Open Road liner

[VetPsychWars]

So, I have this Stetson Open Road, and I have not seen this liner before. What does it tell us?

Tom

 

[Dinerman]

Not particularly uncommon on 3X Stetsons. With a pic of the sweatband logo, I could be sure, but it's '50s somewhere. In the '52-'58 range?

 

[Art Fawcett]

Not particularly uncommon on 3X Stetsons. With a pic of the sweatband logo, I could be sure, but it's '50s somewhere. In the '52-'58 range?

+1

 

[gtdean48]

The Last Drop liner. Like Dinerman stated, pretty common in Open Roads & western styled Stetsons....

 

[buler]

Also check out this thread - > DatingVintageStetsonByLiner

B

 

[VetPsychWars]

Wow, really? I thought it was a lot newer than that. The price tag on the inside of the sweat-band says $15.00.

More:

Thanks!

Tom

 

[gtdean48]

Wow, really? I thought it was a lot newer than that. The price tag on the inside of the sweat-band says $15.00.

...
Thanks!

Tom

That was the going rate for the 3X for quite a few years. Check out the catalog from the mid-50s = http://www.thefedoralounge.com/show...er-1956-1957&p=1102947&viewfull=1#post1102947
The Sovereign was the next grade up at $20...

 

[carouselvic]

I'd say late 40's-early 50's. IMHO

 

[Dinerman]

Sweatband dates it to pre c.1952. I'd think right in that early '50s timeframe.

 

[VetPsychWars]

Thanks for the info, guys. I was thinking of selling it because my new Stratoliner reproduction is just about the same, but if it's that old, I'll hang onto it for a while. It looks nearly new, has a cattleman crease and I have the box too, though the box isn't in nearly as good of condition as the hat.

Tom

 

[gtdean48]

Thanks for the info, guys. I was thinking of selling it because my new Stratoliner reproduction is just about the same...

Who made your Strat repro? JMHO, a vintage 3X like this is hard to beat even by a 100% beaver custom....

 

[VetPsychWars]

The new Stetson Stratoliner that I bought from The Fedora Store. The color is nearly the same, the weight of the felt is the same, the finish is pretty close....

Of course I think the new Stetson is pretty good and I quite like mine.

Tom

 

[gtdean48]

The new Stetson Stratoliner that I bought from The Fedora Store. The color is nearly the same, the weight of the felt is the same, the finish is pretty close....

Of course I think the new Stetson is pretty good and I quite like mine.

Tom

Ah....sorry but a 50's 3X is in a different league IMHO...

 

[VetPsychWars]

Tell me more why you think so and I'll see if I can tell the difference. Other than it's older and blocked differently, I really don't think it's all that different. Of course my Open Road has the same amount of stiffener in it as my new Stratoliner, so that might be affecting my perception of it.

Tom

 

[gtdean48]

Tell me more why you think so and I'll see if I can tell the difference. Other than it's older and blocked differently, I really don't think it's all that different. Of course my Open Road has the same amount of stiffener in it as my new Stratoliner, so that might be affecting my perception of it.

Tom

My firsthand experience with the HatCo new model has been 2 that did/should not have passed factory quality inspection. I am waiting on one that does. The 2 that I have handled do not have the hand that even my modern Sovereign Roadmaster has which doesn't come close to that of the vintage 3X that I've had. The felt of the 3X has a body to it but is still not heavy. Substance without weight. I have a 50's Royal Deluxe Open Road that is more in line with the modern Sovereign & not up to par with the 3X of the same era. The difference in my HatCo new model & my 3X is comparable to the difference in my Royal Deluxe & my 7X Clear Beaver or my 3X & my 100. Hard to explain but easy to detect... Your point of reference is your 3X which I am not privy to.
RBH said his HatCo new model had been finished a lot different than the 1 of mine he handled in Garland last weekend. You may be lucky to have one like his. I hope the one coming does too.

 

[DougC]

that's it...I'm off to find a vintage 3x!

 

[Jedwbpm]

Ok Tom when do we get the HATCO Stat story. I've been waiting to here what happened.


Jeff

 

[gtdean48]

Ok Tom when do we get the HATCO Stat story. I've been waiting to here what happened.


Jeff

When I get a factory approved HatCo new model...

 

[VetPsychWars]

OK, I compared the two. The color (aside from the powder) is the same. The weight of the felt is the same. The color of the edge binding is the same. The ribbon is not exactly the same, but one is 50 years older than the other, and I'm sure it's been rained on. The sweat-band in the Open Road is a lot softer than the Stratoliner, but then again, 50 years older. Not really sure which crown is taller, but on the other hand, I don't see where it matters.

If you were to tell me that both hats are of equivalent quality, I would believe you. It's hard to tell that it's not the same hat blocked differently.

I hope your new Stratoliner makes you as happy as mine makes me.

If there's anything else you'd like me to look for, let me know.

Tom