The Stratoliner Society {VINTAGE}

[Terry "The Hat"]

Is there anyone here looking to part with one of these beautiful works of art? I've been wanting a strat for quite a while now, but am having a hard time finding the right one that suits me. I'm looking for a size 7 1/4 in either silverbelly or grey. I'd prefer one with an original pin, but it's no big deal if it's missing.

These hats are turning up on Ebay in record quantities lately and 7 1/4 is a pretty common size. They are actually selling much cheaper than the vintage whippet (which is the last of my bucket hats that I still need to acquire). You probably won't find one with the original pin though but they are easy to find. I bought a couple originals on Ebay (one from a member here) for twenty or twentyfive dollars.

 

[gtdean48]

... I'm looking for a size 7 1/4 in either silverbelly or grey. I'd prefer one with an original pin, but it's no big deal if it's missing.

Good luck with the quest for color. Catching a model in a desired size is usually a trick in itself, let alone a specific color. Your size is in the sweet spot though & that helps....

 

[Zemke Fan]

My wife is an art student... I've commissioned her to do a "young" Howard Hughes with a 6-7/8 noggin so that I've a place to display my NOS sage green Stratoliner purchased from the Johnny Phi stash. Here's the photo:

But Howard about 10 years YOUNGER (circa 1939-40). (This photo is him at the controls of a Connie.)

 

[RBH]

Are we talking a sculpture?
If so ...way cool!!

 

[Zemke Fan]

Are we talking a sculpture?
If so ...way cool!!

Yep! It's underway. (She just did Hemingway and it turned out great!)

 

[alanfgag]

Early Vita-Felt Stratoliner

An early Stratoliner example - 1940-42. It has the gold printed size label and transitional three section manufacturing label which was replaced by the single section tag somewhere around 1940. It also has a sweatband lot number imprint - unfortunately the third digit is hard to decipher, but I believe it is 7607.

2 1/2" brim, 5" crown.

for comparison, here is the label from my other 1940s Stratoliner:

sweatband lot number:

 

[randooch]

Alan, if you do not at this time curate for a museum, well, a museum somewhere has not found its curator.

Oh, nice Stratoliner, by the way.

 

[Mystic]

Alan, if you do not at this time curate for a museum, well, a museum somewhere has not found its curator.

Oh, nice Stratoliner, by the way.

I think he already holds that position at the Alanfgag Museum of Hats and Fedoras. :smile:

 

[randooch]

True, Mystic.

Seriously, I can see an online museum of hats taking form from the many excellent pages of the Fedora Lounge, with contributions from all of our photographically gifted members. Perhaps the distillation of images is unnecessary, but my traditional sensibilities await such an endeavor. It could be thought of as a digital "coffee table book."

 

[Mystic]

True, Mystic.

Seriously, I can see an online museum of hats taking form from the many excellent pages of the Fedora Lounge, with contributions from all of our photographically gifted members. Perhaps the distillation of images is unnecessary, but my traditional sensibilities await such an endeavor. It could be thought of as a digital "coffe table book."

That would be a great idea. Not only interesting and enjoyable but instructional and a great tool for all hat wearers.

One thing i do know from searching through old threads.....

Way too many photos of nice hats have been lost, removed or just no longer there. :cry:

 

[Short Balding Guy]

An early Stratoliner example - 1940-42. It has the gold printed size label and transitional three section manufacturing label which was replaced by the single section tag somewhere around 1940. It also has a sweatband lot number imprint - unfortunately the third digit is hard to decipher, but I believe it is 7607.

2 1/2" brim, 5" crown.

Alan; CONGRATS sir! That is a grand example of the Vita felt (nutria) Stetson Stratoliner. Finding such a Strat in a hat that fits deserves a big cheer. CHEER! The 2.5" brim and crown height is just a perfect combo and shows this to be a good example of the designers initial intent (as it is an early 40's example). I can not wait to see it on the "What Hat Are You Wearing" thread.

I continue to search for a such a hat in a size that works for me. They are precious when you come across them. I am so pleased for you. Again, congrats on finding such a treasure. That treasure has found a perfect home in your collection.

Best, Eric -

 

[alanfgag]

Thank you Eric (and Randall and Mystic). I will share some better pictures once I have a chance to steam and refresh the block and flange.

I think it is especially interesting to find this example with older mfg. label and gold size tag... the first Stratoliner I have seen showing these elements. It was suggested some time back on this thread that the Stratoliner featuring this sweatband:

was the oldest. I now believe this vita-felt hat and David's (posted a page or two before) with O.P.A. label are examples of an earlier version... perhaps the original. I only wish I could peek between the pages of Jeffrey Snyder's Stetson Hat book to see more of Patty Stetson's Stratoliner.

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

Love the color combo too. Grey with tan ribbon and binding. Is that the color on the ribbon Alan?

 

[alanfgag]

Hi Ed, I'm not clear on your question. The colors are reasonably close in this picture. The felt color is a brownish beige... less brown than my other old Strat.

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

Looks grey here to me on the felt. The grey and tan model strat is sweet.

 

[Chepstow]

Alan, wonderful Strat, looks indeed gray also for me but brownish beige is also a great color!

 

[Chepstow]

Maybe I can be a member of the Stratoliner Society. Steve mentioned that this Strat were made by Mayser in the late 50s.

 

[Chepstow]

Some additional photos!

Brim wide in the front, 2,76 inch , sides, 2,56 inch and in the back 2,76 inch - crown high with bash 4,53 inch
Now I need a Stratoliner pin!!

 

[Short Balding Guy]

Manfred; Thanks for sharing your wonderfull Stratoliner. The black felt does not turn up often. It is in excellent condition. The embossing on the leather says it all, "Excellent Stetson."

I am so glad that you found this hat and can give it an excellent home. Best, Eric -

 

[seabass]

I agree it's Excellent !