Stetson Flagship

[DOUGLAS]

Does anyone know anything about this style of hat? I found one today at a flea shop. I did'nt buy it. It was in bad shape. The sweat is dry and crumbling, John B.Stetson Chesnut st. Philadelphia on one side Royal Stetson on the other and Flagship at the front. The liner is intact but needs to be reattached and it says Royal Stetson Flagship. The body Is all distorted but does not look bad. The ribbon and bow are good But the wind trolly has been cut off.It is a redish brown color and the brim has an underwelt that is sewn.The felt feels really nice. It has the look of the Fourties. Was this hat considered good in its day? It looks to be about a size 7 but I can't be sure because when I tried to look under the sweat it began to disintergrate in my hand so I stopped. Is this worth getting? Some advice if you please.

 

[RBH]

This may not be much help.. but the Flagship sounds as if it was a good hat at the time. If the felt is in good shape and the price is right you may be able to repair the rest.
<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/4880/flaglw5.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /></a>

 

[besdor]

Douglas , the flagship is a popular hat that was made in the late 1940's and early 1950's . You will see the boxes on Ebay alot . They sell alone for 50.00. I believe they were a tie in with American Airlines . I have a Flagship hat that I bought at the flea market in 6th ave and 23rd st years ago . That was a great place to find hats !!


Steven

 

[DOUGLAS]

Thanks for the info gentlemen. If the hat is still there I will pick it up.

 

[scotrace]

That's one hat I'd dearly love to find.

 

[J.B.]

I believe Stetson made this in both a ladies and mens version that was originally designed for "travel"...?!

This is the airliner that upon arriving at the gate, the co-pilot would lower the window and stick the corporate AA flag in the holder -- hence "Flagship..." ;D

the hatbox for a Stetson Flagship...

 

[DOUGLAS]

JB, those are terrific. Thanks very much For showing them.There is a graphic of an airplane on the liner. I did go back to take another look but it would be much to small for me even if it was stretched. I would hate to lose the sweat band. Strange that the sweat was still well attached to the hat even though it was rotting away. It was also nice that it appearently came from a Stetson store in Philly on Chesnut st. What a shame it was not taken better care of. Now I will need to search for one of these knowing how it feels in hand.

 

[DanielJones]

Douglas,

I experienced the same thing with my Whippet. It may seem a tad small but Art can definately give it a good stretch to fit and replace the sweatband. You've seen the results in my Whippet thread. He will return all replaced parts for you to keep with the hat. If it were me I'd get it and have Art work his magic on it. It's worth a try anyway.

Cheers!

Dan

 

[DOUGLAS]

I am still thinking about that possability. It just kills me to see such a piece of history destroyed. I don't mind worn out materials that is inevitable but damn the woman just grabbed it out of a big plastic bag with five or six other hats and tossed them on a table. You have twisted my arm DJ.If it is still there tomorrow I will get it no matter what the size.

 

[besdor]

Douglas , that store on Chesnut street in Philly was Stetson's flagship store . It was 1225 Chestnut st in Philadelphia and was there for many years.



Steven

 

[DanielJones]

You have twisted my arm DJ.If it is still there tomorrow I will get it no matter what the size.

Huzzah!lol I'm glad to be the devi's advocate. I'm quite sure that it will turn out to be a mighty fine hat. They all have some possability to them as long as the felt is in god shape. Just be sure to keep the sweatband
for your records of such. I can't wait to see what it looks like.
Now that is some mighty fine informations Besdor.

Cheers!

Dan

 

[DanielJones]

Here's another ad.

1946 Flagship Ad

Cheers!

Dan

 

[DOUGLAS]

Well I got. For less than the original price.I will post pics tomorrow. It is stamped on the underside of the sweat 1951. Serial number 202236, size 7-1/8 and it was $12.50. It also has the original oil cloth behind the sweat. DJ I am glad you gave me a push.
Steven ,that is the address that is stamped on the sweat. Thanks

 

[DanielJones]

Your welcome Douglas.:eusa_clap One should never miss a good deal if it can be had. I bet it will stretch up to a nice fit too. Congratulations, I can't wait to see the before and after pics.

Cheers!

Dan

 

[Dinerman]

I can't wait to see photos of it!

 

[DOUGLAS]

Here is the damage.

It is not pretty but perhaps Art will be able to perform some reconstructive surgery.

 

[astaire]

Douglas, that is one of those hats that has a big potential! I can see it brought back to glory by Dr. Fawcett already

I love that liner very much!

 

[DOUGLAS]

Yeah, that liner is cool.I am truely hoping Art can fix this hat.

 

[matei]

The band on my Open Road was just like that.

Out of the box, it looked new. I moistened it with some leather treatment (Lexap), let it dry and tried it on... Bad move - the band ripped like old cardboard. It then proceeded to crack and crumble.

I sent it to Art and he gave it a new sweat, complete with my intials. Gave it a reblock too (I couldn't get rid of the "cattleman" bash).

Made all the difference - now I can actually wear the hat!

 

[DOUGLAS]

Well that is good news.At least there is a chance at redemption.