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Pre- 1940s Stetson dress hats.

rlk

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,100
Location
Evanston, IL
Glad you scooped up this great old Standard Quality, Robert. Had a crack at it right after it was listed with BIN, but hesitated to pull the trigger as I was uncertain of size, and I could not fathom how the sweatband was attatched from the lousy listing photos.

I wonder if this method of sweatband attachment was a failed experiment.

Thanks all. I agree with the failed experiment view. Not being attached at the fold or stabilized by a reed or cord, it tends to shift and ride up and down--as only the firmness of the rather thin leather is maintaining the positioning.
 
Messages
15,083
Location
Buffalo, NY
1920s Stetson Premier Quality

This hat deserves better photos, but it needs a thorough cleaning first. Condition of the felt, leather, ribbon and liner are all excellent, but there is considerable staining on the brim underside and edge binding. Any thoughts on cleaning methods are welcomed.

Shares much in common with Iyor's fantastic formal hat. The felt is a warm gray, the liner and inside bow are rose toned and the sweat appears to be tanned to match.

premier7.jpg


premier8.jpg


premier6.jpg


premier5.jpg


premier4.jpg


premier3.jpg


premier2.jpg


premier1.jpg
 

Joshbru3

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,409
Location
Chicago, IL

I'm glad you got that one, Alan! It looks awesome!!! I still have yet to buy a premier quality. How is the felt quality by comparison to some of your other old Stetsons? I was going to bid on that one at the last 20 seconds, but my "smartphone" wasn't acting very "smart" and the ebay app froze, so I lost the auction. LOL. Oh technology....

I would recommend just using a very stiff brush to stiff brush the hell out of the felt. Then I would use steam and soft brush those areas. Maybe some spot treatment with naptha. As far as the binding, I have never had any luck removing stains from binding...ever.
 
Messages
15,083
Location
Buffalo, NY
Thanks Josh... I wondered where you were on this one. I figured the crazy bash pictures wouldn't deter you! :)

The felt is lovely... I will have to hold it with one of the standard quality hats to compare. It is smooth and dense and holds side pinches readily. But the standard quality from this era was so nice too...

The stains really seem to call out for some soap and water. I think I'll get Donna to help me. She is going to bring home some Picrin (dry cleaning solution) from the costume shop. I've also had no prior success with stains on binding ribbon. Maybe there will be a first time?
 

Joshbru3

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,409
Location
Chicago, IL
Thanks Josh... I wondered where you were on this one. I figured the crazy bash pictures wouldn't deter you! :)

The felt is lovely... I will have to hold it with one of the standard quality hats to compare. It is smooth and dense and holds side pinches readily. But the standard quality from this era was so nice too...

The stains really seem to call out for some soap and water. I think I'll get Donna to help me. She is going to bring home some Picrin (dry cleaning solution) from the costume shop. I've also had no prior success with stains on binding ribbon. Maybe there will be a first time?

I hope you have great success with that dry cleaning solution. If it gets the binding stains out, I'm going to have to try it on a couple of my own hats. This is a spectacular hat. I've never seen that "Firmbrim" logo before. VERY COOL!!
And if for some reason the stains don't come out, or you grow tired of the hat, I always know of a certain buyer that would love a Premier Quality. ;)
 
Messages
15,083
Location
Buffalo, NY
I gave the hat a go with a stiff brush and hatter's sponge... the felt came out very well. Picrin didn't do much on the binding ribbon and it is too delicate for brushing. Steam lightened the stains a bit, but they will remain as a badge of courage for a hat that survived the depression. 8^)
 

Joshbru3

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,409
Location
Chicago, IL
I gave the hat a go with a stiff brush and hatter's sponge... the felt came out very well. Picrin didn't do much on the binding ribbon and it is too delicate for brushing. Steam lightened the stains a bit, but they will remain as a badge of courage for a hat that survived the depression. 8^)

I'm really glad that the hat is shaping up, literally and figuratively. Its pretty rare to find an old hat like this without battle scars. I actually don't mind the wounds because they tell a history of the hat. I think its pretty neat.
 

bowlerman

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,294
Location
South Dakota
Sorry, no Stetson[huh]- its a Borsalino and open crown here.
3368506848_e9bd83b089.jpg
3368507124_c93523a6bd.jpg

rlk-- So is this open crown Borso the Lord's hat? How tall is the crown?

I received this Stephen Stetson yesterday, which exhibits similar characteristics, but the crown is 4 1/2" open. The ribbon is 1 1/2", brim is 2 1/2" linear, all the way through the roll.
I'm trying to determine whether it's a Lord's hat, a bowler, or a hybrid of sorts.

stephenstetsonbowler010.jpg


Much of my confusion comes from the top perimeter of the crown, which seems to me to have been carefully blocked with the slightly rounded but not hemispherical edges, reminiscent of a derby block.

Any input appreciated! Thanks.

More pics here http://www.thefedoralounge.com/show...w-Hats-Here!&p=1353156&viewfull=1#post1353156 if interested. I don't have any idea what vintage this is.

And-- yes I realize this Stephen Stetson is "in no way connected with" John B., but my initial google search for Lord's hat yielded rlk's post here. But hey-- the thread title doesn't specify which Stetson...
 
Last edited:

delectans

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,335
Location
Minnesota
Stetson Select Quality Derby

A Summer weight, ventilated Select Quality Derby. Rolled sweatband with taped rear seam. Crown is of modest height and is straight and un-tapered, with a flat top, creating a very pronounced, rectangular profile.


Crown: 5".
Ribbon: 1-1/8".
Brim: 2-1/4" fore and aft.
Sweatband: 1-7/8".
































 

delectans

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,335
Location
Minnesota
I am certain it looks even better following your thorough steam and brush. Definitely worthy of additional photos, Alan.
 

Rabbit

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,561
Location
Germany
Stetson Derby Standard Quality with frayed ribbon bow

P1050121.jpg


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P1050124.jpg


Size tag: Gold foil on cardboard

P1050125.jpg


Fine stitching work. Sweatband with rolled edge on top.

P1050126.jpg


P1050129.jpg


My first Derby :) I haven't even steamed it yet and it's fresh as a daisy.
Fits quite well even though my noggin is not a long oval (I'm 1/8, this one is 1/4 LO). I'm pleased as punch.
 

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