My new [old] No. 1 Quality Stetson "The Wildcatter"

[deanglen]

RBH!

Interesting change. Can you put the picture of you wearing the early version right by this later one so it is easier to compare?

Hmmm...

Yes! That would be perfect, and get some 3/4 shots, too, "The Wildcatter" and "DGO" if you're up to it. It's the different angles that increases the appreciation of the hat. Thanks, RBH!

dean

 

[deanglen]

on my head

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Man! That's a tough looking hat, and a great looking one too! I want one! How much?

dean

 

[44forrest]

The Spirit of Creativity

Wow. I was watching this hat on ebay and quierred the seller several times in an attempt to find out if it was fur or wool felt, not bein knowledgble myself of the Stetson #1 Quality. So I didn't bid fearing a repeat of an earlier ebay purchase. One advertixed as fur which turned out to be wool. I also contacted Stetson for confirmation of the material and it wasn't until after you closed your deal that they got back to me that it was indeed fur and a 7x to boot. You done real good. Then there is the matter of what you did to or with the hat once you got it; the cowbouy hat lover in me grimises but there is no denying that you turned that baby into one fine lookijng Fedora. your imigination and ability are to be heartily applauded. Were you sure of the shape you were going for before you bid or were you just playing it by ear, designing the shape after the hat was in your hands? You inspire me to take new risks. Thanks for your posting. Inspiring.

 

[RBH]

hope this helps

The change is not drastic...but with my headlol I think it makes a big difference.
The straight sides of the crown gives it the vintage look that I love, you do not get that with many of the modern fedoras.


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[RBH]

Thanks 44,
I truly understand what you mean about redoing a western style hat. I thought long about what I planned to do to this hat, There was not many bids so I went for it.
I love the thin ribbon style hats, I have a Stratoliner [love it] and Open Road [love it too] and a modern Akubra Campdraft [a great hat that I recommend to anyone] plus my DGO.
The Strat and OR have a what I call a moderate crown, the Campdraft has a big crown, that was what I wanted with this Stetson. i wanted a every day hat that had the crown size I liked.
I knew what I was after when I won this hat. It just took me a little time to wear it to be sure what to do.
I dont plan on cutting up 'cowboy' hats by the dozen, in fact I do have one more I plan on redoing , but for a lot of guys knowing you can take a old western style and make a good looking fedora and that they can do it on the ''cheap'' means alot. Also that they can make a great looking almost 'custom' style fedora is a added bonus!

 

[deanglen]

If I continue modding hats, they're simply going to have to have MORE crown to work with. What I like about "The Wildcatter" is the absolutely "vintage" look of it! It also has the rugged look I like, if we're not looking at Stratoliners, and such. They have their place. They also don't have "BCF" taper which some of the stuff I've used has. Cowboys hats are as plentiful as one could want, and they have enough brim to trim and crown to bash down without looking tyrolean.

dean

 

[ideaguy]

RBH - One fine job, my man- and you are looking pretty dapper these days, with
the silver beard and tan...any hat would look good on you- even a "Tyrolean".

Sorry Dean couldn't help myself....RBH - just unpacked a Beaver Brand 20x, with about a 6" brim and tall enough to hide a coffee cup in, balanced on my flat ol'
bean; will giver a try-really is hard to soften the felt-will try and keep photo progress. Good work, Gentlemen! Beats the heck out of babysitting ebay...:eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[RBH]

RBH - you are looking pretty dapper these days, with
the silver beard ...:eusa_clap :eusa_clap

uhhh yeah... yeah.. I got got out in the frost last weekend!lol lol lol

Thanks ideaguy, if you try soaking the hat in denatured alcohol to soften it up let us know about it I have never tried that.
Goog luck!