open road western

[bklyn343]

Hello
I have been lurking here for a bit but no real posts. I now have a question and I thought I would address the pros. I was given a Stetson open road western in silverbelly. The hat is from the sixtys and is in as new condition in origional box. The hat is too small for me. What would be the aprox trade value for such a hat. thank you
Keith

 

[fluteplayer07]

Can we see some pics, please?

 

[DougC]

If its a size 7, trade value is very low--please send it to me immediately before the value drops beloe zero!

Really, value is going to be determined by condition. Pics would help.

 

[Rick Blaine]

Age, condition, SIZE, color (blacks & chocolate browns seem rare, SB- as common as can be...) all will be variables to weigh as to the hat's value.... my .o2

 

[bklyn343]

The size is 7 1/8; I am 7 3/8, too much to stretch I think. I will try to post pictures but I am not to good on the computer. The condition is excellent as far as I can tell. I dont think it has ever been worn.
Keith

 

[deanzat]

A Bit of a Stretch

This hat came to me as a size 7 western. I typically buy 7 3/8 or 59, but my real size is somewhere in between 7 1/4 and 7 3/8. As part of the conversion from western to this hybrid, I stretched the hat, very patiently, over a series of weeks. I would soak the hat with distilled water (inside and out) and wear it until it dried. I did this every other day for a while, and kept a hat stretcher in it when I wasn't wearing it. Now it is the only hat I have that is EXACTLY my size, so to speak.

The sweatband and felt came through the process just fine. Some may not like the taper or bash or whatever, but after all, it's my hat...

 

[Rick Blaine]

Recently realized auction prices on 7 1/8 Stetson Open Roads

Check-it-out!



Same seller

 

[RBH]

This hat came to me as a size 7 western. I typically buy 7 3/8 or 59, but my real size is somewhere in between 7 1/4 and 7 3/8. As part of the conversion from western to this hybrid, I stretched the hat, very patiently, over a series of weeks. I would soak the hat with distilled water (inside and out) and wear it until it dried. I did this every other day for a while, and kept a hat stretcher in it when I wasn't wearing it. Now it is the only hat I have that is EXACTLY my size, so to speak.

The sweatband and felt came through the process just fine. Some may not like the taper or bash or whatever, but after all, it's my hat...

I think you did a great job!!
And best of all... it looks damn good on you!!!!
:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[deanzat]

Thanks. I just wanted to make the point that a stretch from 7 1/8 to 7 3/8 might not be unreasonable. Of course, I'm not sure I would try it on any hat that was precious to me. This one was expressly for experimental purposes.

 

[CRH]

...I did this every other day for a while, and kept a hat stretcher in it when I wasn't wearing it. Now it is the only hat I have that is EXACTLY my size, so to speak.

...

My Father used to tell me to "use my head more" and to "be more patient".

I think you're onto something here, deanzat!

 

[Stan]

Hi,

*My* dad used to say for me to use my head for 'more than a hat rack'!

In this case, it'd be exactly that! Ha!

later!

Stan