hats and she pulled this from the back. Sorry, the pictures aren't great.

As you can see it is a Stevens, all black felt in excellent condition and it fits my head perfectly. Box is in good condition with some wear. The hat looks almost unused, though it is still dusty after a good brushing. Got it all for $15.
Is anyone able to date it for me? My thinking is that it is from the 1940s but I'm kind new at this and don't know for sure.
Thank you.
Billy

 

[Dinerman]

Nice score. Great price.

 

[Art Fawcett]

Nice score Thunder. The box is worth more than what you paid!! It appears to be late 50's early 60's based on what looks like about a 2" brim ( 1 7/8 perhaps?)
Congrats & Welcome to the Lounge

 

[thunderw21]

You're right Art, it's about a 2" brim. Thanks!

 

[John in Covina]

More info...

If you can, get a shot of the various imprints on the sweat band and of any tags that may be behind the sweat along with the liner inside. The style of liner will help others match up a time frame maybe.

Nice score, it should clean up nice with a good brushing.

 

[moustache]

Late 50's

I agree with Art.Like the colour and style.Looks good on you.Get it cleaned if you can.Or do it yourself.
Great score on the price!!!People pay that for the box alone.

JD

 

[thunderw21]

While trying to photograph the liner (none of the pics turned out well) I found a date. It's very small and faint but readable. Below is what it said:

"1917 (Gold Bond Beaver) 1967"

1967. Surprising, at least to me, that it is such a late date when brimmed hats were drastically changing, loosing their popularity and on their way out yet this hat has some very classic characteristics to it. Is it just me or does this strike others as odd or at least unusual? [huh]
Billy