Stetson Nutria

[RHY]

I came across a Stetson Nutria in what was called an Open Road style on Ebay. It was a Buy It Now situation and rather taking the time to research the issue, I took the jump at it as the price was not a painful one. It is Item number: 310079872824.

I would appreciate any comments or suggestions regarding this hat. It appears to have been used in theatrical productions and the photo of the hat band appears to show little wear.

I was curious as to whether this hat is an actual Nutria, because it only states so on the liner. Previous posts have indicated that liners have been know to wander from hat to hat. Is there any way to find out if the hat is a Stetson Nutria, or not?

 

[warbird]

Seems they thought it was wool. I think you got a good deal. It certainly is a fur felt hat, vintage Stetson. I would also tend to think it is Nutria. I like Nutria hats.

 

[Hoss & da Posse]

May not help, but an interesting read...this link is to the California State Park Rangers' History of the Park Ranger Stetson webpage.
http://www.cspra.com/hat_history.html
Good luck and enjoy your new hat

 

[Dinerman]

that's an older one, probably '40s or '50s. Nutria isn't very common, of all the hats I've come across and owned, I've never been able to lay my hands on one, but from what I understand, it makes a great felt, and is very tough.

 

[feltfan]

It makes a great felt and is very tough.

Can't read the stamp on the sweatband. I'll be curious to hear
if it is "Clear Nutria" or "Nutria Quality" or just "Stetson Nutria".

Looks like it's ready for a cleaning.

I wouldn't say this is in the Open Road style. It's a full-on
cowboy hat. Nothing wrong with that. One interesting thing
about the cowboy hats from the 50s and earlier is that they
don't necessarily register to people today as strictly speaking
cowboy hats. The styles have changed.

It's going to be a nice hat.

 

[tonyb]

Based on what can be divined from the auction photos and what I know of vintage Stetson nutria felt (excellent stuff), you did very, very well indeed. That sweatband sure does look like an old one. (Too bad I can't make out what the emblem says, but I'd bet it mentions something about nutria.) Should you suffer buyer's remorse, several people here would gladly see that you recover what you have invested in that hat.

 

[Tango Yankee]

Great score, RHY! :eusa_clap I'll bet that first bidder is kicking himself (yeah, I'm assuming it's a he) right now! :eusa_doh: (It wasn't me... I'd have pulled the trigger!)

Cheers,
Tom

 

[RBH]

I would say you did well!
I love this type thin ribbon, it looks to have a bound edge also.
I hope you post a few photos when you get it.

till then this is from the auction.

<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/3695/snpf5.jpg" border="0" alt="auctioon"/></a>

 

[Colby Jack]

I saw that one...Looked imeteresting...though to small for my melon...:eusa_doh:

 

[RHY]

Thanks

I appreciate all your comments and information you all have provided. I hope that upon receipt of the hat, I will be able to post some shots of the wording on the leather sweatband that should clarify some of your comments.

Any suggestions on how I should go about getting the hat back in to shape. Would sending it to Optimo be the best route or should I try some self-help options first?

 

[RHY]

Got It!

I received the hat today and it is almost identical to a older Open Road that I use. The felt is softer and not as stiff. When I have some time this weekend, I will post a couple of photos.