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Pre 1940s Stetson Westerns
- Thread starter Dinerman
- Start date
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- Messages
- 11,713
Fantastic hat Garrett
Jesse John
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 242
- Location
- Tucson, Arizona
Hello all, once again! This post is particularly special. I am here to share a brief story with you all, images, and would appreciate any additional info you can offer!
Recently, this beautiful 10 gallon Clear Nutria surfaced on the internet. It was in the hands of a hatter who desired to do some major alterations to it. Being the type of collector who emphasizes historic preservation and restoration, I reached out with an offer to take it in as-is. Luckily, things worked out and it was shipped to my new AZ residence. Upon initial inspection, there was a lot of dirt & grime. The sweatband was dried, barely hanging on by some original thread as well as some single stitches to semi-keep it in place. After removal of the sweatband, I deemed it worth saving. The band was cleaned and hydrated on a block for 2 days to retain shape. The outer band was removed from the felt body and a steam & brush cleaning was done all-around.
The reed of the sweatband was mostly compromised, for a majority of it had dried up and cracked. I decided I would utilize the small holes in the edge of the leather which attached the reed as my sewing entry & exit locations. I also aimed to utilize the original stitch holes provided to secure the original sweatband.
So, here it is. I think I did well at bringing it back to life. I've stitched in sweatbands before but I've never worked with something so delicate and rare. Feeling like a real hatter now.
Unfortunately it would not be good practice to naphtha bath this thing in my apt complex, so I am embracing the stains the brush could not tackle.
A stunning 7" crown and 4.5" brim. 3 ply cord with a bound edge brim.
Originally sold by George W Daiber of Cheyenne, WY.
LOT #5747
Stitching job
Cleaning off the grime.
I believe I have seen this model in some of the early Stetson catalogue reproductions but I cannot nail down the name and I do not own those. Can someone help me identify this model and date? I am assuming late 1910's to early 20's.
Thanks everyone! Yee haw!
Recently, this beautiful 10 gallon Clear Nutria surfaced on the internet. It was in the hands of a hatter who desired to do some major alterations to it. Being the type of collector who emphasizes historic preservation and restoration, I reached out with an offer to take it in as-is. Luckily, things worked out and it was shipped to my new AZ residence. Upon initial inspection, there was a lot of dirt & grime. The sweatband was dried, barely hanging on by some original thread as well as some single stitches to semi-keep it in place. After removal of the sweatband, I deemed it worth saving. The band was cleaned and hydrated on a block for 2 days to retain shape. The outer band was removed from the felt body and a steam & brush cleaning was done all-around.
The reed of the sweatband was mostly compromised, for a majority of it had dried up and cracked. I decided I would utilize the small holes in the edge of the leather which attached the reed as my sewing entry & exit locations. I also aimed to utilize the original stitch holes provided to secure the original sweatband.
So, here it is. I think I did well at bringing it back to life. I've stitched in sweatbands before but I've never worked with something so delicate and rare. Feeling like a real hatter now.
Unfortunately it would not be good practice to naphtha bath this thing in my apt complex, so I am embracing the stains the brush could not tackle.
A stunning 7" crown and 4.5" brim. 3 ply cord with a bound edge brim.
Originally sold by George W Daiber of Cheyenne, WY.
LOT #5747
Stitching job
Cleaning off the grime.
I believe I have seen this model in some of the early Stetson catalogue reproductions but I cannot nail down the name and I do not own those. Can someone help me identify this model and date? I am assuming late 1910's to early 20's.
Thanks everyone! Yee haw!
Who?
Practically Family
- Messages
- 689
- Location
- South Windsor, CT
It looks like a hat that Elmer Keith would have worn, and did wear in at least one photo.
If it’s not a rude question, do you intend to wear it at all, or just preserve it, never to be worn again?
If it’s not a rude question, do you intend to wear it at all, or just preserve it, never to be worn again?
Last edited:
Jesse John
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 242
- Location
- Tucson, Arizona
I do intend on wearing it!
- Messages
- 19,001
- Location
- Central California
Great hat, Jesse! I like your efforts to restore it and trying to keep it original. I think the remaining patina adds to rather than detract from the hat.
Who?
Practically Family
- Messages
- 689
- Location
- South Windsor, CT
Good.
I think it would be sad if you didn’t wear it, but I didn’t want to say anything until I knew your intentions.
Hats are meant to be useful, and to be enjoyed by being worn. (I think)
Jesse John
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 242
- Location
- Tucson, Arizona
Thank you!! I tried my best. It’s wearable and I think it’s going to continue to hold up nicely. I agree with you about the patina. It wouldn’t be the same without it!
I wear all of my hats for that very reason my friend. They should definitely be enjoyed through wear. Tucson is the perfect place to wear this big one!
- Messages
- 11,713
Beautiful. Well done sir
Rmccamey
I'll Lock Up
- Messages
- 5,860
- Location
- Central Texas
- Messages
- 18,209
In another thread posters are making fun of the “butt crease”. This style of hat with crown height was popular in the desert SW into the 1930’s. The extra crown height provided air insulation against the desert sun, & thus cooler to wear. They were sometimes worn in the NW for the same insulating effect in the winter, but the NW tends to be windier.
I could only find catalog examples of wide ribbons but you should search the 1920’s - 1930’s catalogs posted.
Last edited:
Jesse John
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 242
- Location
- Tucson, Arizona
Hey HJ thanks for finding these for me as well and providing a bit more context as to where this style was popular and why. It makes total sense! I still have yet to see a sale sample with the 3 ply. The models in the first page are close though and the wide ribbons are very appealing. I see nothing wrong with a “butt” crease. To be honest, I tend to find some of the older creases more interesting than some of today’s! Thanks again
Jesse John
One of the Regulars
- Messages
- 242
- Location
- Tucson, Arizona
Thank you both!!
Garrett
My Mail is Forwarded Here
- Messages
- 3,782
A work in progress
- Messages
- 18,209
I’ve never seen a catalog listing for any skinny or thin ribbon.
TheGuitarFairy
Practically Family
- Messages
- 608
- Location
- Just West of Boston
A complete hail Mary on the size and hat arrives a 7 3/8 : )
Around 25% of sweat's stitching undone but rest solidly in place. Sweat is sturdy and supple but still, I'm not folding out to check for lot# ha .. I did spy hand written upon, red multi celled tag though. Sweat "V" stitched .. not sure where to put hat's manufacture date. Owner conveyed to me hat was found in the Rochester attic of a recently passed 95 yo woman .. hat belonged to her uncle.
Happy to be it's caretaker for a while.
Around 25% of sweat's stitching undone but rest solidly in place. Sweat is sturdy and supple but still, I'm not folding out to check for lot# ha .. I did spy hand written upon, red multi celled tag though. Sweat "V" stitched .. not sure where to put hat's manufacture date. Owner conveyed to me hat was found in the Rochester attic of a recently passed 95 yo woman .. hat belonged to her uncle.
Happy to be it's caretaker for a while.
Last edited:
Just Daniel
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,454
Very nice. The un-sewn back of the sweatband and size sticker usually means pre-30s.
TheGuitarFairy
Practically Family
- Messages
- 608
- Location
- Just West of Boston
Thanks, Daniel .. if my memory serves "V" stitching puts a Stetson at 20s or earlier? Fwiw, art work on box looks very deco. 1914 here .. not sure when store finally closed or what everyone's looking at in picture.
Who?
Practically Family
- Messages
- 689
- Location
- South Windsor, CT
It looks like a horse on the ground to me.
Just Daniel
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,454
I have seen VV stitching on 30s hats, so to me the stitching means pre-40s, along with the three-box red tag.
The unsewn back of the sweat and sticker are almost certainly pre-30s. Getting closer to a date will probably mean eventually checking Alan’s lot number information. Some of the guys use a dental mirror to look under the sweat.
The unsewn back of the sweat and sticker are almost certainly pre-30s. Getting closer to a date will probably mean eventually checking Alan’s lot number information. Some of the guys use a dental mirror to look under the sweat.
