The BANTAM Bar

[Chiliarches]

Don't think it was worn but was left crumpled, dusty and somewhat dried out. Lexol applied to both sides of the sweat now. 2.75 oz. very soft and light, like a Playboy on a starvation diet.

I have this exact hat in 7-1/8 - yours is the only other one I've seen (what could be described as the bantam weight Playboy). I need to take it to Optimo to get a clean/block and get the sweat replaced...

 

[HatsEnough]

I am always torn about replacing the sweatband in a Stetson.

After all, if you replace the sweatband in your Playboy the hat goes from being a Stetson Playboy to... just a hat. Why? Because you've just eliminated the sweat where it says that the hat is a Stetson Playboy. Stetson far more often has the hat model imprinted on the sweat than it does on the liner (tho sometimes it was on both the liner and the sweat, granted).

I try never to replace the sweatband of a hat if I can avoid it. Of course, sometimes you just can't avoid it if you want a hat you can wear, sad to say.

 

[Chiliarches]

I am always torn about replacing the sweatband in a Stetson.

After all, if you replace the sweatband in your Playboy the hat goes from being a Stetson Playboy to... just a hat. Why? Because you've just eliminated the sweat where it says that the hat is a Stetson Playboy. Stetson far more often has the hat model imprinted on the sweat than it does on the liner (tho sometimes it was on both the liner and the sweat, granted).

I try never to replace the sweatband of a hat if I can avoid it. Of course, sometimes you just can't avoid it if you want a hat you can wear, sad to say.

Yes, tragic indeed. Makes it difficult to resell, too, if the Bantam designation is strictly based on my word. I guess I could include the old sweatband as evidence if I ever do want to sell it.

 

[HatsEnough]

I have done this. With the few fedoras I've replaced the hat band on, I always save the orig. sweat for future reference. In fact, I've cut out the model designations and tucked that little sliver of band into the new band to keep it with the hat.

 

[irfan.wayang]

Greetings,

I just bought a Bantam Royal Stetson on ebay, my first ebay purchase since I kicked a fountain pen addiction a few years ago. I looked through the threads to see what I could find about this hat while I was bidding. It seems like it had several different incarnations, is that right? First in the 1930's and then in the 1950s, and ... later?

Anyway, I wonder if some kind and knowledgeable member of the lounge would look at this to help me identify what I've bought? Thanks!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Bantam-Royal-Stetson-Mens-Green-Hat-7-3-8-/150655903675?pt=US_Hats&hash=item2313caa7bb

 

[zetwal]

I just bought a Bantam Royal Stetson on ebay [...] I wonder if some kind and knowledgeable member of the lounge would look at this to help me identify what I've bought? Thanks!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Ban...-/150655903675?pt=US_Hats&hash=item2313caa7bb

This is indeed a later incarnation of the Bantam. Admittedly, I don't know much about modern Stetsons, but while you wait for an expert opinion, I would guess 70s or 80s.

 

[1mach1]

Giving this thread a much needed bump, after a 3 year slumber. My Stetson Bantam.

This one has a factory sewn in liner.

Upon thy noggin.

 

[RJR]

Very nice Bantam.

 

[hatsRme]

Well done, Harv! GREAT lid.

 

[1mach1]

Thank you, RJR and Charlie.

 

[alanfgag]

Nice addition Harv. I've posted this hat previously, but never worn this well:

 

[1mach1]

Great pics, Alan! Watch out, though. It looks like she might not let you have it back.

 

[alanfgag]

Thanks. We're good. She grew up and went to college. All she took was the hat budget.

 

[1mach1]

Thanks. We're good. She grew up and went to college. All she took was the hat budget.

lol
I'm headed that way. I'll bet it's more than the hat budget.

 

[fedoracentric]

I'll bet it's more than the hat budget.

Having seen the type and extent of Alan's collection here over the years, I'd say his hat budget is pretty close to that college budget!!

 

[KingAndrew]

Alan, those are great pictures. Your daughter definitely inherited your penchant for wearing a hat with style.

 

[RJR]

+1

 

[buler]

Glad to be adding to the Bantam Bar thread. A very nice seafoam blue/green (hard to catch color in pic). The first pic is closest in color. Super lightweight felt. Subtle single stitch line brim. Only the one tag still present, but at least it matches the sweat stamping.

B

 

[moontheloon]

homerun buler

what a color

 

[Frunobulax]

No kidding. This latest find has shown a few in colors I haven't seen before.