Pre- 1940s Stetson dress hats.

[rlk]

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.

 

[alanfgag]

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.

 

[Joshbru3]

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.

 

[alanfgag]

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]

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.

 

[alanfgag]

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 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]

Sorry, no Stetson[huh]- its a Borsalino and open crown here.

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.

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...

 

[delectans]

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".

 

[rlk]

1930 ad

 

[alanfgag]

Stetson Premier Quality Featherweight Derby

 

[delectans]

Outstanding derby worthy of praise yet again. Well done, Alan.

 

[alanfgag]

Thanks Al. The crown smoothed out pretty nicely with some steam and brushing... might need some new pictures!

 

[delectans]

I am certain it looks even better following your thorough steam and brush. Definitely worthy of additional photos, Alan.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

.
The most incredible 1930s Stetson panama fedora I've ever seen:


www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-STRAW-STETSON-FEDORA-HAT-EC-/190621173178

 

[zetwal]

.The most incredible 1930s Stetson panama fedora I've ever seen:

The liner is really stunning. Very nice hat ... :yo:

 

[alanfgag]

Admired it too... hope some nice photos wind up here.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

.
And if it weren't for the second-highest bidder (out of six others), this hat could have been won for $79.01.

 

[Rabbit]

Stetson Derby Standard Quality with frayed ribbon bow

Size tag: Gold foil on cardboard

Fine stitching work. Sweatband with rolled edge on top.

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.

 

[alanfgag]

Very nice Rabbit... great to find the crown liner board without dents.