STETSON 100

[DOUGLAS]

Pilgrim, Troll away The ORs and OR like Borsalinos are now off my list unless it is dark brown. So start bidding.

 

[DOUGLAS]

Ideaguy, Thanks for the info. You are right the Church was no party. What struck me the most beyond the beautiful structure was the absolutely staggering amount of gold and silver and carving that was applied. All this at a time when most of Europe was illiterate and poor and at least on this Island enduring pirate raids constantly. Although at the time this was built Palma was a hub for trade most of the out laying areas were defenseless against attacks.

 

[Pilgrim]

Douglas, thanks for the very cool explanation and photos of the avatar - I've been wondering what it was!

 

[Fedora]

Great find!! I reblocked a few of these hats and all that I have handled have a really stiff brim, with the crown being less stiff. But all have been fairly stiff hats. I always wondered if they made a dress grade stiffened hat in this 100 line. Like Besdor, I have yet to see one if they did. But with that said, this is one of the finer hats I have handled, and you got a steal on it. That hat is easily worth several hundred dollars more than you paid for it, plus it is a piece of history. If it were mine, I would take as much stiffener out as possible, but only because I prefer soft hats generally. What a great addition to your collection!!!

My all time favorite vintage hat is a Stetson 10x fedora. A soft pure beaver hat that was made using mercury(pre Dec 1st 1941), with attention to detaling. The 7x was pure beaver as well, but less time was used in the pouncing and detaling. I have one of each stored, in moth balls and cedar. I only pull them out for special occasions. Once gone, they cannot be replaced!! Fedora

 

[The real Henry]

@DOUGLAS: First, that's a great hat you won!

Second, Your description of your avatar is interesting as I'm going to Mallorca next tuesday! I'll sure take a look at that!


Regards,
Henrik

 

[clevispin]

Avatar

Douglas,

Thank you for the pics.

The hat, a GALERO... "This is the famous "red hat" once presented to new Cardinals and which traditionally hang from their cathedrals (if they were diocesan bishops) over their tombs after their demise."

I suspect the stone at the foot of the altar is the tomb of the former bishops.

m

 

[DOUGLAS]

I agree with you,I believe there are some bones under there.I prefer the craftmanship of the carvers and masons to gold and silver work.That work is just a bit over the top for my taste

 

[DOUGLAS]

Well, The hat came in today. This is quite a substantial hat. It is heavy and dense and stiff but not stiff like a hat with too much shellac in it. It feels like it would soften with use. It has beautiful detail but is not ostentatious. I don't know how I should treat this one. Despite it's stiffness it is very comfortable on the head. I could wear it easily. The bash escapes me. It has an OR dimention to it but a fedora may not do it.

 

[DOUGLAS]

What do you guys think? I am inclined to keep it as it was. It was not an open crown as I thought but a rancher style like this.

I can however change it into some thing else like

or

or this

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Looks great as it is! I wouldn't change a thing. And the beard's coming along nicely, too

.

 

[DOUGLAS]

The existing treatment gives it a western look to it but I don't really mind. I will leave it as is and play with the Stetson 50 when it comes. I need to get the right suit for this hat.

 

[Rick Blaine]

Take your pick

...I need to get the right suit for this hat.

 

[DOUGLAS]

Thanks Rick but those are just a bit too loud for my taste.

 

[feltfan]

I like the crown as-is. I suspect the brim was
flipped up for storage, and should be worn (IMHO
looks best) snapped down.

Nice hat. How stiff is it?

 

[DOUGLAS]

Feltfan, It is stiff but not rigid. A really beautiful hat really.

 

[astaire]

lucky number 3

I personally like bash number 3. Looks very original!:eusa_clap

 

[DOUGLAS]

Astaire, I like that bash myself and did that with my AB Deluxe. If I were to change the crown that is the one I would choose. With this one I am pretty sure I'm going to lease it as is.

 

[astaire]

A most wise decision, sir.

Can't wait to see your Stetson 50.