Vintage Stetson Boss Raw Edge

[billmcc56]

I need help identifying my grandfathers hat.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I need help identifying my grandfathers hat.

Wow! I’ll let the real experts give you a full account, but wow! This is a Stetson Boss Raw Edge from the early part of the 20th century. “The Fray” indicates a special sweatband process that one of Stetson’s employees, Mr Fray, came up with. There are dedicated threads here on the Lounge for both the hats and for The Fray.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/join-the-fray.47780/

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/pre-1940s-stetson-westerns.42532/

I really don’t know much about these hats as they are very rare in my size. Hang on a few minutes and some truly knowledgeable folks will be along.


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[Just Daniel]

Brent is fast! Those threads have all you’ll need on the hats. These hats are great finds!

I sent you a quick message, over on the “conversation” part of your profile.

Daniel

 

[Kane]

That’s really nice. Do you know if your grandfather bought the hat new from E.W. Mellon in North Carolina?

Btw, if you measure the inside of the hat from front to back and side to side that will give you an idea of the size.

 

[billmcc56]

Yes, in Charlotte NC. Inside of the hat from front to back and side to side measures 8 1/8 x 6 3/4 inches

 

[TheOldFashioned]

This is indeed a very special hat, and given those dimensions atypically large for the time this was made. You will have many people interested in this piece.

If the sweatband is pliable you can carefully roll it back and check for any additional tags or markings behind, but proceed with caution. Typically a red multi-celled tag was used by Stetson during this timeframe, in addition to a brownish-orange tag. The red tag should include the hat size dimension.

Edit: This should be located towards the rear of the hat, just off to the side of the back bow and seam.

Again, great hat!

 

[Just Daniel]

That’s a fair assessment. Definitely look to see if their are reorder tags, but be super careful. The leather is 100 years old. Determining the size is important.


PS Since the hat is for sale, will this discussion move over to the other classified post?

This is indeed a very special hat, and given those dimensions atypically large for the time this was made. You will have many people interested in this piece.

If the sweatband is pliable you can carefully roll it back and check for any additional tags or markings behind, but proceed with caution. Typically a red multi-celled tag was used by Stetson during this timeframe, in addition to a brownish-orange tag. The red tag should include the hat size dimension.

Edit: This should be located towards the rear of the hat, just off to the side of the back bow and seam.

Again, great hat!

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

Hey bill:
I’ll say this. Be prepared for a barrage of PM offers to buy and trade.
Because that is one hell of a rare hat!!
It is probable one of the nicest i’ve seen on the lounge in terms of condition and that sweatband looks perfect!!
Welcome to the lounge and enjoy the show. You started with 4th of July fireworks fella!!!
Be well. Bowen

Ps: Grandpa had some hella taste in hats. Hope he left you some more.

 

[Hurricane Jack]

I need help identifying my grandfathers hat.

You might be able to pin down the Era he bought it if you don't already know, by researching E.W. Mellon & Co. What yrs were they in business?

I have a BRE that is not a Fray & I date it to the 1920's.

 

[billmcc56]

most likely 20's

 

[billmcc56]

This is indeed a very special hat, and given those dimensions atypically large for the time this was made. You will have many people interested in this piece.

If the sweatband is pliable you can carefully roll it back and check for any additional tags or markings behind, but proceed with caution. Typically a red multi-celled tag was used by Stetson during this timeframe, in addition to a brownish-orange tag. The red tag should include the hat size dimension.

Edit: This should be located towards the rear of the hat, just off to the side of the back bow and seam.

Again, great hat!

7 5/8ths

 

[Just Daniel]

From the reorder tag? Whew. That is a big size for the era. The big-headed fellows will be thrilled.

 

[billmcc56]

Due to strong interest, I am going to have to post this on classified for $275 OBO

 

[carouselvic]

Ill take it

 

[alanfgag]

most likely 20's

Likely older. When was your grandfather born?

 

[alanfgag]

If your measurements in the Classifieds are good, it fits a snug 7 1/2. From the stubby sweatband ribbon, silver foil store imprint and Fray stamp it could be 1910-1920, perhaps the decade before. Pretty special stuff.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Is this hat still for sale or did someone already snatch it up?


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[billmcc56]

Thanks for all the great info,replies and offers!! My grandfather would be so happy.
I have received multiple offers and in all fairness, I will ask for your highest and best offer by 5:00 pm EST tomorrow March 15th

 

[carouselvic]

please consider all offers by me null and void

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I’m no longer interested in this hat either.

We’re often competing with each other here, but we are fair and don’t abide any dirty pool.


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