Stetson Vita-felt

[alanfgag]

Royal Stetsn Vita-Felt

I have five Vita-Felts all produced during the first half of the 1940s and no two are alike. When I get home later I will handle this new arrival with the others for a better comparison. The felt is firmer than the furry slippers feel of the similarly styled thin ribbon on the previous page of this thread. The sweatbands both use the fabric "reeding", but unlike the soft kid-like flexibility in the previous hat, this leather is very stiff (stiffest sweatband I have seen in a vintage Stetson) and the hat being almost unworn, I suspect just as it appeared when the hat was purchased. Perhaps the challenge of sourcing materials during the war accounts for these swings in finishing details?

5 1/2" crown, 2 3/4" brim, Block#102. I will take Lefty's advice and remove the odd petersham chinstrap - nicely matched and crafted, but not original. From a shop in East Aurora, 20 miles southeast of Buffalo.

 

[mikespens]

Very nice Alan, like the ribbon color/contrast and thin bound brim edge.

 

[amoulet69]

Hi,

I usually don't like porkpies because they look small, but that one looks as a fedora from the side. I like it.

Well done

 

[mmbarnes]

This is my 1940's 7 1/4 Stetson Premier Vita-Felt.

It has a three-stitch overwelt 2 5/8" brim and high crown about 6", open. Nearly pristine liner and sweatband.

Very thick and supple felt. Color is similar to a light roast coffee bean. The ribbon has a slightly bronzish hue and in certain light, reflects an almost burgundy quality.

Only downside is a few moth nibbles. None are visible without close inspection.

It is almost identical to the brown hat in the "Launch" ad below. I get a kick out of that.

It is definitely one of my favorites.

Matt

 

[alanfgag]

Very nice!

It seems to me that Vita-Felt, with its soft finish and low density character, to be more favored than average by moths.

 

[mmbarnes]

Alan,

I just started really collecting hats within the last year or so. Cedar works well to keep them away doesn't it? I'd prefer not to use moth balls. So, I have cedar blocks in each hat box. If you have other suggestions for keeping the critters away, I'd appreciate it.

Matt

P.S. Beautiful Borsalino you are sporting today.

 

[alanfgag]

Matt, I've had no problem with moths during my ownership - any issues were accumulated long before and arrived with the hats when I purchased them. Most of my hats are stored on wire shelving out in daylight which seems to help. Some folks do use cedar and moth balls. There are a few threads to be found on the subject.

Thanks for the comment on the Borsalino!

 

[alanfgag]

Bump for new Vitas.

 

[1mach1]

Moon???

 

[moontheloon]

You rang Harv?



I have a couple Vita Felt I can share.
Looking forward to 40cal new acquisition to arrive here

Here are mine

Whippet

Strat... I can see where there used to be a patch on the tip... Wish it was still there.
Couple little moth bites on this one but she is gorgeous nonetheless

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RJR]

Nice,Moon.

 

[carouselvic]

40's Strat

 

[carouselvic]

the size tag is the gold type 1944

 

[moontheloon]

Those are breathtaking carouselvic


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[hatsRme]

Those are breathtaking carouselvic

Sure are!! And not only nice pieces, or slices, Moon, but we're looking at the WHOLE PIE here, man. Double delight!!

 

[Bob Roberts]

Are you serious? OMG! ...and YES, that's worth repeating!

 

[1mach1]

Anthony, Vic, great hats fellas!

 

[alanfgag]

Have to love some late gold... thanks for posting.

 

[alanfgag]

Royal Stetson DeLuxe thin ribbons:

homburg:

stratoliners:

top:

 

[alanfgag]