Penney pinching

[EricH]

Ok I'm getting hooked on these Open Roads, but in these parts its hard to find them in the 7 3/8 range. I have seen a few, still small, Penney Marathons. I have to admit they seem pretty nice (Like Art's Biscuit bash). How do you pros rate them against the OR's? My collection is worn on my head, so I'm looking for wearable "art". Eric

 

[jamespowers]

Marathons may cost you just as much as an Open Road if people know what they are looking at. Yes, the Marathon was sold by JC Penney but they were made by Lee. They were "farmer hats" with a narrow ribbon and a thin binding but the felt quality was much better than you would get today on an off the rack hat. If you can find one cheap in your size and preferred style then my advice is to buy it. They are very wearable and wear quite well. As long as you start with felt in good shape, the hat will last you a lifetime.

Regards,

J

 

[tonyb]

Don't leave a nice old hat behind just because it's a size or so too small. Most can be easily and safely stretched at home. And if they need more "give" than you can safely supply, send 'em off to a pro. You'll still come out with a nice hat at a reasonable price.

 

[WEEGEE]

WEARING IT

It is so worth getting a custom hat!!!

 

[shamus]

I might have another open road in a 7 3/8 laying around....

 

[EricH]

Don't leave it where I might see it Eric (PS WEEGEE no one likes a show off....until they get their own hat from Art )

 

[jamespowers]

It is so worth getting a custom hat!!!

You have a good point there. So worth it.

Regards,

J

 

[RBH]

I love my Open Roads, but would love to get a Marathon, also would like to get my hands on a good Stratoliner.

 

[BellyTank]

One of my vintage Borsalinos has the look of these Stetsons-

Doesn't it...?

You can still get this 'style' new from Borsalino.

B
T

 

[RBH]

BT, that is one smooth hat!
It reminds me of the Stratoliner. What I love is the brim shape, its not so snapped up in the back. It seems to have a [what I call a "slow"] sweep up.
Do you wear it much? And how has it held up?

 

[BellyTank]

Thanks!

I don't wear it so much... maybe more in the summer... soon.

It seems to have held up OK in its 60 or so years. It's a bit dirty with in-grained dust and dirt- probably never been cleaned before.

I like it.

B
T