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The Stratoliner Society {VINTAGE}

Messages
15,072
Location
Buffalo, NY
Mid 1940s Stratoliner Vita-Felt process

A recent discovery in my wife's costume shop... I took it home to clean and renovate. It is in good shape overall - unfortunately missing its crown tip sticker. After removing the sewn in actor labels and restitching the ribbon and bow in a few places, I used a size 7 961 block (close but not a perfect match to the Stetson 122 block that was used originally) to smooth out the old crease. You can see how thin and light the felt is in these 1940s Strats as the thin supple sweatband is easily visible from the pressure of the block.

UBvitastrat11.jpg


UBvitastrat4.jpg


UBvitastrat5.jpg


UBvitastrat6.jpg


UBvitastrat7.jpg


UBvitastrat1.jpg


This hat is not as early as the Vita-Felt strat posted here. The brim width is 2 3/4" vs. 2 1/2". It shows the later single field version of the red manufacturing label and does not have a LOTXXXX stamp on the back of the sweatband. The size tag has been cut, but I would not expect it to be of the gold foil variety. But unlike the 1950s Strats, it retains the unlined, lightweight and very soft and flexible gestalt of the early 1940s Stratoliner. Price was $7.50.

UBvitastrat8.jpg


UBvitastrat9.jpg


UBvitastrat10.jpg


I gave the front of the brim a gentle touch with a flat iron. While I like my Strats various, I seem to wander back to making them play this uplifting tune.

102013.jpg
 
Last edited:

seabass

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,161
Location
nor cal
Can not top your Vitafelt Strat man those colors pop !

ok new to me as found needs cleaning & blocking
very good clay like felt squishy & molds with fingers
232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv7449%3Dot%3E2798%3D734%3D525%3D36%3A773443434%3Bnu0mrj
232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv967%3B%3Dot%3E2798%3D734%3D529%3D36%3A773443834%3Bnu0mrj

notice the ribbon & brim binding spots
232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv6%3A35%3Dot%3E7%3A77%3D487%3D34%3B%3DXROQDF%3E27986%3A263525%3Aot1lsi
232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv6%3A%3B7%3Dot%3E7%3A77%3D487%3D34%3B%3DXROQDF%3E27986%3A263625%3Aot1lsi

5 1/4'' open crown 5''bashed, 2 3/4'' all around
232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv558%3B%3Dot%3E7%3A77%3D487%3D34%3B%3DXROQDF%3E2798677%3A9425%3Aot1lsi
232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv%3B585%3Dot%3E7%3A77%3D487%3D34%3B%3DXROQDF%3E2798677%3A8%3C25%3Aot1lsi

excellent leather thick & supple
232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv%3B%3B67%3Dot%3E7%3A77%3D487%3D34%3B%3DXROQDF%3E2798677%3A9825%3Aot1lsi
232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv7359%3Dot%3E7%3A77%3D487%3D34%3B%3DXROQDF%3E2798677%3A9%3A25%3Aot1lsi
232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv647%3Enu%3D36%3A7%3E645%3E436%3E279864552725%3Aot1lsi

232323232%7Ffp83232%3Euqcshlukaxroqdfv%3A736%3Dot%3E7%3A77%3D487%3D34%3B%3DXROQDF%3E27986%3B28%3B825%3Aot1lsi


Gilroy CA was a big Rodeo town maybe the store B.Rocca Co had this special ribbon deal with Stetson
cant find info on the store but herd from Old timers they had a shop in Salinas as well..
a good hat that will receive a massage & cleaned up but wears well as is....
che
 
Messages
15,072
Location
Buffalo, NY
Yup! I've had some success taking a toothbrush and baking soda to the corroded reed. On one panama, I cut away the coating on the reed, cleaned the wire and then wrapped it back up with a bit of electrical tape.
 

TheDane

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,670
Location
Copenhagen, Denmark
Are we talking about Alan or the hat? ;)

*LoL* Exactly my thoughts! Then I discovered the resemblance between the inside of the sweatband and my own facial skin-features. That convinced me, that the instrument in question must be Alan lol

Fantastic Strats, gentlemen! Alan's copper'ish ribbon on the midgray felt - and Che's ribbon with the embroidered pattern - make my eyes bleed honey. Gorgeous!
 

seabass

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,161
Location
nor cal
good info Alan
your always a good helping hand
But your Strats felt/ribbon color combo is the best ive seen

Thanks for the input & comments All !
 

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