Stetson "Essex"?

[Pyrogun]

This is my first post, but I have been learning a great deal from this forum and it is most appreciated.
I have been able to answer most of my own questions via the search function.
Information on this hat, however, has eluded me.
This was my first eBay hat "win".
It is a dark brown Royal Stetson with a 2 inch snap brim.
Ribbon is matching colored, 2 1/8 in. wide with the bow in back.
Crown is 4 1/2 in.
The hat is in mint condition.
In addition to the John B. Stetson Company Royal Stetson markings, and "Harry's Mens Wear, Elmwood Pl. Ohio", the sweatband is marked "ESSEX".
I assume this is the model of the hat.
I have been unable to uncover any info on a Stetson Essex.
Any information as to age, etc. would be appreciated.
Anybody else have one of these?

Hat is very dark brown. Appears lighter in photo due to the flash.

 

[Wil Tam]

***

Nice knife collection you got there buddy, I'm not sure if you wanted to link that whole album or just the one picture of the Essex, just a friendly head-ups and welcome to the site.

----------------
Now playing: Dinosaur Jr - Seemed Like The Thing To Do
via FoxyTunes

 

[jpbales]

I'm definitely no expert, but in order to date the hat, it helps to have pics of the inside. The type of sweatband and the version of the stetson logo can help give a decent estimation of the hats date. Here's a good thread which may help you:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=34210&highlight=select

Judging solely by the style, I would say with the short brim it would probably be around the 60's+, but that's not much to judge a hat from though.

You can also try to search for Harry's Mens Wear and possibly finding out about when the store first opened and when it closed, which would give you a range as well.

Some hats have a number stamped onto the inside of the headband which may be the serial number or re-order number. The only thing is, I have been completely unable to find out what the numbers mean. I don't think anybody kept record of it as far as I know of.[huh]

One last tip for searching on the Lounge. One thing you can try is going to google and to the Advanced Search option, and putting "http://www.thefedoralounge.com" in the "Search within a site or domain:" and use google to search instead of the Fedora Lounges' search tool, which stinks.

Welcome to the lounge, my friend.
Jimmy

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

Sorry, no knowledge of that hat but it's a looker.

fftopic:
I noticed "racrippen" as part of the URL when I went to your Photobucket link. My last name is Crippen. When you've got the required number of posts logged up to be able to Private Message other members, drop me a line to discuss. Not a common name. I've traced my line back pretty far.

Or you can go to my info link here at The Lounge and click to my website where you can email me, if you're inclined.

All the best,

Gene

 

[RBH]

Welcome!
Nice hat and a cool crease! Did you do it yourself?

 

[Pyrogun]

No, that crease is just the way it came from the seller.

 

[carter]

Interesting Stetson

Don't believe I've seen a c-crown telescope before. The style, width of the ribbon, and bow placement are reminiscent of some Stetson's made in the 50's.
Can you post pictures of the sweatband and liner?

 

[Pyrogun]

Here's a link to the eBay listing, which has better pictures of the sweatband and liner than I have been able to manage.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=250378837797

Thanks for all the info. I contacted the website for the Village of Elmwood Place, Ohio, to see if they have any information on Harry's Men's Wear.


Gene, e-mail sent. Who knows, maybe we're distant cousins?

 

[Pyrogun]

I received an e-mail response from the Mayor of Elmwood Place, Ohio.
He states that Harry's Men's Wear opened for business some time in the 1930's
The store was renovated in 1951 and remained open for business until the mid 1970's.
That is a pretty broad time frame.
I guess the best I can say is that the hat dates from sometime in the 30's to some time in the 70's.