The Open Road Guild

[alanfgag]

Of my two 100's compared to my 7X, I have to agree with you, David. It is like the 100 is a special occasion hat.

This has been my experience as well, but I think the periodic factor accounts more for the differences than model. I have four 7x hats with a range (guesstimate) from late 1940s to late 1950s. My two 100s were both 1960s hats. The Stetson 100 had a shorter life, beginning later than the 7X. In my opinion the earlier clear beaver hats were a more interesting animal - softer, more supple, becoming stiffer and generally less sublime in all respects as the years progressed. This holds for the 3X as well, which was pretty marvelous in 1940 and earlier, becoming somewhat less marvelous by the late 1950s. Someday I would like to handle one of the earliest 100s to see how it compares.

 

[gtdean48]

My 7X CB is of the period of my oldest 100, which is the higher caliber for sure. Since the 100s were hand finished by a master hatter as opposed to the 7X CBs, I'd expect each to have a unique quality to it.

 

[alanfgag]

My 7X CB is of the period of my oldest 100, which is the higher caliber for sure. Since the 100s were hand finished by a master hatter as opposed to the 7X CBs, I'd expect each to have a unique quality to it.

What period is this, Tom.

 

[gtdean48]

What period is this, Tom.

Mid-1950s

 

[resortes805]

OK gents, I need a lil' help here....

I recently found this hat, the sweatband indicates that it a 3X Open Road, and even has the vintage Schaefer Hat Works card still glued in!

....BUT, I have never seen an Open Road hat with this style of ribbon paired with this short a brim. I flipped the sweatband down and found this label:

A Belgian Vimenet with a Stetson sweatband?

So, two questions for those more knowledgeable than I:

1) What era is this hat from?

2) Did Vimenet ever make hats for Stetson or did someone sew in an Open Road sweatband onto a Vimenet hat?

 

[zetwal]

Did Vimenet ever make hats for Stetson or did someone sew in an Open Road sweatband onto a Vimenet hat?

It appears that someone put the Stetson sweatband into the Vimenet hat.

 

[rlk]

...and its only the leather from that sweatband minus the reed and its covering.

Looks like a nice lightweight felt.

 

[resortes805]

It appears that someone put the Stetson sweatband into the Vimenet hat.

But here is where it gets weird.... the Schaefer card is glued to the sweatband, and appears to vintage 20s-40s; if someone was going to replace the Vimenet sweatband with that of an Open Road, why not just tear this card out?

...and its only the leather from that sweatband minus the reed and its covering.

Looks like a nice lightweight felt.

Like a feather!

 

[alanfgag]

But here is where it gets weird.... the Schaefer card is glued to the sweatband, and appears to vintage 20s-40s; if someone was going to replace the Vimenet sweatband with that of an Open Road, why not just tear this card out?

Mayhaps Schaefer did the repair?

 

[rlk]

Latest ad in search

relocated?

still in a 1977 Directory

 

[RBH]

I believe this part of Roberts post explains it all.

 

[resortes805]

That certainly makes sense!

 

[Dan Allen]

While waiting for my grandson to finish his martial arts class this afternoon over in fort Smith I wandered into the salvation army store. I walked out holding a fawn colored Stetson Open road in almost perfect shape, needing only a light clean--total cost ONE DOLLAR!! It is a center bash pinch front--And Fits! Some days the stars and moon line up just right and the sun shines just a little brighter.

 

[randooch]

Dan, that's my exact dream upon entering any thrift store. Hope springs eternal, and apparently is fulfilled now and then! Nice score. Post up a picture of it, eh?

 

[Dan Allen]

Thank you, I will have to wait till my grandson gets back Monday before I can post piks. The truth is--I don't know how. Charles Darwin was right I have no doubt. kids today are born with a "digital gene" that us old boomers just don't have.

 

[Rick Blaine]

While waiting for my grandson to finish his martial arts class this afternoon over in fort Smith I wandered into the salvation army store. I walked out holding a fawn colored Stetson Open road in almost perfect shape, needing only a light clean--total cost ONE DOLLAR!! It is a center bash pinch front--And Fits! Some days the stars and moon line up just right and the sun shines just a little brighter.

You must be livin' right, Mr. Allen! :eusa_clap Congrats & welcome to TFL!

 

[Dan Allen]

Who said the dollar couldn't buy anything in this day in age?

 

[Landman]

Dan,

Great hat and price!

 

[RBH]

Nice!

 

[zetwal]

Who said the dollar couldn't buy anything in this day in age?

Good deal ... :yo:

Reminds me of the great CB that I found in a garage sale many years ago for (I think it was) three bucks. Sometimes we get that lucky, but it's very rare.