Western, anyone?

[Bamaboots]

Today’s hat is a Stetson Twenty Five Open Road. Anyone have an idea on date for this one?

I rebashed it a couple days ago, and wore it out for the first time today. I was very happy to find this one in LO. Fit perfect without any stretching.

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That is as fine of an OR example to come along in awhile. I’m not sure I’ve seen a 25 with that liner but others probably have. I see several indicators that would lead me to put it within a certain range. I’d like to hear your thoughts and also ask; have you looked though some of the “dating” threads for Stetson’s?

 

[MtnBob]

That is as fine of an OR example to come along in awhile. I’m not sure I’ve seen a 25 with that liner but others probably have. I see several indicators that would lead me to put it within a certain range. I’d like to hear your thoughts and also ask; have you looked though some of the “dating” threads for Stetson’s?

Thanks for the kind words! I have done a little research, but am stumped by what appear to be two conflicting messages.

I’ve read that the stars in the shield indicate pre-1950, while the plastic over liner indicates post-1953 or so.
It seems to me it’s probably either late 40s or early 50s based on that.

However, I bought it to wear, not appreciate in value. I wouldn’t be upset to find out it was later than that.

 

[Bamaboots]

It seems to me it’s probably either late 40s or early 50s based on that.

It can be confusing and there are obvious examples of contradiction out there. I think you are spot on in your assessment.

 

[BobHufford]

I’ve read that the stars in the shield indicate pre-1950, while the plastic over liner indicates post-1953 or so.
It seems to me it’s probably either late 40s or early 50s based on that.

Beautiful hat! I would venture a guess that some of the "stars" sweats -- especially those embossed with something somewhat unique like "Long Oval" -- took a while to use up after the switch. I've seen much later "Gun Club" embossed sweats that still had the stars.

 

[AbbaDatDeHat]

Today’s hat is a Stetson Twenty Five Open Road. Anyone have an idea on date for this one?

I rebashed it a couple days ago, and wore it out for the first time today. I was very happy to find this one in LO. Fit perfect without any stretching.

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Beautiful hat!!
I wouldn’t hesitate to go early 50’s.
Those be some hella boots too!
B

 

[MtnBob]

Beautiful hat! I would venture a guess that some of the "stars" sweats -- especially those embossed with something somewhat unique like "Long Oval" -- took a while to use up after the switch. I've seen much later "Gun Club" embossed sweats that still had the stars.

Thanks, Bob! That’s what I was thinking, but oddly, the liner crest also has the stars. Perhaps there were some transitional hats where the stars crest and plastic liner protectors overlapped?

In any case, it’s a very nice hat. I’m enjoying it a bunch. The Open Road and it’s lookalikes are fast becoming my favorite style. I have a slot in O’Farrell’s production calendar, and may use it to have them make me a couple ORs in different colored felt.

 

[MtnBob]

Beautiful hat!!
I wouldn’t hesitate to go early 50’s.
Those be some hella boots too!
B

Thanks, Bowen! I keep trying to buy boots to be beat ‘em up working boots, and then I just think they’re too nice to get all messed up. I am really hooked on Black Jack boots like I’m getting hooked on vintage western hats.

 

[M Hatman]

Thanks, Bob! That’s what I was thinking, but oddly, the liner crest also has the stars. Perhaps there were some transitional hats where the stars crest and plastic liner protectors overlapped?

In any case, it’s a very nice hat. I’m enjoying it a bunch. The Open Road and it’s lookalikes are fast becoming my favorite style. I have a slot in O’Farrell’s production calendar, and may use it to have them make me a couple ORs in different colored felt.

LATE 40's very EARLY 50's before cellophane tip protectors. The fabric onionskin/cheese cloth tips were introduced in the 40's with the what I call soft screen-door plastics being used in the very late 40's very early 50's just before the clear real plastic cellophane tips......

 

[MtnBob]

LATE 40's very EARLY 50's before cellophane tip protectors. The fabric onionskin/cheese cloth tips were introduced in the 40's with the what I call soft screen-door plastics being used in the very late 40's very early 50's just before the clear real plastic cellophane tips......

Thanks for this very helpful additional info. So, you’d agree this hat is late 40s or early 50s?

 

[Bamaboots]

So, you’d agree this hat is late 40s or early 50s?

I think everyone agrees with that.

 

[M Hatman]

Thanks for this very helpful additional info. So, you’d agree this hat is late 40s or early 50s?

Yes, Definitely!! The blocking tags agree too!!!!! I would go further and say pre-1953...........

 

[Bamaboots]

The duplicitous Wormser.

 

[MtnBob]

The duplicitous Wormser.
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That’s a great hat, and the brim up style suits you well.

 

[MtnBob]

Had to run some errands today, and the 7X CB got the nod. This is a great, light, fairly compact western. One of my favorites, for sure, and a little darker in color than my ORs, but lighter than my Nutria.

The size tag was torn off at some point, but with a smidge of time on a hat jack, it fits my 1/8LO just right.

It seemed like it wanted a mule kick in front, and had one in the past at some point. I agreed and steamed one in. It’s my only hat with a mule kick in the bash, but I like it.

 

[M Hatman]

And in 1936 Stockman - Farmer.....HAD........

BOOTS!!!!

And Mufflers (neckerchiefs), SHIRTS

And some simply awesome HATS!!!!!!

And WOW.....What a CENTERFOLD!!!!!!!!!

 

[jonesy86]

And in 1936 Stockman - Farmer.....HAD........
View attachment 219547
BOOTS!!!!

View attachment 219548
And Mufflers (neckerchiefs), SHIRTS

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And some simply awesome HATS!!!!!!

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And WOW.....What a CENTERFOLD!!!!!!!!!

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Very cool, thanks for sharing this catalog.

 

[hatophile]

The duplicitous Wormser.
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Duplicitous but beautiful.

 

[Bamaboots]

Duplicitous but beautiful.

Thank you, sir.

 

[alanfgag]

I’ve read that the stars in the shield indicate pre-1950, while the plastic over liner indicates post-1953 or so.
It seems to me it’s probably either late 40s or early 50s based on that.
However, I bought it to wear, not appreciate in value. I wouldn’t be upset to find out it was later than that.

Great hat in lovely condition. I think your plan to love it and wear it is right on the mark. There are many theories that stars and leaves can suggest a difference between 1949 and 1951. Or 1951 and 1954. None of these, to my knowledge, are proven or foolproof. Without provenance or other evidence (an OPS label, date stamp or train ticket tucked behind the sweatband), I would describe it as post-war. That will leave leave room for the tempting and delicious late 1940s and still be right if it's 1955.

Thanks for sharing the fine photos.

 

[glider]

Thank you, sir.

Want some knock around, don't worry about them boots ? Get a pair of Carolina engineers, about 170, look good feel great, tough as hell.