An outstanding specimen, Alan! Very unique; my own Imperial has some different features than yours. I'm confused, I thought that 'Imperial' was the felt designation, but your hat is labeled as XXX Beaver quality. Or was the Imperial designation synonymous with XXX for a short period?
Alan, first off I just have to say that this hat is seriously one of the highest quality looking hats I have ever seen. Everything seems like it was meticulously done. I wouldn't doubt it if Stetson put their master haters to work on this lid. My favorite thing about the hat has to be the sweatband. Not only is the leather extremely nice quality, but its beautifully wide, great ribbon work in the back, and the printing is extremely detailed. I wish hatters put these incredible sweatbands in hats today. The entire hat just looks incredible and you wear it extremely well. :eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap
Imperial Vita-felt
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it was tough talking "Mr. D Van Billiard" into letting it go, that's for sureI can’t get enough of this hat. You got good use out of your time machine again.
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Justin:it was tough talking "Mr. D Van Billiard" into letting it go, that's for sure
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it was in regards to the time machine comment Trying to make a slight joke haha.Justin:
Did it really come from the original owner or am i being naive?
Vita-Felt...is what 1942-47’ thereabouts?? I guess if he was about 90 that would work.
Anyway, you can’t get a much better catch than that rare hat with original box.
Beyond comprehension....again Justin.
You are the consummate hat steward extraordinaire!!!
Bowen
it was in regards to the time machine comment Trying to make a slight joke haha.
This one came from eBay, so couldn't say who it would have came from, I already tossed the shipping box. I can't speak on the years, but I I think they were produced from 40 to the 47 time frame.
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I was referring to Bowen asking when vita felt was produced, not dating the hat I own.
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Since the sweatband was falling apart, I cut out the Stetson logo and the retail store logo and had these 2 parts of the sweatband laminated to preserve them and to put back in the hat when it's rebuilt.Imperial Stetson I bought about a week ago. 2 1/2 inch brim. I'm going to have this hat rebuil, the sweatband is already disintegrating. These are some of the seller's photos, except the last two I imagine this is a late 40's to early 50's hat.