It doesn't get any better than this 1960s Stetson Beaver 100. Like the 7X Clear Beaver, this hat is made of 100% beaver. Unlike the 7XCB, this one was Stetson's most expensive, regular production hat - its name was its price. Only the most skilled and experienced hatters at Stetson were permitted to work on the 100s. This is Open Road styling in the best, regular production hat Stetson ever offered. (They offered some special, limited run hats for celebrities, baseball players, and the like.)
Based upon the 1964 figures at thepeoplehistory.com $100 was a sizable chunk of change. Here's an excerpt:
How Much things cost in 1964
Average Cost of new house $13,050.00
Average Income per year $6,000.00
Gas per Gallon 30 cents
Average Cost of a new car $3,500.00
Loaf of bread 21 cents
United States Postage Stamp 5 cents
Average Monthly Rent $115.00
Ticket to the movies $1.25
So, think about this hat as one month's rent payment, and consider that the price at which this one is listed is probably half -or less- of that. Then consider when you're going to see another one of these in this large size.
Let's talk about felt. The felt is tied with my 7XCB as the smoothest I've ever touched. To me, it feels warm to the touch. That's right, this hat gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling. If I could fit my 7 1/2 head comfortably into this 7 3/8 hat, you'd get to keep all of your rent. Unfortunately, it's just too snug for me.
The felt is in great condition. There are some different colored hairs in there, which tends to happen with un-dyed felt. It's not a defect, it's the nature of, well, nature.
There are a few small marks on the liner, probably from a long lost sweat guard behind the sweatband. The marks can be seen in the photos.
The sweat is supple, and easily flipped out without incident.
The brim is 2 3/4" and the crown is right about 5 1/2".
THIS LISTING DOES NOT INCLUDE A HAT BOX OR CASE.
The hat will be shipped in a cardboard box, wrapped well.
I removed the feather and pin, but they ARE included with the hat. After this photo was taken, I steamed the ribbon to shape it to the hat.
Here's what I learned about the shop where this one was sold:
$325 plus shipping.
I'll ship anywhere in the world.
PM with interest or questions.
Based upon the 1964 figures at thepeoplehistory.com $100 was a sizable chunk of change. Here's an excerpt:
How Much things cost in 1964
Average Cost of new house $13,050.00
Average Income per year $6,000.00
Gas per Gallon 30 cents
Average Cost of a new car $3,500.00
Loaf of bread 21 cents
United States Postage Stamp 5 cents
Average Monthly Rent $115.00
Ticket to the movies $1.25
So, think about this hat as one month's rent payment, and consider that the price at which this one is listed is probably half -or less- of that. Then consider when you're going to see another one of these in this large size.
Let's talk about felt. The felt is tied with my 7XCB as the smoothest I've ever touched. To me, it feels warm to the touch. That's right, this hat gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling. If I could fit my 7 1/2 head comfortably into this 7 3/8 hat, you'd get to keep all of your rent. Unfortunately, it's just too snug for me.
The felt is in great condition. There are some different colored hairs in there, which tends to happen with un-dyed felt. It's not a defect, it's the nature of, well, nature.
There are a few small marks on the liner, probably from a long lost sweat guard behind the sweatband. The marks can be seen in the photos.
The sweat is supple, and easily flipped out without incident.
The brim is 2 3/4" and the crown is right about 5 1/2".
THIS LISTING DOES NOT INCLUDE A HAT BOX OR CASE.
The hat will be shipped in a cardboard box, wrapped well.
I removed the feather and pin, but they ARE included with the hat. After this photo was taken, I steamed the ribbon to shape it to the hat.
Here's what I learned about the shop where this one was sold:
$325 plus shipping.
I'll ship anywhere in the world.
PM with interest or questions.
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