The Open Road Guild

[jimmy the lid]

My responses were killed by server interruptus; if any of you have any cleaning suggestions it would be much appreciated. It is a very, very dirty and smelly hat indeed.

You may want to seriously consider sending it off to Optimo. They can also do a ribbon or sweatband replacement while they're at it, if that seems like a good idea.

Cheers,
JtL

[Woodfluter]

Dear Sirs,

I herewith submit my application for membership.
http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/4917/aapoststetsonor1uy8.th.jpg (http://img394.imageshack.us/my.php?image=aapoststetsonor1uy8.jpg)
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/9204/aapoststetsonor2og6.th.jpg (http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=aapoststetsonor2og6.jpg)

Stetson "25", cream colored lining, cleaned it up with lighter fluid in a few places and filled tiny moth bites near the sweatband with cement, treated sweatband with dressing, shrunk base of crown slightly with intense steaming but careful not to overheat.
Originally went for more of an fedora look (sorry for the inaccurate color):
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/4674/aapoststetsonor5nm5.th.jpg (http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=aapoststetsonor5nm5.jpg)

But later decided on incorporating a little of the traditional crease influenced by campaign hats and a very squashed version of a Gus hat:
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/2750/aapoststetsonor6oa6.th.jpg (http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=aapoststetsonor6oa6.jpg)

Purchased recently on eBay, where they had a very sorry looking photo, but I had a good feeling about it and it turned out fine with a little steaming. Great material, not black sweatband but not light brown either, rather dark brown with wind trolley before I removed that. I will be hunting for another in a darker color...this is a great hat!

- Bill

[RBH]

Bill I really like the fedora treatment. I think it looks great.
But I also have to add the way you have it now does look great, still has a great fedora look to it ...but... kinda ... more... of a rural or a western look. I also like the brim swoop you have.
GREAT JOB!!! I LIKE IT ! :eusa_clap

[PhilS]

I suggest a 2 to 4 hour soak in naptha. Maybe longer if you can stand it. :D

Are there detailed instructions for this? Do you take off the ribbon and liner and sweat band? If you do, how the heck do you get them back on if you don't sew? Does the naptha bath cause any shrinkage? in felt? In leather? Where do I get the naptha?

And finally, what is the wonderiffic hat you are wearing in your avatar and wherefrom did you get it?

[PhilS]

You may want to seriously consider sending it off to Optimo. They can also do a ribbon or sweatband replacement while they're at it, if that seems like a good idea.

Cheers,
JtL
What this sort of treatment would set me back?

[RBH]

Are there detailed instructions for this? Do you take off the ribbon and liner and sweat band? If you do, how the heck do you get them back on if you don't sew? Does the naptha bath cause any shrinkage? in felt? In leather? Where do I get the naptha?

And finally, what is the wonderiffic hat you are wearing in your avatar and wherefrom did you get it?
I have soaked hats from a cheap Stetson to my vintage Stratoliner in naptha..I HAVE HAD NO ILL THINGS HAPPEN TO ANY OF MY HATS after a soaking. I do nothing to the hat but soak it, after soaking I push out the crown the best I can and hang it up outside to drip and dry. After dry---- crease it as you like.
I do not know after the database crash but try a search on NAPTHA, should give you the info you need for a cleaning.

THANKS !! As to the fedora in my avatar... it is my Adventurebilt I got back in 2006. It has the Raiders tight pinch, and I have to say its a great hat!!!!

[mingoslim]

Just wondering if I lost a month somewhere . . .

[indycop]

Just wondering if I lost a month somewhere . . .
I am missing some to, I think alot of the recent ones are.[huh]

[Day_late]

PhilS, you asked:


What this sort of treatment would set me back?

I sent an eBay Open Road to Optimo a month or so ago to be cleaned and blocked. Total bill was $45, including shipping. No sweatband or ribbon work, looks great, and the turnaround was pretty quick.

Regards,
Warren

[Woodfluter]

Bill I really like the fedora treatment. I think it looks great.
But I also have to add the way you have it now does look great, still has a great fedora look to it ...but... kinda ... more... of a rural or a western look. I also like the brim swoop you have.
GREAT JOB!!! I LIKE IT ! :eusa_clap

Thank you RBH! I liked the fedora creasing too, but somehow the one it now has seemed to fit this silver belly color - in my mind. It is actually the same style as one I did on a cheap wool hat in Utah about, oh, (gulp) 35 years ago! Which was copied off an old photo. If I ever locate another quality OR in a darker color, that will probably get the fedora treatment.

Swoop brim...mostly a natural outgrowth of having a really long head which stretches it thataway.
- Bill

[mingoslim]

I had recently begun posting a new photo array of my dozen or so ORs and OR clones . . . was about half-way through the shoot when everything went funky.

So here is the Reader's Digest condensed version of OR Mania . . .

First . . . a Classic . . . the Stetson OR TwentyFive . . . circa 1960 . . .

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t53/mingoslim/My%20Fedoras/stetsonc1960or2503.jpg

Another keeper . . . A Sage Green Stetson OR TwentyFive, circa 1970.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t53/mingoslim/My%20Fedoras/stetsonc1970or2503.jpg

A chocolate brown Stetson OR 3X Royal . . . circa 1955 . . .

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t53/mingoslim/My%20Fedoras/stetsonc1950royal3x03.jpg

A Portis OR clone, in dove grey . . . a recent aquisition from Fellow Lounger, Razzman . . .

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t53/mingoslim/My%20Fedoras/portisc195504.jpg

A Knox entry in the OR clone competition . . . The Westlite 20 . . .

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t53/mingoslim/My%20Fedoras/knoxc1950westlite03.jpg

Perhaps more Stratoliner clone than OR clone . . . Yet you can not deny that this 1950s Lee Corral is a beauty ;)

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t53/mingoslim/My%20Fedoras/leec1950corral01.jpg

Another recent acquisition, and rapidly becoming a favorite . . . An early 50s Dobbs Twenty OR clone . . .

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t53/mingoslim/My%20Fedoras/dobbsc194005.jpg

That will do for now . . . but there is more to come, including my #1 all-time favorite, late 40s OR Royal Deluxe . . . an early 40s pre-OR Stetson Sovereign . . . the Akubra CampDraft . . .

[Lon Goval]

I just received a Stetson 25 for my wife. On the sweatband (front) it says "Open Road" and at the rear is a white ribbon threaded through the sweatband on either side of the bow. BUT, the brim is raw and measures 2 7/8 from the sweatband. No wind trolley.

Question is "What variations are there to the Open Road models?" Or did I receive a factory defect like the Durango Boots I bought where they forgot to finish the decorative stitching on one boot.

Since it says Open Road, I'm assuming it qualifies for the Guild.

Ralph

[PabloElFlamenco]

Here's my official application! In all truth, it isn't a true "open road" hat, rather a "Stetson 20" Sovereign. Do I qualify? For the sake of eliciting sympathy, I'm joined in this picture by Zappa (half St. Bernard, half Husky). We could make a hat out of the hair he sheds...lol

APOLOGIES to the board: I'm still struggling with pictures, meanwhile the forum seems to be having some strange technical quirks such as "announcing" posts you cannot "see". Sorry/Paul

[PabloElFlamenco]

This is my official application for membership of this highly esteemed guild! For the sake of clarity, my new (and best) hat is a Stetson 20 Sovereign, said to date back to the fifties, but I think rather more like anything from 1970 to 1990 (?). It's a beautiful hat, I particularly like to leave it in its original "western" bash.
BTW, the sympathetic feller next to me is Zappa, half St.Bernard, half Husky. The hairs he sheds could easily make felt!

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/1853/img3518kl6.jpg

[PhilS]

But I see people are continuing to post to it. I am hoping that posting will make the whole thing visible.

[Justdog]

Was wearing my Adam open road clone upturned brim downturned at the back. Went to the nursery for plants. It rained hard, wore the hat, It got soaked. Lost its shape. It dryed but the previous style was lost and the brim warped a bit, also smelled like old felt , smile. After drying for 2 days, guess the aqua shed wore off. smila again, I snapped the front brim down and turned the back up then pinched the crown,. It transformed into a stratoliner. Good thing I have my 20 as backup. Dont think I,ll get that one wet. No fun if you cant wear em. Adams is alright but its no 20

[cookie]

Dear Sirs,

I herewith submit my application for membership.
http://img394.imageshack.us/img394/4917/aapoststetsonor1uy8.th.jpg (http://img394.imageshack.us/my.php?image=aapoststetsonor1uy8.jpg)
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/9204/aapoststetsonor2og6.th.jpg (http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=aapoststetsonor2og6.jpg)

Stetson "25", cream colored lining, cleaned it up with lighter fluid in a few places and filled tiny moth bites near the sweatband with cement, treated sweatband with dressing, shrunk base of crown slightly with intense steaming but careful not to overheat.
Originally went for more of an fedora look (sorry for the inaccurate color):
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/4674/aapoststetsonor5nm5.th.jpg (http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=aapoststetsonor5nm5.jpg)

But later decided on incorporating a little of the traditional crease influenced by campaign hats and a very squashed version of a Gus hat:
http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/2750/aapoststetsonor6oa6.th.jpg (http://img293.imageshack.us/my.php?image=aapoststetsonor6oa6.jpg)

Purchased recently on eBay, where they had a very sorry looking photo, but I had a good feeling about it and it turned out fine with a little steaming. Great material, not black sweatband but not light brown either, rather dark brown with wind trolley before I removed that. I will be hunting for another in a darker color...this is a great hat!

- Bill

Woodfluter in his previous life as English actor John Le Mesurier from Dad's Army: http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/9430/johnlemesurierhg1.th.jpg (http://img219.imageshack.us/my.php?image=johnlemesurierhg1.jpg)

[mingoslim]

I was beginning to jones (and not the Indiana kind) for my favorite thread. So I am glad to see it back . . .

Keep posting your ORs gents (and ladies . . . I know a few of our female members have a fave OR they wear;) ) . . .

Slim

[Woodfluter]

Woodfluter in his previous life as English actor John Le Mesurier from Dad's Army: http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/9430/johnlemesurierhg1.th.jpg (http://img219.imageshack.us/my.php?image=johnlemesurierhg1.jpg)

It's the eyebrows and the crooked smile...
- Bill

[Nigel]

Here's my submission to the guild, my first and long awaited Open Road. It came in the Cattleman Crease and a bit grubby. I opened the crown back up, the felt is the softest of my hats, I used steam to try and remove the old crease marks but it was still quite lumpy, I then tried to put a c-crown in. It could really do with a good clean but I have yet to pluck up the courage to dunk it in naptha.

Does anyone have any ideas as to age? I was told it was probably 1940's, it has brown hatband but doesn't say open road on it, all it says is Royal Stetson, it has a union label in the back on the size tag, the felt is very soft and pliable. I've included a couple of pics if it help any.
Sweatband Logo
http://imgcash5.imageshack.us/img156/8141/royalstetsonhb4.jpg
Liner Logo
http://imgcash4.imageshack.us/img185/5342/logopu6.jpg
Open Crown, still lumpy
http://imgcash2.imageshack.us/img156/6606/opencrowndc8.jpg
Preliminary Bash
http://imgcash4.imageshack.us/img530/9352/bashprofilejd2.jpg

[mingoslim]

Here's my submission to the guild.

Does anyone have any ideas as to age?

I think you did a great job on the block . . .
As for age, that lining, if it is original, would date it late 50s or early 60s. Brown sweats were used until 1970 or so . . . so the color of the sweat alone doesn't scream 1940s.

More pics of the interior, including the size tag, the logo on the sweatband, and a full shot of the lining would make it easier to give you a more accurate date . . . but even then, there is going to be some wiggle room.

Slim . . .

[John in Covina]

It could really do with a good clean but I have yet to pluck up the courage to dunk it in naptha.
*********************
Fear not, good friend, it will not instantly disolve, just keep it safe from sparks and open flame.:p

[jimmy the lid]

Does anyone have any ideas as to age? I was told it was probably 1940's, it has brown hatband but doesn't say open road on it, all it says is Royal Stetson, it has a union label in the back on the size tag, the felt is very soft and pliable. I've included a couple of pics if it help any.

I think this lid is of a fairly recent vintage (definitely not a 40's lid). The liner has certainly been used in post-1970 lids, although I do not have a sense of when this liner first made an appearance. The sweatband looks like it features more of a printed-on outline of the Stetson logo, rather than the deep, embossed gold logo that would signal an older lid. I would guess this one might date to the 70's.

Cheers,
JtL

[carouselvic]

I agree with JtL. That graphic was borrowed from the old Stetson Twenty-five, The curly-cues that look like ropes.

[Nigel]

Thanks for the info gents. I had my doubts as to whether the hat was 40's era. I don't mind though the felt is great, it has reblocked just fine and I only paid $20 including shipping so at that price I couldn't leave it.:)

[Justdog]

Wanted to get a beeter but intead ended up with this. Tan and goes with my favorite coat. The 20 I posted is real sweet as well.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stetson252.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stetson253.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stetson254.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stetson25.jpg
Just wondering where a thread is that outlines where the 10 20 25 50 100 designations factor into the xxxx factors?

[PabloElFlamenco]

Wanted to get a beeter but intead ended up with this. Tan and goes with my favorite coat. The 20 I posted is real sweet as well.
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stetson252.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stetson253.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stetson254.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stetson25.jpg
Just wondering where a thread is that outlines where the 10 20 25 50 100 designations factor into the xxxx factors?

Hi Justdog, try searching "Stetson 20" or so, you'll end up with some threads on the subject, i.a. of correlation between "10 20 25 50 100 designations and the xxxx factors". Working from memory, ...there isn't any provable track record. In general, my limited experience (from this forum and Google searches) is that Stetson history is sketchy. And, as far as I have read (and, hence, repeat), the xxxx's were worth (relatively) more the older they are.

[Justdog]

This is my official application for membership of this highly esteemed guild! For the sake of clarity, my new (and best) hat is a Stetson 20 Sovereign, said to date back to the fifties, but I think rather more like anything from 1970 to 1990 (?). It's a beautiful hat, I particularly like to leave it in its original "western" bash.
BTW, the sympathetic feller next to me is Zappa, half St.Bernard, half Husky. The hairs he sheds could easily make felt!

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/1853/img3518kl6.jpg
Oh ya that looks realll good! :eusa_clap
Also looks like no wind button,my 20 sov does not have one either.

[Justdog]

^Justdog, it's an amazing looking hat.

I think a large percentage of the open crown vintage hats were 'special' hats that were put away like that. It's great for modern buyers, but it's also a cautionary tale: if you have a hat, wear it!
Thanks! It is real soft have been wearing it for couple months and just slides onto the head and conforms to your shape. No pinching. I just bash it what ever I feel for the day. The 25 I just got is just as good in tan with wind button no wind tie inside??? I think this is my prefered style of hat as it is like a crossover. Can be western and can be dress can be fedora can be OR. I think this site has helped me gravitate to my suited style of hat, so hats off to the site and the advice and posts which make the journey a little less complicated:)

[GentlemanFarmer]

I agree with Justdog. I kept the Cattleman/Alpine crown on all of mine, but they look good with boots and jeans or over a nice suit with an overcoat. The style is consistent whether casual or dressy.

[shortbow]

Hey All, my Grandfather wore OR's, my Dad wore OR's, I've worn them since the early seventies. Open Road (pre 70) pretty much says HAT to me. I've enjoyed Akubras and Borsalinos, but OR's are the real deal. May I apply for entry to this clan?

[John in Covina]

Hey All, my Grandfather wore OR's, my Dad wore OR's, I've worn them since the early seventies. Open Road (pre 70) pretty much says HAT to me. I've enjoyed Akubras and Borsalinos, but OR's are the real deal. May I apply for entry to this clan?
******
We need a picture, then you are in like Flynt.

[GWD]

Thought I'd post this here. This is the Brand New Open Road I got on sale from Orvis a month ago. It's brim is as stiff as a board but @ $29.00 who's complaining?

http://gallery.mac.com/garydoty/100378/TLD_0135/web.jpg

http://gallery.mac.com/garydoty/100378/TLD_0136/web.jpg

I guess this make me a Guilding now!

[jimmy the lid]

I like that crease, GWD!

Cheers,
JtL

[rmrdaddy]

Nice one GWD!
(you couldn't have ordered 2? one for your 7 1/8 brother in NJ??? sheesh :rolleyes: )

[shortbow]

John, thanks, but I have no digital camera, I still use only film, and besides, as a neo-ludite by inclination and aptitude, I wouldn't know hot to post anyoldhow.

But I do have one pic of me cached in my computer if some kind soul would like to receive it as an email attachment and post it here.?

As to pics of Dad and Grandad, I got a couple photos of them in their chapeaus, but I would have to find some cyber junkie with a scanner. I'll have an ask around. Lots easier finding a horse and wagon around here though than any computer stuff.

Sure am enjoying all the pics of all you guy's lids though.

[Justdog]

Hi:
You could drop into a henrys photo store or walmart and they will put them on a disc for almost nothing.

[shortbow]

Justdog, hadn't thought of that, thanks. But the nearest big smoke is 200 miles south, so it will have to wait a bit. THEN, I'll have to torture my old brain and figure out how to do the posting.:(

[PhilS]

A Stratoliner clone and a refurbished Open Road 25 rescued from the dungheap.

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b92/philschatz/?action=view&current=IMG_4828.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b92/philschatz/IMG_4828.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b92/philschatz/?action=view&current=IMG_4829.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b92/philschatz/IMG_4829.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[Colby Jack]

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc121/cowboycolbyjack/060708_162900.jpg
Even if it's a Whippet of unknown parentage?[huh] :D

[AlanC]

A Stratoliner clone and a refurbished Open Road 25 rescued from the dungheap.
Oh, man. :drool:

What's your brim width on those? We need interior shots.

[Justdog]

Well I am enjoying these OR,s Just distiguishing the diferences and variations.
The 20 is real sweet and soft, self confroming Silver Belly, The 25 Is More Tan a bit stffer than 20 but perfect. The Deluxe I would not say was as good a quality but as it is more vintage:) that may account for the difference. The style is Old OR and it sits much higher than the 20 or 25 even with the same bash? Maybe it is the extra shrinkage from not being stored well:) It is still real nice though. No indication of felt quality on the Deluxe but it does have a union hatter label on the inside band with the number 125 in red?
None of the others 20, 25 have the Union label,

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stetson6.jpg 20
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stetson5.jpg 20
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stetson254.jpg 25
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stetson25.jpg 25
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Deluxe2.jpg Deluxe
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Deluxe.jpg Deluxe

I had this sent to me:

Some time ago all hats by Stetson were Beaver fur Felt, and they made several qualities of the different felts. A 3 X Stetson was $30.00 a 5X Stetson was $50.00 and a 10X Stetson was $100.00 Now to the best of my knowledge all rights to the X factor are grandfathered and X’s are determined by the people running the factories and the consumer has to be careful and have a watchful eye on their next hat purchase . Custom made hats from any hat shop are usually made from purer grades of fur and handmade is a lot easier to see the difference in the felt that ready made in the store.

[handlebar bart]

Can I join????????????????[huh] :D
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/2462/72868740zq5.png
Adam executive

[Justdog]

My 3x beaver has a price tag of 15 dollars, research shows this to be correct.
Only thing missing is the approx year. anyone who might know? union-fashion glo-co 15.00 sticker inside behind wind tie

[Lefty]

In ascending order of awesomeness:

Stetson 3x
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2073/2533762247_69633c69a8.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2044/2534572262_24dd3abef5.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2269/2533767625_1e4653960d.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2129/2534579438_a5d844321c.jpg

Stetson 25
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2015/2531473512_cda37eed7b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2254/2531474272_4428b080bd.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2397/2530659003_11b7a0432b.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/2530659827_0aa4d6266a.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/2530660615_2e426e5a53.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/2530661477_6228bb23a0.jpg

[Lefty]

Stetson 7x Clear Beaver
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2074/2530646809_a08333ffd6.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2530647773_63e1f00fc9.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2330/2530650209_12bb1773f0.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2386/2531465398_ae5b60e031.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3281/2531467100_4dea26b3d3.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2038/2530652265_191647aba3.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2530654163_846529ec46.jpg

[GWD]

Those are gorgeous hats! :eusa_clap What do you call that last bash?

[Lefty]

A Stratoliner clone and a refurbished Open Road 25 rescued from the dungheap.

<a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b92/philschatz/?action=view&current=IMG_4828.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b92/philschatz/IMG_4828.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

I love the block on that stratoliner clone (or is it the 25?). It's not as deep as the cattleman's bashes I'm used to seeing, which I don't really like, but offers just the right balance of western hat vs. fedora. :eusa_clap

[Lefty]

Those are gorgeous hats! :eusa_clap What do you call that last bash?

Thanks. I take that as high praise from a guy with 3 pages worth of beauties.
Nice gallery.

I almost forgot to answer your question.
I posted all of these on my introductory post and Indycop noted that he hadn't seen such a bash.
I think JT may have referred to it as a Montana Peak in a previous post, but I'm not sure about that. (edit: I just checked that, a Montana Peak is more of a crushed cattleman's bash in old campaign hats). It's got sort of a campaign/fedora hybrid thing going on.
Here's the cut and paste of my response to Indy, which still holds true:

I call it "this hat is a little big for me, but it's so pliable, that I can shape it while it's on my head so that it isn't just the crown resting on my head." There's no way I could do this with any other hat. All of the hype about the 7x clear beaver is true.
It's really not a style.
It's more of a necessity.


Apparently, my head is shaped like a stealth bomber.

[Justdog]

[QUOTE=Lefty]In ascending order of awesomeness:

Stetson 3x
Bet that 25 is soft:) :eusa_clap
That gold logo is in my 20 and it is my softest hat.

[jimmy the lid]

Great lids, Lefty! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap Just beautiful!

The 7X, in particular, is a real gem. It's interesting to see that it came in a presentation case. I've seen that before with Stetson 100's, but never with a 7X.


Cheers,
JtL

[Lefty]

I've seen all of the 100s in that leather(?) case, but hadn't seen this cardboard style case. It had the leather handle, but that rotted off years ago. The ebay seller included it, in case I had some use for it.
Of course, I've kept it.


Great lids, Lefty! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap Just beautiful!

The 7X, in particular, is a real gem. It's interesting to see that it came in a presentation case. I've seen that before with Stetson 100's, but never with a 7X.


Cheers,
JtL

[Lefty]

The 25 is soft - compared to the 3x. It's as stiff as a board compared to the 7x.

As part of the ongoing attempt to date ORs, I'm curious about the introduction of the various numbers - not the Xs. 15, 20, 40, and 50 seem pretty uncommon and older. 25 and 100 seem to be more modern (late 50s to late 60s). Am I even close on this?



[QUOTE=Lefty]In ascending order of awesomeness:

Stetson 3x
Bet that 25 is soft:) :eusa_clap
That gold logo is in my 20 and it is my softest hat.

[GentlemanFarmer]

So the Shady Oaks came first? I didn't know that. Very interesting.

[frijoli]

As part of the ongoing attempt to date ORs, I'm curious about the introduction of the various numbers - not the Xs. 15, 20, 40, and 50 seem pretty uncommon and older. 25 and 100 seem to be more modern (late 50s to late 60s). Am I even close on this?


[QUOTE=Justdog]

I was under the impression that was the suggested retail. Of, course that's just what an old man told me.

Clay

[Dinerman]

This one belongs to Douglas, but I saved the auction photos from when he bought it. This was the original open road.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j164/dinerman/EBAY5-8004.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j164/dinerman/EBAY5-8005.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j164/dinerman/f1ec_1.jpg

[Rick Blaine]

This one belongs to Douglas, but I saved the auction photos from when he bought it. This was the original open road.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j164/dinerman/EBAY5-8004.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j164/dinerman/EBAY5-8005.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j164/dinerman/f1ec_1.jpg


Hmmm that fills in some gaps, or creates more_ this is a 7 1/8 ID'ed as an OR in the auction... I just knew it didn't look like any OR I had seen, 'til now, thanks Dinerman!

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g222/Greghats/greyOR.jpg

[jimmy the lid]

The original Stetson Open Road dates to at least 1937. The OR is the middle hat in this 1937 ad:

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w103/mojohaiku/1937ORAd-1.jpg


Sure looks a whole lot like Douglas' early OR:

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j164/dinerman/f1ec_1.jpg


Incidentally, the ad above also shows that the Whippet (on the left) has been around since 1937, as well.


Cheers,
JtL

[rmrdaddy]

Also notice the 3 fine rows of stitching on the brim of Douglas' hat in lieu of the ribbon edge binding. Rick, I see no stitching or binding on the brim of yours....
the plot thickens perhaps?

[Lefty]

That seems to be the going wisdom here, but I'm not sure that all of them were introduced at the same time. Many of the 20s appear much older than the others.


[QUOTE=Lefty]

As part of the ongoing attempt to date ORs, I'm curious about the introduction of the various numbers - not the Xs. 15, 20, 40, and 50 seem pretty uncommon and older. 25 and 100 seem to be more modern (late 50s to late 60s). Am I even close on this?




I was under the impression that was the suggested retail. Of, course that's just what an old man told me.

Clay

[jimmy the lid]

They have something of a claim as the most authentic shop for Open Roads, in that the Shady Oaks they made for Amon Carter were what "inspired" Stetson when Stetson designed the Open Road.

Based on my own research into this, the "Shady Oak" hats were the result of a design collaboration between Amon Carter, Tom Peters and Stetson. The actual lids, produced by Stetson, were Stetson Amon Carter/Shady Oak Open Roads. My own belief is that the original incarnation of the modern-day Open Road (as opposed to Stetson's earlier Open Road model, circa 1937) was the lid that Stetson first made specially for Amon Carter.

An excellent source of information on this topic is a book by Jerry Flemmons entitled Amon: The Texan who Played Cowboy for America. According to Flemmons, the hats passed out to dignitaries visiting Carter's Shady Oak Farm were originally supplied by Borsalino. These hats were rather large, wide-brimmed and high-crowned, as reflected in some early photos. After Mussolini declared war on Ethiopia (1935), Carter turned to Stetson to produce hats for him. Flemmons reports that "after months of design research," Stetson began producing the Shady Oak Open Road. In a previous post here on the Lounge, Jimmy Pierce has noted that Tom Peters of Peters Brothers was involved in the design of the hat. According to the Peters Brothers web site, Tom Peters left Fort Worth for Philadelphia in 1921 in order to work for Stetson, where he learned his craft from Stetson's master hatters. Thus, it seems like a relationship existed between Tom Peters and Stetson that could well have served as a basis for collaboration. Jimmy Pierce also confirms that the hats resulting from Tom Peters' design efforts were produced by Stetson. According to Flemmons, Amon Carter "bought them through Washer Brothers, an old-line Fort Worth store, and later through Peters Brothers, a downtown hat shop." Flemmons estimates that, at the very least, Amon Carter gave away "many, many thousands" of Shady Oak hats. Apparently, Hat Life magazine proclaimed Carter the "world's greatest retail hat customer."

The Stetson Shady Oak Open Road contained a unique liner. The liner crown reads: "Shady Oak Farm, Ft. Worth, Texas, Where the West Begins." On the front part of the hat, the liner reads: "The Latch String Always Hangs Outside, Amon Carter." My own hunch is that, having initially produced the Shady Oak Open Road for Amon Carter, Stetson produced and distributed the Open Road more generally, without the Shady Oak liner.

According to Jimmy Pierce, Peters Brothers retained the rights to manufacture a Shady Oak hat, and Flemmons notes: "Peters Brothers Hatters in downtown Fort Worth, operated by a grandson, Joe, continues to manufacture its version of Stetson's Amon Carter Shady Oak Western hat."

I have posted these photos before, but I include them here as part of this discussion:

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w103/mojohaiku/Liner-13.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w103/mojohaiku/Liner-14.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w103/mojohaiku/CBQ.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w103/mojohaiku/WasherBrothers.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w103/mojohaiku/ShadyOakOR-3.jpg


Cheers,
JtL

[Dinerman]

My shady oak special has very different markings.

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee100/dinerman2/IMG_8191.jpg
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee100/dinerman2/IMG_8193.jpg
http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee100/dinerman2/IMG_8192.jpg

[jimmy the lid]

D-man --

Made in Switzerland? Whoah. Could you post some shots of the outside of the hat, as well? Very interesting...

Cheers,
JtL


Edit: To make sense of the next few posts below, insert photos of red OR here...:)

[Lefty]

I thought I saw that up on ebay in the stores section. Did someone buy it, or are those ebay shots?

[Lefty]

You're the expert, but based upon my guess that it's at least late 60s/early 70s, I guess it's possible that it was a short-lived factory issue for the Summer of Love folks.

[shortbow]

'Twould make a good huntin' hat where the other guys ain't too careful.:D

[frijoli]

[QUOTE=Dinerman] It's not mine, but I thought it was unusual enough to copy pictures of and share.


That is a NO-NO without permission, you know?
Clay

[jimmy the lid]

That is a NO-NO without permission, you know?
Clay

Not under these circumstances. It's a completely fair use of those photos, which Dinerman posted for the purpose of comment. I'm tempted to re-post them, but don't want this thread to get bogged down in back and forth over this issue.

That was a rare view of what looked to be a mid/late 60's red Open Road...

Cheers,
JtL

[AlanC]

I missed the above, but were these simply pictures posted from a public auction? I have no problem with them being posted here. I would consider it for educational purposes, which is fair use. We have a whole thread dedicated to the posting of (completed) ebay auctions and pictures, for that matter.

[jimmy the lid]

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w103/mojohaiku/a20e_1.jpg

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w103/mojohaiku/a1b2_1.jpg

[XPLSV]

So, there I was, reading through The Open Road Guild thread...and the next thing ya' know, I've managed two great finds and they both show up on my doorstep on my return from Alaska! No major complaints from the Wife either on having two same-style hats arriving on the same day...I won't even dare to ask why (or should I be asking why???).

Anyway...here's the pics of the first one, a Royal Deluxe Open Road. I have most of the story on it, too, which is always interesting. Appears it was purchased by a gentleman from Oklahoma on a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park in the early 1950's (the sweatband mark of "Humphrey's, Grand Lake, Colorado collaborates this). He apparently wasn't much of a hat wearer and his daughter in law believes he bought it as a souvenir of Colorado at the behest of his wife. She thinks it sat on a shelf all these years...and that could very well be the case. He passed a way a year or two ago and the son/daughter-in-law were clearing some stuff out and I managed to bring it back home to Colorado from where it had been residing up in Washington state. I believe the $12.50 price tag fits with the early 1950's date. I'm going to rebash it, but here are a couple shots of how it arrived. It has the colored lining, which I remember seeing a similar Royal Deluxe somewhere on the lounge, but cannot find it at present.

http://www.lifetimepens.com/images/hats/ORRD1.jpg
http://www.lifetimepens.com/images/hats/ORRD2.jpg
http://www.lifetimepens.com/images/hats/ORRD3.jpg
http://www.lifetimepens.com/images/hats/ORRD4.jpg

I'll post some pics of the Stetson Twenty Five Open Road tomorrow evening...

[yackitydo]

During the late 1960s the Stetson plant in Philadelphia was outdated and had labor troubles. A small plant in St Joseph Mo was making a few westerns hats for Stetson. When Stetsons president decided to sell the rights to make the hats, it looked all over the county for a reputable firm to license
the Stetson name. The Stevens Hat Manufacturing Co in St Joseph was chosen from many suitors. Stevens was a small two family owned manufacture of hats, caps and gloves. The third generation of hatmakers were in control and were excellent hatmakers. All of the equipment and a few of supervisors were moved to the St Jo location. At that time Cowboy movies was released and the western hat boomed. Truck drivers, lawyers, business men all wore cowboy hats thanks to John Travolta. I traveled West Texas and I had a limit on how many dozen hats per store. The Stevens Company purchased Paisano Hat Co in Laredo Texas. They made western straws and was moved to St Joseph in the 250000 sq ft plant. The salesmen carried Stetson cologne, Stetson gloves, umbrellas, belt buckles and hat bands.
The sales continued and in 1983 the Stetson Licensee Co purchased the entire Stevens stock. Unfortunately they knew nothing about making a great hat and the quality disappeared and Stetson went bankrupt. Irving Joel, another quality hatmaker bought the company and when he died Hicks-Muse and Tate bought Stetson and after a few years moved the operation to Garland Texas.

[XPLSV]

This is the second of the two Open Roads I obtained this past week. It is a Stetson Twenty Five...although I did have to pay $2 more than that ;) Looks like it spent its entire life in Texas, from what I can tell. I was originally thinking it might have been late 50's from my conversation with the late owner's daughter and the the fact the only photo I had of it was it sitting on top of one of the Stetson oval hat boxes w/buckle, similar to the first one I have below. Upon arrival, I saw it had a black leather band as opposed to brown, and I've read those were late 60's/70's and beyond. I haven't run across the adjustable sizing sweatband before, which I thought was pretty neat. I also saw it specified "mid oval," something else I haven't seem. Is this different than a regular oval? I'd appreciate any additional info those of you of the OR Guild can provide!

http://www.lifetimepens.com/images/hats/stetson251.jpg
http://www.lifetimepens.com/images/hats/stetson252.jpg
http://www.lifetimepens.com/images/hats/stetson253.jpg
http://www.lifetimepens.com/images/hats/stetson254.jpg
http://www.lifetimepens.com/images/hats/stetson255.jpg
http://www.lifetimepens.com/images/hats/stetson256.jpg

[Mark G]

XPLSV, that Stetson 25 is a beauty!!! I'm chartreuse with envy. I love the adjustable sweat band ribbon.:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

[jamespowers]

During the late 1960s the Stetson plant in Philadelphia was outdated and had labor troubles. A small plant in St Joseph Mo was making a few westerns hats for Stetson. When Stetsons president decided to sell the rights to make the hats, it looked all over the county for a reputable firm to license
the Stetson name. The Stevens Hat Manufacturing Co in St Joseph was chosen from many suitors. Stevens was a small two family owned manufacture of hats, caps and gloves. The third generation of hatmakers were in control and were excellent hatmakers. All of the equipment and a few of supervisors were moved to the St Jo location. At that time Cowboy movies was released and the western hat boomed. Truck drivers, lawyers, business men all wore cowboy hats thanks to John Travolta. I traveled West Texas and I had a limit on how many dozen hats per store. The Stevens Company purchased Paisano Hat Co in Laredo Texas. They made western straws and was moved to St Joseph in the 250000 sq ft plant. The salesmen carried Stetson cologne, Stetson gloves, umbrellas, belt buckles and hat bands.
The sales continued and in 1983 the Stetson Licensee Co purchased the entire Stevens stock. Unfortunately they knew nothing about making a great hat and the quality disappeared and Stetson went bankrupt. Irving Joel, another quality hatmaker bought the company and when he died Hicks-Muse and Tate bought Stetson and after a few years moved the operation to Garland Texas.

Thanks for the information that makes sense based on my own research. :D

[GentlemanFarmer]

Jimmy,

Thanks for that marvelous history lesson. That's why we all come to the Lounge.

[Orvil Newton]

Does this qualify me for the Guild?
http://wsm.ezsitedesigner.com/share/users/39/391362/websites/456328/images/831_DSC00963.JPG

I'm keeping the Cattleman's crease but I snapped the brim. The hat is very light and cool; perfect for the so-called summer in the Pacific Northwest.

[RBH]

Does this qualify me for the Guild?
http://wsm.ezsitedesigner.com/share/users/39/391362/websites/456328/images/831_DSC00963.JPG

I'm keeping the Cattleman's crease but I snapped the brim. The hat is very light and cool; perfect for the so-called summer in the Pacific Northwest.
I'll say it qualify's... sweet hat!!!!

Also check out the Brother of the Thin Ribbon.....

[GentlemanFarmer]

Orvil,

Love that color. I think out of all my OR and the clones, I like my Resistol San Antonio the most.

Robin

[Orvil Newton]

Orvil,

Love that color. I think out of all my OR and the clones, I like my Resistol San Antonio the most.

Robin

I'm very pleased with the color as well. It was hard to tell in the auction photos. Some of them looked like it might be silver belly.

I'm confused about the models though. This one has a tag in it that says Style: "Dalworth". What is different about a San Antonio?

[Lefty]

These photos of Truman and Open Road (http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=19840) need to be part of this thread.

[GentlemanFarmer]

Orvil,

My San Antonio is a dead ringer for my two Stetson ORs, crown height/brim width are exact, but they are all different colors. I haven't heard of the "Dalworth", though I know Resistol made a "Fort Worth". In your photo the hat appears to be a light to medium brown, not what I'd call silverbelly. Was it the lighting?

Anyway, nice hat.

Robin

[Orvil Newton]

Orvil,

My San Antonio is a dead ringer for my two Stetson ORs, crown height/brim width are exact, but they are all different colors. I haven't heard of the "Dalworth", though I know Resistol made a "Fort Worth". In your photo the hat appears to be a light to medium brown, not what I'd call silverbelly. Was it the lighting?

Anyway, nice hat.

Robin


The label inside the sweat band quite clearly says Style: Dalworth. Ah well, what's in a name, eh?

As for the color, the photo I posted looks, on my monitor at least, exactly correct but the auction photos on ebay were a bit confusing. The hat is a beautiful, to my eye, light fawn color.

[jimmy the lid]

Stetson 7x Clear Beaver

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2530647773_63e1f00fc9.jpg


Lefty -- I don't know what inspired that particular bash for your 7X, but check out the cowpoke on the left in this 1948 Stetson ad...;)

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w103/mojohaiku/1948StetsonAd.jpg


Cheers,
JtL

[Duck]

Lefty -- I don't know what inspired that particular bash for your 7X, but check out the cowpoke on the left in this 1948 Stetson ad...;)

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w103/mojohaiku/1948StetsonAd.jpg


Cheers,
JtL

Nice!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lefty]

After giving it a more typical fedora bash, I shaped the hat on my head - no kidding. I guess I have that 40s western feel right in my fingers.

[duggap]

These photos of Truman and Open Road (http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=19840) need to be part of this thread.
Did you ever notice that in all most every picture you see of Truman with a hat the brim is snapped up, not down.[huh]

[Colby Jack]

'tis a thing of beauty!...love them OR's....Saw one in an antique store the other day, 7 3/8, name brand of Rothschild I believe in silver belly. Thought about buying it, but it's way to small for me....:D

[Rick Blaine]

'tis a thing of beauty!...love them OR's....Saw one in an antique store the other day, 7 3/8, name brand of Rothschild I believe in silver belly. Thought about buying it, but it's way to small for me....:D

How much did they want for it? I don't have a Rothschild. I'll offer a finder's fee to the Colby Jack Fund for Wildlife... or Wild Life.

[XPLSV]

Got the Royal Deluxe Open Road (posted earlier) rebashed enough for the first day of wear...both for me and, I believe, the hat! The cattleman's crease on this one did not prove as stubborn as the one on the Twenty-Five...I'm still working on that one. I still want to smooth out the curves on the bash on this one some more...

http://www.lifetimepens.com/images/hats/or1st.jpg

[Lefty]

http://www.alumnifriends.mines.edu/fun_stuff/mines_stetson/stetson_2.jpg

Here's the story (http://www.alumnifriends.mines.edu/fun_stuff/mines_stetson/default.htm) behind the bash.

[Dinerman]

I'll start by staying that I ended up taking my Worth Walden beaver custom open road out to MT instead of my Wards cowboy which I had been intending.

Anyway...

I found it interesting how out there everyone I talked to referred to it as a fedora (as it should be), while out here in MD, it's mistaken for a cowboy hat all the time. I also thought it was cool how when people complimented me on it, it was usually, "hey, kid, nice open road", instead of just, "nice hat".

They sure know their lids out there.

[Justdog]

Recently recieved a 25 in org box with LO tag attached and 25 dollar sticker.
No store embossing on sweatband. Reeded band with wind tie. Inside the box was the slip of paper reading Inspected by #11 If it is necessary to return any hats from this lot please return this slip with merchandise to: John B Stetson Company PHILA.22, PA.. Does this help date the item? This particular hat has the classic bash( That would be the cattleman crease). Have another 25 but it is not bashed in the classic OR form. When the hats were sold blocked was a stiffener applied? My unblocked 25 seams to have an original pinch and center dent and is not as stiff as the blocked OR. Is this blocking easy to remove? Were individuals able to just pick an unblocked model and then personalize it before it had stiffiner applied? What was used for stiffiner? Definately a difference in the stiffness of my several OR hats. Any thoughts anwers? Thanks

[Justdog]

http://www.alumnifriends.mines.edu/fun_stuff/mines_stetson/stetson_2.jpg

Here's the story (http://www.alumnifriends.mines.edu/fun_stuff/mines_stetson/default.htm) behind the bash.

That was a great post. Any idea what the hard hat looked like that was modeled on the senior hat?

[Selentino]

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm40/Selentino/P1011356-1.jpg http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm40/Selentino/P1011355-1.jpg

Thanks Lefty!

[Lefty]

Great job on the bash! :eusa_clap

I'm glad that you're happy with the hat.

[univibe88]

What is the open crown height of a vintage OR? Did it vary like the brims?

[Lefty]

Some of my older photos were in a now apparently dead flickr account. I'm going to try to rebuild. This is the earliest post on this thread that will allow me to edit. The next few posts are about the bash in my 7x vs. one posted by Carter in another thread.

I've since sold my 3x, so I won't post that one. It's just not mine to post anymore.
Here's my 25
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk14/erikandgina/stetson251.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk14/erikandgina/stetson252.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk14/erikandgina/stetson253.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk14/erikandgina/stetson254.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk14/erikandgina/stetson255.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk14/erikandgina/stetson256.jpg

[indycop]

I think I've solved the mystery of what to call the curiously bash in put into my 7x. Thanks to the guy who bumped the "hat creases" thread today, or I never would have found it.

Here's mine:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2530647773_63e1f00fc9.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2330/2530650209_12bb1773f0.jpg

I guess it can't be too strange, if there are multiple names for it.
Kinda looks like a "delta wing" from the top.:D The F117 crease!

[Lefty]

Now, here's the 7x.
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk14/erikandgina/stetson7x1.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk14/erikandgina/stetson7x2.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk14/erikandgina/stetson7x4.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk14/erikandgina/stetson7x5.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk14/erikandgina/stetson7x6.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk14/erikandgina/stetson7x7.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk14/erikandgina/stetson7x8.jpg
http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk14/erikandgina/stetson7x9.jpg

[indycop]

I've been thinking of it as the Stealth Fighter crease. :)
You just gotta get one in black now!

[Lefty]

You just gotta get one in black now!

Tango Yankee has the only one one that I've ever seen, and I doubt he's going to part with it. Besides, living within 50 miles of Amish country, and sporting a pretty long beard, I don't wear black hats. There's enough confusion in the world. ;)


Here's the part about the thread by Carter in which the type of bash in my 7x is discussed. Unfortunately, his photos seem to have disappeared since yesterday.


I think I've solved the mystery of what to call the curious bash in put into my 7x. Thanks to the guy who bumped the "hat creases" thread today, or I never would have found it.


Here's a post (http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=25352&highlight=oreana+Bash) by Carter:


I purchased an Open Road beater and decided to see what I could do with it. I'd seen a bash that looked like a Montana Peak from the front but had only one big dent in the back. I've since seen this called Two Dents & a Mule Kick and an Oreanna. I kinda like the ist one as it seems appropriate. Anyway, here's my attempt at it.
[broken photo links removed]
I like the look. It doesn't look like something you see everyday and it has a workingman's look
I wouldn't call it pretty. The hat is still in need of a better cleaning than I can do and the old Cattleman's Creases are still noticable.

I guess it can't be too strange, if there are multiple names for it.

[mingoslim]

My most recent eBay find . . . and at $29.90 a steal of a deal . . .

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t53/mingoslim/Classic%20Fedoras%20-%20Past/S6300561-1.jpg

Think I dun good?

[Mark G]

Wow! that's a beauty for under $30 no less. Congrats!:eusa_clap

[Lefty]

Ditto. 3x the price would have been ok. 2x would have been quite good. For under 30 though, how could you pass it up?

[Justdog]

Got the royal deluxe cleaned and blocked. Was smelly and had a stiff cattelman crease. When it returned it was still blocked in the cattleman crease but far better size wise as it was blocked back to its original size. I sort of got it as a beater and was not impressed with it. I left it downstairs. Recently I took it off the rack and punched out the cattelman crease. The hat seamed way softer without the micro dirt and stiffner in it. No indication of felt content. I fooled around with it and it seemed to take a center dent with the sides dented in. Not a pinch fedora. I turned the whole brim down to look a bit like a los alamos but the brim did not take that well. I snapped the back up and left the front down. The felt turned soft and the bash just took naturally. It also seems like a totally different hat and bigger which makes it fit low on my forehead instead of way up like the classic cattleman it once was. I wear it quite a bit and even though it had a few moth blemishes it is an awesome hat now. I learned that when I aquire a hat I will just keep it around for a while then go back to it later. Gradually you can personalize it if it is of good quality. This deluxe OR spends 4 hours in the sun protecting me from the UV and I am suprised that my head does not roast, smile, It is a testiment to vintage hat quality.

[Justdog]

Heard and read on here that 15 usually meant the beaver designation and that sounded logical. The 15 I just got has 15 in the sweatband and 3x beaver in the liner. Have not seen this before. The hat is moca brown which I had not seen before.

[John in Covina]

Actually 15 /20/ 25 and on usually meant the dollar price point and was related to the quality of the hat but did not indicate a beaver rating.

15 = $15
20 = $20
and so on with the higher the price the higher the quality of the manufacture.

One thing is as inflation was present it seems that a 15 in 1925 dollars would probably be better quality than a 15 in 1950 dollars.

[jimmy the lid]

Yup. And, for a number of years, 3X Stetsons were typically priced at $15.

Cheers,
JtL

[Justdog]

Thanks for clarifying that , just never saw a 3x designation in the liner as well as the sweat embossed with the 15. Have to get it cleaned and blocked and will post a pic.

[Justdog]

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stetson1002.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stetson1003.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stetson1004.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stetson1005.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stetson1006.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stetson1007.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stetson100.jpg

[mingoslim]

But if I might, I do not think it is a true OR . . .

[John in Covina]

The 100 is similar but lacks the bound edge from what I see. Still nice lid!

[jamespowers]

But if I might, I do not think it is a true OR . . .


Yep, its way better. :p ;)

[Justdog]

But if I might, I do not think it is a true OR . . .
Yes not true OR but 100. Band is pictured in an add a lounger posted, maybe the mustang, hard to tell which hat goes with what description.

[Justdog]

Yep, its way better. :p ;)
Thks to whoever made it. Thks for the comment

[jamespowers]

Thks to whoever made it. Thks for the comment

Only experienced hatters at the factory were allowed to handle these expensive bodies because they didn't want to entrust making such a hat to a newbie that is for sure. ;) Whoever made it likely had been a hatter for decades. They knew what they were doing.
It wasn't just a comment it is strue. A common Open Road could have been made on the line by anybody. Yours is the work of a master craftsman using top notch materials. :eusa_clap

[Justdog]

Only experienced hatters at the factory were allowed to handle these expensive bodies because they didn't want to entrust making such a hat to a newbie that is for sure. ;) Whoever made it likely had been a hatter for decades. They knew what they were doing.
It wasn't just a comment it is strue. A common Open Road could have been made on the line by anybody. Yours is the work of a master craftsman using top notch materials. :eusa_clap
Wow! Well I sure appreciate the experience in here that lead me to appreciate these items.

[Pilgrim]

If I had a Stetson 100, I sure wouldn't worry about whether it was an Open Road or not. Those 100s are the cream of the Stetson line...that's an absolutely superb hat! :eusa_clap

[Justdog]

If I had a Stetson 100, I sure wouldn't worry about whether it was an Open Road or not. Those 100s are the cream of the Stetson line...that's an absolutely superb hat! :eusa_clap
Thanks for the positive post. Been wearing it a lot.

[Justdog]

If I had a Stetson 100, I sure wouldn't worry about whether it was an Open Road or not. Those 100s are the cream of the Stetson line...that's an absolutely superb hat! :eusa_clap
Nope not worried about that as I have enough ORs, not sure I really mean that or that enough means anything here:) That was in response to someone mentioning that it was not OR , I just love the hat. One thing my hatter told me to watch for yesterday and for online folks. The majority probably know anyway. The question might be asked along with mothbites stains and such. How is the condition of the liner attached to the hat felt? As my hatter was assessing several hats I brought in for blocking he looked at the one I was wearing and could see a bit of seperation of the threads from the liner and hat body. Just a condition do to age but significant for auctioning.

[dhermann1]

This hat was described on Ebay as a Stetson Royal DeLuxe. Looking closely at the pics I saw the two magic words "Open Road" on the sweat band. I couldn't believe nobody else on the planet noticed this. Anyway, I got it for $27, plus $6 shipping. Do you think I maybe got a little lucky? Don't hate me! (He said, gloating nauseatingly). It's a long oval, and I'm not. The result is that the brim needs a little careful tweaking or else it tends to twist somewhat oddly. But I'm very pleased to join the other members of the Guild, including former presidents Truman, Eisenhower and Johnson.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s268/dhermann1/OpenRoad.jpg

[RBH]

This hat was described on Ebay as a Stetson Royal DeLuxe. Looking closely at the pics I saw the two magic words "Open Road" on the sweat band. I couldn't believe nobody else on the planet noticed this. Anyway, I got it for $27, plus $6 shipping. Do you think I maybe got a little lucky? Don't hate me! (He said, gloating nauseatingly). It's a long oval, and I'm not. The result is that the brim needs a little careful tweaking or else it tends to twist somewhat oddly. But I'm very pleased to join the other members of the Guild, including former presidents Truman, Eisenhower and Johnson.
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s268/dhermann1/OpenRoad.jpg
I like it!!!
But to just clear the air... what size was it??? :D

[dhermann1]

It's a size 7. That's a major reason it was so cheap.

[RBH]

It's a size 7. That's a major reason it was so cheap.
SWEET! I thought it must be a smaller size. It looks great with the cattlemans crease!

[dhermann1]

I played around with it, and it told me it was happy this way. Now I have to figure out a whole new persona to go along with the hat. A mix of all the aforementioned presidents, plus maybe a little Sky King. Yeah, that's a start.
Did Rock Hudson wear an Open Road in Giant? Maybe a little Texas oil baron as well.

[carter]

I played around with it, and it told me it was happy this way. Now I have to figure out a whole new persona to go along with the hat. A mix of all the aforementioned presidents, plus maybe a little Sky King. Yeah, that's a start.
Did Rock Hudson wear an Open Road in Giant? Maybe a little Texas oil baron as well.

You do know that oil gives you gas? Right?

[Justdog]

[QUOTE=dhermann1]This hat was described on Ebay as a Stetson Royal DeLuxe. Looking closely at the pics I saw the two magic words "Open Road" on the sweat band. I couldn't believe nobody else on the planet noticed this. Anyway, I got it for $27, plus $6 shipping. Do you think I maybe got a little lucky? Don't hate me! (He said, gloating nauseatingly). It's a long oval, and I'm not. The result is that the brim needs a little careful tweaking or else it tends to twist somewhat oddly. But I'm very pleased to join the other members of the Guild, including former presidents Truman, Eisenhower and Johnson.

Sweet, nice ribbon. I got a deluxe with a cattleman crease and it smelt real nasty, hard as a walnut. Hatter turned it into a soft sweet hat. Looks like yours has a snap brim.:)

[epic610]

in my mind the perfect way to wear the "open road"

[Justdog]

Really like the wormsers I have, That is a real nice hat:eusa_clap

[Justdog]

in my mind the perfect way to wear the "open road"

Thats why I like the OR It can be worn many styles. I do like the western look and somewhat formal style of the stiffer cattleman crease sometimes.
Gives me the excuse to buy more ORs :)

[GoneSolo]

I removed it from here because I meant to post in the "Brotherhood" thread. It is technically not an Open Road, but similar.

[Justdog]

I removed it from here because I meant to post in the "Brotherhood" thread. It is technically not an Open Road, but similar.
Yes there is a thread on that very topic.

[carter]

Hello Daoud, You may be unaware of this but we are not suppposed to post any live ebay auctions in the FL threads. Only closed auctions may be posted. FYI.

[dhermann1]

Yes, a great foe paw, but what a cool item! It's the kind of thing you expect to find on Antiques Road Show in about ten or fifteen years, with a huge price attached.

[Daoud]

Hello Daoud, You may be unaware of this but we are not suppposed to post any live ebay auctions in the FL threads. Only closed auctions may be posted. FYI.
JEEZE LOUISE! a foe paw indeed! I am so sorry- I did read all the usage rules when I first applied and I just spaced it out- but that's no excuse. I deleted it, and it won't happen again. I am ate up with mortification!

[jimmy the lid]

Speaking of a faux pas...;)

Cheers,
JtL

[dhermann1]

Repost it after it closes. It's really a fascinating item.
We'll all be able to look at it with fope awe.

[Lefty]

Can someone please pm me on the action (or auction). I want in on the excitement.

[carter]

Repost it after it closes. It's really a fascinating item.
We'll all be able to look at it with fope awe.

When I saw the listing, I was filled with Shock & Fope Awe.

[Lefty]

Faux Paws?
http://i8.ebayimg.com/02/i/001/0c/f5/2d07_1.JPG

[carter]

:eek: If approached by an assailant wearing those I would immediately assume a Faux Pause to lure them into a false sense of superiority before I ran screaming like a girl into the night. ;) :)

[Lefty]

or you could just grin and bear it.

[jimmy the lid]

:eek: If approached by an assailant wearing those I would immediately assume a Faux Pause to lure them into a false sense of superiority before I ran screaming like a girl into the night. ;) :)

And then you'd run into the arms of a stranger and call him "Daddy" -- which would make him your Faux Pa...


Cheers,
JtL

[Lefty]

Unless he then threw you toward the person wearing the bear paws, in order to protect himself, thus making himself the foe pa.

[rgraham]

Faux Paws?
http://i8.ebayimg.com/02/i/001/0c/f5/2d07_1.JPG

Those gloves reminded me of White Fang from the "Soupy Sales Show". That was a cool show.

http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o423/rgraham_album/soupyal.gif

[carouselvic]

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/2029/openroad001zm6.th.jpg (http://img525.imageshack.us/my.php?image=openroad001zm6.jpg)http://img525.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)

Top left OR 25 top right OR Royal De Luxe
Bottom left 3X Round Gold Medallion Bottom right 3X Last Drop (re-blocked)

[Justdog]

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/2029/openroad001zm6.th.jpg (http://img525.imageshack.us/my.php?image=openroad001zm6.jpg)http://img525.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)

Top left OR 25 top right OR Royal De Luxe
Bottom left 3X Round Gold Medallion Bottom right 3X Last Drop (re-blocked)
:eusa_clap

[jamespowers]

Those gloves reminded me of White Fang from the "Soupy Sales Show". That was a cool show.

http://i342.photobucket.com/albums/o423/rgraham_album/soupyal.gif


Faux Opausome. :D

[jimmy the lid]

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/2029/openroad001zm6.th.jpg (http://img525.imageshack.us/my.php?image=openroad001zm6.jpg)http://img525.imageshack.us/images/thpix.gif (http://g.imageshack.us/thpix.php)

Top left OR 25 top right OR Royal De Luxe
Bottom left 3X Round Gold Medallion Bottom right 3X Last Drop (re-blocked)

Nice ORs! Do either of those top two lids have a blue tint going, or is that just my computer screen?

Cheers,
JtL

[John in Covina]

Photos taken in "open shade" often pick up a blue tint from the blue sky.

[carouselvic]

Nice ORs! Do either of those top two lids have a blue tint going, or is that just my computer screen?

Cheers,
JtL

Jimmy the hat in top right is a gray, but it does have a light blue hue in certain light. Your very astute. Victor

[bigshoe]

I have a stetson 100 with the original carrying case. It was given to me by the grandson of the original owner, a U.S. Senator. It has a spot on it but is in otherwise perfect condition. I have always been afraid to send it to get cleaned as I have been dissapointed with almost every hat I have done. What is the recomendation of the crew here.
Tom

[Lefty]

Step 1 - post a photo. We love that. Is the senator's name embossed on the sweat?
Step 2 - wait.

After that, some of the guys who know a lot about cleaning will either give you a great DIY method or will tell you to send it to Optimo. (http://optimohats.com/)

[Justdog]

I have a stetson 100 with the original carrying case. It was given to me by the grandson of the original owner, a U.S. Senator. It has a spot on it but is in otherwise perfect condition. I have always been afraid to send it to get cleaned as I have been dissapointed with almost every hat I have done. What is the recomendation of the crew here.
Tom
Just had mine cleaned and blocked Stet one Hundred not OR. Turned out great. It is well worth it. Pics:)

[John in Covina]

IIt has a spot on it but is in otherwise perfect condition. I have always been afraid to send it to get cleaned. Tom
************
The type of spot is what will determine what the best cleaning proceedure is going to be. Any idea as to what it is that got on the hat?

[bigshoe]

The Senator's name was embossed on it but my freind cut it out in case I ever wanted to sell it. You canstill se some of it. I will take some pics in the morning. I don't know what the spot is, it was on the hat when I got it.
Tom

[Lefty]

The Senator's name was embossed on it but my freind cut it out

:eek:

[PabloElFlamenco]

This is my official application for membership of this highly esteemed guild! For the sake of clarity, my new (and best) hat is a Stetson 20 Sovereign, said to date back to the fifties, but I think rather more like anything from 1970 to 1990 (?). It's a beautiful hat, I particularly like to leave it in its original "western" bash.
BTW, the sympathetic feller next to me is Zappa, half St.Bernard, half Husky. The hairs he sheds could easily make felt!

http://img384.imageshack.us/img384/1853/img3518kl6.jpg


Correction! This is NOT an Open Road! It is a cowboy hat! I retract my membership application. I hope my respectability has not been endangered by my youthful enthusiasm at wishing to join this respectful guild... Later, I shall try again with ...another hat lol

[warbird]

Correction! This is NOT an Open Road! It is a cowboy hat! I retract my membership application. I hope my respectability has not been endangered by my youthful enthusiasm at wishing to join this respectful guild... Later, I shall try again with ...another hat lol

You can still be a member of the brotherhood of the thin ribbon :)

[PabloElFlamenco]

You can still be a member of the brotherhood of the thin ribbon :)

That's right, Warbird: the VERY thin ribbon. Much like "Flatman and Ribbon" (remember them?) lol

[John in Covina]

Hey there are to many clone threads and not enough about the original!

[Justdog]

Here is a Royal OR. Got this one and it was stiff smelly and had a few moth bites.
Fit way off my head in a classic LBJ crease (cattleman). Was not enthusiastic about it so I left it in the basement for 3 weeks:) . Decided to take it to the hatter and have it cleaned. Got it back and was not quite sure if it was the same hat. The felt was soft and supple and it seemed bigger. It is like an every day category hat or a sort of beater but I don't beat up hats. Certainly worth the cleaning and blocking cost. One of the softer felts I have.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/RoyalOR.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/RoyalOR2.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/RoyalOR3.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/RoyalOR4.jpg

[BobC]

I won my first Open Road on e-bay last week. It was also the first hat I've bought from e-bay. I've been waiting for daylight to take pictures of it, but when I did I found that flash pictures gave the best rendition of the hat's color.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/bkcross/IMG_0534.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/bkcross/IMG_0537.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/bkcross/IMG_0538.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/bkcross/IMG_0539.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/bkcross/IMG_0546.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn102/bkcross/IMG_0547.jpg

I'd like to see any comments or criticisms about the hat as far as how old you take it to be, its quality and condition, etc if you care to. Also is there a correct way to wear an OR - front brim snapped up or snapped down? My feeling is that this one sits high on my head (or higher than I'm used to). Do OR's normally sit high? This one's size tag says 7 1/4 Long Oval, which would normally fit me, but I wonder if it has shrunk. The e-bay description said it is a 7 1/4 but fit more like a 7 3/8. I have found that not to be true. It fits like a tight 7 1/4.

[quintox]

Stetson royal deluxe


http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj173/xookeeper/stetson-road/openroad_band.jpg

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj173/xookeeper/stetson-road/lining.jpg


http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj173/xookeeper/stetson-road/texas_band.jpg


http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj173/xookeeper/stetson-road/open_road.jpg

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj173/xookeeper/stetson-road/stetson_band.jpg

[RBH]

Welcome quintox ! Thats a super looking Open Road!!!!

[epic610]

i like the lower most photo with the brim snapped down fedora style ...yet with the cattleman's crease.

[BobC]

i like the lower most photo with the brim snapped down fedora style ...yet with the cattleman's crease.

Thanks, epic. I'm with you. I like it better that way too.

[TopGumby]

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h38/msgte/Pictures2008078.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h38/msgte/Pictures2008102.jpg

Ebay aquisition, arrived today. Came with various slips from Resistol and Kaufman Menswear, either in Great Falls or Missoula MT. Price listed at $25, but there was a sales slip and sale price sticker for $5.97! The dark brown sweat is marked with the store info, Resistol name, and at the front "5X Beaver". There's a trolley.

All the tags are still in the hat. One lists the model, size, price, color and brim size (SAN ANT, 7-1/2, 25.00, 2-5/8) and the other touts the virtures of the Resistol self-conforming floating band. The lining has the Resistol name, crest and underneath that it reads "A Byer-Rolnick PRODUCT".

It seems like new, and I'm almost reluctant to mess up the tags in order to put some Lexol on the sweat. Should I remove them and set them aside, or leave em in and wear it tags and all?

Thanks in advance!

[UWS Cowboy]

Not the best pictures.. Owen Wilson wears a great, great western hat in The Royal Tenenbaums. In the script it's a Stetson. Can you all tell if this is an Open road?http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m284/ButchCoolidge/865347710_9fb1bff7f4.jpghttp://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m284/ButchCoolidge/owen_wilson_the_royal_tenenbaums_00.jpg

[PabloElFlamenco]

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h38/msgte/Pictures2008078.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h38/msgte/Pictures2008102.jpg

Ebay aquisition, arrived today. Came with various slips from Resistol and Kaufman Menswear, either in Great Falls or Missoula MT. Price listed at $25, but there was a sales slip and sale price sticker for $5.97! The dark brown sweat is marked with the store info, Resistol name, and at the front "5X Beaver". There's a trolley.

All the tags are still in the hat. One lists the model, size, price, color and brim size (SAN ANT, 7-1/2, 25.00, 2-5/8) and the other touts the virtures of the Resistol self-conforming floating band. The lining has the Resistol name, crest and underneath that it reads "A Byer-Rolnick PRODUCT".

It seems like new, and I'm almost reluctant to mess up the tags in order to put some Lexol on the sweat. Should I remove them and set them aside, or leave em in and wear it tags and all?

Thanks in advance!

TopGumby, that hat is absolutely tops and great picture in front of the Xmas tree! And the bash looks fabulous, too. I have no idea about Resistol hats, nor their history, but from what I see, though, this must be a very good quality hat. How old do you think it might be? What's the color of the sweatband: light brown or dark brown/or black?
Can't you just put the Lexol on, those tags must be on the inside of the sweatband, no? I would, ordinarily, wear the hat tags'n all, I have some old hats with tags still there, and they been there for a long time...
But, again: here's a very nice hat!
Greetings from Belgium
Paul

[Justdog]

Rebashed this as it was in as new condition with the cattleman crease. Have a couple like that so I bashed it with a pinch and lowered the brim at the front. Fits great especially now as it lowered the fit closer to my brow. The leather sweat is like new leather and real soft wide and comfortable like right off the shelf so I will have to start wearing it to make it conform to my shape. Is not full of stiffener but is merely a new stiff. Definitely a keeper now:) Actually it has a bull nose not a pinch.

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/OpenRoad.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stet25LO3.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stet25LO2.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d138/justdog/Hats/Stet25LO.jpg

[Justdog]

It seems like new, and I'm almost reluctant to mess up the tags in order to put some Lexol on the sweat. Should I remove them and set them aside, or leave em in and wear it tags and all?

Thanks in advance![/QUOTE]

Sweet hat nice ribbon classic look. Personally I try to keep the hats tags in place if possible but after wearing, the 12.50 prices on the inside fade away.
Keep em in if you can but try and preserve them.

[carter]

It seems like new, and I'm almost reluctant to mess up the tags in order to put some Lexol on the sweat. Should I remove them and set them aside, or leave em in and wear it tags and all?

Thanks in advance!
Suggest being very cautious regarding the use of Lexol on the sweatband. GWD did that on one of his hats and it destroyed the sweatband. I don't remember the thread but you might want to pm him before using Lexol.

I'd leave the tags in and wear the hat as it is.

[Justdog]

Suggest being very cautious regarding the use of Lexol on the sweatband. GWD did that on one of his hats and it destroyed the sweatband. I don't remember the thread but you might want to pm him before using Lexol.

I'd leave the tags in and wear the hat as it is.

Good advice on the Lexol. I find the natural oils in my forehead work into the leather plus wearing it soften and conforms it to your shape.

[cromcruiach]

Not the best pictures.. Owen Wilson wears a great, great western hat in The Royal Tenenbaums. In the script it's a Stetson. Can you all tell if this is an Open road?http://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m284/ButchCoolidge/865347710_9fb1bff7f4.jpghttp://i107.photobucket.com/albums/m284/ButchCoolidge/owen_wilson_the_royal_tenenbaums_00.jpg


It sure looks like an Open Road to me. Does Owen Wilson--er, "Eli Cash" in the film--get to join the guild? Now, if only I could find that stylin' jacket of his somewheres . . .

[cromcruiach]

My application for admission into the esteemed guild:

http://i449.photobucket.com/albums/qq219/cromcruiach/Open%20Road/OR1.jpghttp://i449.photobucket.com/albums/qq219/cromcruiach/Open%20Road/OR2.jpg
http://i449.photobucket.com/albums/qq219/cromcruiach/Open%20Road/OR3.jpghttp://i449.photobucket.com/albums/qq219/cromcruiach/Open%20Road/OR4.jpg

I'm usually a fedora guy, but I love the classic cattleman-creased OR!

[St.Ignatz]

I've been looking all over for an OR 7 5/8LO and she threw this in when a won I pair of Dobbs. Not a Stetson OR but I'm getting closer.

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2543627160104422930NqIWIV?vhost=good-times

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2649292770104422930NpSpdc?vhost=good-times

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2759726530104422930mDwZZL?vhost=good-times

http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2093141520104422930DCrxjK?vhost=good-times

Still can't seem to get a full sized pic to post. Any suggestions?

[cromcruiach]

Still can't seem to get a full sized pic to post. Any suggestions?

Have you tried the tutorial at:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/faq.php?faq=vb_read_and_post#faq_vb_attachment_exp lain

Basically, if you edit your post, you need to change your URLs to IMGs

[St.Ignatz]

Thanks Crom, I'll give it a try.

[zetwal]

OR Brothers

What year did the Stetson Open Road first appear? And is there any correlation between brim size and decade of manufacture? Thanks!

[gtdean48]

OR Brothers
What year did the Stetson Open Road first appear? And is there any correlation between brim size and decade of manufacture? Thanks!
This has been hashed around a good bit. Try a search on Open Road & get ready for lots of reading. I seem to recall RBH having a Stetson ad of "Open" Road back in the 1930's. It does seem brim size varies from 2 1/2" up to 2 7/8". I do think I saw one listed at 3" but most common is 2 7/8".... gtd

[zetwal]

I haven't had much success searching the lounge for specific bits of information. That's why I asked. I'll explore the advanced search option next. Perhaps I'm not getting the most out of the search engine.

Meanwhile, if anyone can add to what GTD says and/or can point me to a specific thread where this question is address more fully I would appreciate it.

Thanks again ~ E

[Lefty]

Go back to page 28 for the earliest OR (owned by Douglas) and the earliest OR ad (posted by JtL) that anyone has come across. As to brim width, it seems that there have been some variations, but I don't know whether the variations correlate to year of manufacture.

[RBH]

OR Brothers

What year did the Stetson Open Road first appear? And is there any correlation between brim size and decade of manufacture? Thanks!
The date of 1937 seems right as this was the first ad for a 'Open Road' I found. It was in the Hammond Times in Indiana.
Sept 15 1937

<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/7572/or1xa9.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"/></a>

then from Sept 24 1937

<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/1796/0r1aaq6.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"/></a>

and then an ad with a likeness from April 1 1938

<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/626/or2zv5.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"/></a>

[KatintheHat]

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h38/msgte/Pictures2008078.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h38/msgte/Pictures2008102.jpg

Ebay aquisition, arrived today. Came with various slips from Resistol and Kaufman Menswear, either in Great Falls or Missoula MT. Price listed at $25, but there was a sales slip and sale price sticker for $5.97! The dark brown sweat is marked with the store info, Resistol name, and at the front "5X Beaver". There's a trolley.

All the tags are still in the hat. One lists the model, size, price, color and brim size (SAN ANT, 7-1/2, 25.00, 2-5/8) and the other touts the virtures of the Resistol self-conforming floating band. The lining has the Resistol name, crest and underneath that it reads "A Byer-Rolnick PRODUCT".

It seems like new, and I'm almost reluctant to mess up the tags in order to put some Lexol on the sweat. Should I remove them and set them aside, or leave em in and wear it tags and all?

Thanks in advance!

I think 60's, with a $25 price tag. I recently shaped a 50's resistol with a $12 price tag using this thread as a basis of dating ... it's a long and drawn out argument but Stan knows his Resistols>>> http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=33841

[zetwal]

Thanks RBH for sharing the very early OR notices ~ interesting ~ E

[Caz]

Here are my entries for membership qualification for your kind consideration:

The first one is one I bought 35 years ago and wore for years. It has been retired, but somewhere, I have at least one pic of me wearing it "back in the day."

http://i43.tinypic.com/2crstqd.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/v6u7x5.jpg

Here is a more modern version of the type...the Akubra Campdraft, which my wife gifted to me a short time ago...

http://i39.tinypic.com/5x981t.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/1zdy810.jpg
(Yes, I like the brim flipped down all around)

I'll get some more pics of me in it shortly...

I have a four Akubras (Fed IV Del., Campdraft, Bushman and Squatter) as my brother works in a hat shop and I just can't resist...

Now why did these pics go all monochromatic on me??

[RBH]

I like that Campdraft!

[carter]

Stetson Open Road Twenty-Five
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3298/3180462133_87639b6b38.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/3180461331_0cea7f01c2.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3521/3180460505_ac8eaaff37.jpg

[TopGumby]

KatintheHat -

Thanks for the info. I really like that Resistol, and knowing that LBJ wore that brand is kinda cool. I think. :o

[PabloElFlamenco]

Stetson Open Road Twenty-Five
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3298/3180462133_87639b6b38.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/3180461331_0cea7f01c2.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3521/3180460505_ac8eaaff37.jpg

Howdy, Carter. Mmmm... very nice... Open Road...25... yesssssssss! :eusa_clap

[PabloElFlamenco]

I could have posted this in "new hats" (because it is, to me), it isn't, properly speaking, an official "Open Road" hat (but has all the characteristics, minus wind trolley). I posted it here, because it fits in the discussion, more specifically in relation to Lefty's 7x clear beaver, and especially the bash.

My new hat, won on eBay, is a Stetson 7x, but there is no mention of any "beaver" anywhere, it's a Silverbelly, said to be 7 3/8 (more a large 7 1/8) "Long Oval", originally sold at Shudde Bros. in Houston.

It arrived a few days ago in a very traditional OR cattleman bash, the central crease very long and deep, and on each side, two shorter smaller creases. It gives the hat a "low crown" look I don't really like. I decided to change the bash, and tried my hand on the basis of Lefty's model. It wasn't easy. After some sponge cleaning with plenty steam, the felt does not easily shape (nowhere near my "Nutria" hat nor, apparently, like Lefty's 7x clear beaver). Whilst the felt is very soft to the touch (much softer than a Campdraft, for instance), it seems to resist changing shape somewhat, but it did, more or less, conform and, luckily, I managed to sponge-clean the hat enough not to show any old (dirty) crease-lines.

I invite Lefty and others to tip me on where the bash needs to be adjusted, as I haven't quite yet managed to get it completely "right". Also, I would wonder about how old this hat might be. The size tag is gold colored, square shaped, with black letters. Seems unusual to me...

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk68/PabloElFlamenco/xxxxxxxStetson009.jpg


http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk68/PabloElFlamenco/xxxxxxxStetson014.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk68/PabloElFlamenco/xxxxxxxStetson013.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk68/PabloElFlamenco/xxxxxxxStetson011.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk68/PabloElFlamenco/xxxxxxxStetson012.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk68/PabloElFlamenco/xxxxxxxStetson015.jpg

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk68/PabloElFlamenco/xxxxxxxStetson004.jpg

[Lefty]

Pablo, my crease was completely accidental; there was no skill involved. I put my hat on my head and shaped it while it was up there. I did it without steam, water, a mirror, or input from anyone else. I doubt I could have shaped the hat as I did if I had intended to do so.

I don't have any experience with the 7x non-cb, but I believe that Dinerman has described it as being a bit stiff. You're obviously better at shaping hats than I am and have done quite well with that one. :)

[Lefty]

You should have been a spy. I can't recognize you from photo to photo.:p
Nice score on the 25.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3521/3180460505_ac8eaaff37.jpg

[carter]

Pablo, Nice job on that bash. In the western vernacular, that is known an an Oreanna or "two dents and a mule kick".
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk68/PabloElFlamenco/xxxxxxxStetson013.jpghttp://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk68/PabloElFlamenco/xxxxxxxStetson014.jpg
The hat worn by Daniel Day Lewis in the fil There Will Be Blood appears to be bashed like this.
http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2008/02/01/Blood300_080131040138517_wideweb__300x375.jpg
In the early part of the 20th century, that, as well as the Montana Peak, even made it's way into some "city" hats.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2184/2092846274_038cacf455.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2156/2092846336_82741312ab.jpg
Here's another old OR rebashed into an Oreanna
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2156/2054133252_a6f957a37e.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2301/2054133494_44eb739cd2.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2238/2054134706_efe6d94f87.jpg

[gtdean48]

Very cool bash. I've got a 3x that needs a new shape & this is inspiring. Good job Carter.

[carter]

gtdean48, Have fun with that bash. The OR in my post is a 4X that had the liner glued in (thus the staining seen in the interior shot). Here's a Montana Peak that I'm still working on. This ones a 3X.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3350/3183034862_4f78c7c0bb.jpg
I'd like to have more old OR's to work on. It's a versatile hat.

[gtdean48]

Thanks Carter. My 3x is an older one but is a lower crown that some others I have. I'm hoping the peak picks it up some. I'll post a photo or 2 when I get what I am after. Nice job on that one, too.

[jimmy the lid]

Carter -- I think you pull off that Montana Peak look pretty darn well! Be sure to show us the finished product.

Cheers,
JtL

[PabloElFlamenco]

Well, thank you Carter: I've learned yet another thing . So here's me copying Lefty's "accidental bash" and getting a mule's kick as reward for my deed...Oreanna sounds nice, though.

I like the notion that you, Carter, wrote to be "working on something". Looks like a lot of us are, at any one time or another, fiddling around with some hat or other. Earlier this afternoon, I spent some time cutting "round" a piece of stiff cardboard to fit as insert inside a round American Tourister (fiberglass?) train box I bought; the result is a perfect hat-stabilizer made to measure...

Kind regards from the Kingdom of Belgium.
Paul

[carter]

Well, thank you Carter: I've learned yet another thing . So here's me copying Lefty's "accidental bash" and getting a mule's kick as reward for my deed...Oreanna sounds nice, though.

I like the notion that you, Carter, wrote to be "working on something". Looks like a lot of us are, at any one time or another, fiddling around with some hat or other. Earlier this afternoon, I spent some time cutting "round" a piece of stiff cardboard to fit as insert inside a round American Tourister (fiberglass?) train box I bought; the result is a perfect hat-stabilizer made to measure...

Kind regards from the Kingdom of Belgium.
Paul

Paul, I believe you are corrrect. The folks on the FL always seem to have ongoing projects. Repair/rebuild of vintage hatboxes is one I need to stop deferring. I'd like to see your hatbox and insert once completed. All the best from Texas to Belgium!

Here's that 3X Open Road rebashed into a Montana Peak. I'm pretty happy with this one.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3265/3185039273_791fc9348f.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/3185041665_a88d4c7723.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3320/3185036719_2c73c46da2.jpghttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3395/3185044207_62048e97f7.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3390/3185032541_05894d7e1c.jpg

[PabloElFlamenco]

Carter, that box is in the bedroom where my wife is, by now, sleeping, so I owe you one picture.
I never been to Dallas but I lived in El Paso; it was a helluva change from green little Belgium to dry big tumbleweed land. I never been the same since, and I don't regret it one bit.
Completely OT. One week after my arrival in EP in July 1963, we went to Big Bend and hiked some dozen miles or so up the ridge. Narrow path, big rattler. Change # one.
Going to join my wife.
Good night.

[dostacos]

is anyone familiar with the tv program Walker Texas Ranger? If so does the character CD PARKER wear an open road with the cattleman's bash?
<a href="http://s185.photobucket.com/albums/x94/Dostacos/?action=view&current=6b04d764f29805b2-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x94/Dostacos/6b04d764f29805b2-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[PistolPete1969]

Hello All-

I hereby humbly submit my application to join your noble & worthy guild. Thank you for your patience.

This is a Resistol OR clone professionally redone by Gus Miller @ Batsakes for me.

Petehttp://s543.photobucket.com/albums/gg449/PistolPete1969/?action=view&current=036.jpg

Thank you

[JohnnyB53]

Here's some food for thought for those of you experimenting with Montana peaks and mule kicks:

Here is a special treatment that David Morgan (http://www.davidmorgan.com) gave their Bushman, which is essentially an Akubra Campdraft in an exclusive color, Nullarbor Tan, with a wider (3-1/4") brim. The hatband is Morgan's own plaited kangaroo hide design:

http://www.davidmorgan.com/images/836_1606_lg6.jpg

It might work with an Open Road and certainly should work with any 5-1/2" to 6" open crown with a 3" brim or slightly larger. I gave my Bushman a more conventional bash, but I think this bash and accessorizing is very cool.

[John in Covina]

Here's some food for thought for those of you experimenting with Montana peaks and mule kicks:
Here is a special treatment that David Morgan (http://www.davidmorgan.com) gave their Bushman, which is essentially an Akubra Campdraft in an exclusive color, Nullarbor Tan, with a wider (3-1/4") brim. The hatband is Morgan's own plaited kangaroo hide design:
http://www.davidmorgan.com/images/836_1606_lg6.jpg
It might work with an Open Road and certainly should work with any 5-1/2" to 6" open crown with a 3" brim or slightly larger. I gave my Bushman a more conventional bash, but I think this bash and accessorizing is very cool.

That's a great cowboy look! I still want to get a nice "Tom Mix" cowboy hat, one of these days.

[JohnnyB53]

That's a great cowboy look! I still want to get a nice "Tom Mix" cowboy hat, one of these days.
:offtopic: Miller Hats (http://www.cowboyhatstore.com/tom_mix/tom_mix1.htm) has 'em. For a lot less money, you could get an Akubra Sombrero (http://www.everythingaustralian.com.au/shopexd.asp?id=52), which is shipped open crown, and has very similar proportions to the Tom Mix. Then replace the leather hatband with a 1-3/4" grosgrain ribbon and put a Tom Mix bash into the crown. The only thing is it would be tawny fawn instead of silverbelly, but that may actually be a good thing to dial down the movie costume factor.

[gtdean48]

Thanks Carter. My 3x is an older one but is a lower crown that some others I have. I'm hoping the peak picks it up some. I'll post a photo or 2 when I get what I am after. Nice job on that one, too.
I took the 3x (1999 model) & did the traditional teardrop-like fedora crease. I did take my bushhog OR & did the Orreana bash. Photos to come...

[gtdean48]

The 3X I mentioned earlier has OPRD in the item field on tag under the sweatband. It is a 1999 model ( Jan 11 1999 stamped on inside of sweatband. I guess you don't need Open Road stenciled into the sweat then....

[Matt Deckard]

http://237studio.com/images/49069.jpg

[Tango Yankee]

Well, not an official Open Road, but a Stetson "Genuine Panama (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=200296821073)" with a Cattleman's crease and thin ribbon.

Cheers,
Tom

[portolan]

I am learning.....didn't get a Playboy, but got this Open Road. I hope this round indentation thingy will come out....what do you think? I am way still in the beginner stage. I got this one on my very last bid. Fifty cents more and it would have been gone. Any ideas about the age of it? I am assuming not very old. Now I have to find a nice fedora.....

Here are the pics:

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2001-1/1419/241th1.JPG

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2001-1/1419/241th9.JPG

[John in Covina]

Dear Portolan,

When you post pictures of your hat and you want to know more about the age and such you should do the following:

Show us the inside! The best pictures will show the lining and the sweat band. The styles of crest and such put it into a certain range of manufacture.

Best to clearly show the imprints, also you should write out all those inside details in your post if the pictures aren't as close and clear as we'd like.

Check under the sweat for any tags with info on them too, sometimes it will tell you straight out a date of manufacture.

Those insider pictures are enjoyed by many, inform everyone and help the knowledgeble arrive at a range of time for manufacture plus it adds to the general knowledge on line.

Sometimes one of the imprints will have the store it came from and a look up on line of that store will give you some insights too.

:eusa_clap

[portolan]

These are the pics from the seller. Thanks for the great advice. Can't wait to get the OR...

[kiltie]

...and I'm an Open Road owner. I got my membership to the Diamond Authority via a Resistol San Antonio, but this is my first bona fide OR.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj290/safdkiltie/IMG_0781.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj290/safdkiltie/IMG_0780.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj290/safdkiltie/IMG_0782.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj290/safdkiltie/IMG_0784.jpg

I got it about an hour ago and gave it this quick bash. It had sort of a modified "cattleman's crease" but, as you can see, it takes the new look quite well. It is juuuuuust about perfect, save for a tiny spot that looks to have somhow been abraded, under the brim. I'm sure it'll disappear with some super fine sandpaper. It looks like it was nicked by a straight pin for a 1/2 inch; visible only at a particular angle.
Wow, I'll even say it myself - Great Hat!
The last link is the sweatband and liner. Can anyone gimmie a ballpark date on this one?

[RBH]

...and I'm an Open Road owner. I got my membership to the Diamond Authority via a Resistol San Antonio, but this is my first bona fide OR.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj290/safdkiltie/IMG_0781.jpg

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj290/safdkiltie/IMG_0780.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj290/safdkiltie/IMG_0782.jpg
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj290/safdkiltie/IMG_0784.jpg

I got it about an hour ago and gave it this quick bash. It had sort of a modified "cattleman's crease" but, as you can see, it takes the new look quite well. It is juuuuuust about perfect, save for a tiny spot that looks to have somhow been abraded, under the brim. I'm sure it'll disappear with some super fine sandpaper. It looks like it was nicked by a straight pin for a 1/2 inch; visible only at a particular angle.
Wow, I'll even say it myself - Great Hat!
The last link is the sweatband and liner. Can anyone gimmie a ballpark date on this one?

Be sure to join up with The Brotherhood Of the Thin Ribbon also!!!

[nickn5]

May I present myself humbly and petition to join the august ranks of the Open Road Guild?

Size 7 1/8 LO XXX with wind trolley, needs the slightest stretch to fit perfectly on my near 7 1/4 noggin. Re-bashed hat on arrival from cattleman to fedora, need to apply some steam ideally to retain full bash.

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/nickn5_photos/DSC00352.jpg

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/nickn5_photos/DSC00355.jpg

N. :)

[gtdean48]

VERY nice!...

[Michaelshane]

Can someone date these?

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh450/andycat60/P1030925.jpg
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh450/andycat60/P1030927.jpg
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh450/andycat60/P1030930.jpg
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh450/andycat60/P1030929.jpg

[carter]

Kiltie, That OR is OUTSTANDING! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap
http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj290/safdkiltie/IMG_0781.jpg

nickn5, Nice OR. Looking forward to seeing it on your noggin. I
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/nickn5_photos/DSC00352.jpg

Portolan and Michaelshane, Nice OR's, gentlemen. Looking forward to seeing what you do with them.

[carouselvic]

My best guess is 1960's...the 7 1/4 is the newest of the two.

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/6363/stetson25liner002aj1.th.jpg (http://img204.imageshack.us/my.php?image=stetson25liner002aj1.jpg)

http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/638/stetson25liner001fp9.th.jpg (http://img353.imageshack.us/my.php?image=stetson25liner001fp9.jpg)
This is my OR 25...I believe it is from the 50's. The sweatband is a full 2" wide. The liner lacks that gold piping around the plastic. Also the faux adjustable sweatband is omitted.

[gtdean48]

My best guess is 1960's...the 7 1/4 is the newest of the two...
:arated:

[nickn5]

a photo of my 50s OR on the stretcher and me wearing it after some minor resizing and some major reshaping... :

Aiming for a diamond crease:

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/nickn5_photos/DSC00360.jpg

On me noggin...

http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd299/nickn5_photos/DSC00363.jpg

N. :)

[gtdean48]

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

[Atticus Finch]

My new Campdraft arrived from Hats Direct after only seven days' wait. Last night I set about bashing it. Please understand that I've never bashed a hat (on purpose) in my life, so this was quite an experience.

Step one was to "block" the hat to fit my long-oval melon. My Campdraft is size 7 5/8, so I used a smaller, medium-sized hat stretcher and a lot of steam to lengthen the opening. Then I let it "set" for an hour.

Step two was to snap down the brim. This was pretty easy. Didn't need much steam or effort to do this.

Step three was to form the crown. Frankly, this took a fair amount of work. I was trying to copy RBH's Stratoliner---which is about the sharpest looking lid I've ever seen. Please believe me, I made a lot of trips from the teapot on my kitchen stove to my computer screen in my effort to get the lines of the crown exactly right. Sadly, I didn't even come close. I never could quite duplicate those classic lines.

Step four was to put the pinch in the front. Again, this took a fair amount of steam and effort to get the symmetry the way I thought it should be.

Anyhow, here's my Campdraft---Atticus blocked and bashed. I have to say, I like it...and my cat, Maggie...well she thinks its the cat's meow!

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/g-1/Stetsons/campdraft008-1.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/g-1/Stetsons/campdraft009-1.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/g-1/Stetsons/campdraft004-1.jpg

http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f248/g-1/Stetsons/campdraft014-1.jpg

AF

[univibe88]

That looks fantastic Atticus!

[Atticus Finch]

Thanks, Karl. I was so happy with how my hat turned out that I just ordered another Campdraft---this time in silverbelly, and this time from EA. The service from HD was first rate---but, for me, the marginal utility of yet another Open Road styled hat has gotten low enough that I had to go with EA's more reasonable price. The wait will be three months, but I have plenty of hats to wear until then.

AF

[rgraham]

Nicely done. I can see that after elongating the hat into a long oval, you ended up with the same little reverse flip in the brim as I did. It's kind of subtle, but it's there.

I too ordered another Campdraft after my first, but ordered it in a long oval. You may want to include that in your new order so you won't have to stretch it out yourself. I'm hoping this will make for a nice smooth curve in the front from crown to tip of front brim.

[Feraud]

The Borsalino version.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/feraud/Fedora%20Lounge/DSC06642.jpg

[Atticus Finch]

Nicely done. I can see that after elongating the hat into a long oval, you ended up with the same little reverse flip in the brim as I did. It's kind of subtle, but it's there.

I too ordered another Campdraft after my first, but ordered it in a long oval. You may want to include that in your new order so you won't have to stretch it out yourself. I'm hoping this will make for a nice smooth curve in the front from crown to tip of front brim.

Thank you. That was a good suggestion. I just e-mailed EA and asked if I could amend my order to specify a long oval size 61.

AF

[gtdean48]

Thank you. That was a good suggestion. I just e-mailed EA and asked if I could amend my order to specify a long oval size 61.

AF
Does EA do the blocking to Long Oval then ship? I'd assume Akubra just makes them to the size & doesn't have this step at the factory but could be wrong...

[Atticus Finch]

Does EA do the blocking to Long Oval then ship? I'd assume Akubra just makes them to the size & doesn't have this step at the factory but could be wrong...

Not yet sure. As soon as EA returns my e-mail I'll post their answer. If long oval is really available from vendors such as HD and EA, it will be yet another reason for me to just buy Akubra hats from now on.

AF

[gtdean48]

I've also read on here that Campdrafts tend to seem larger than other styles, possibly due to the Open Crown, but they come back to your head after wearing a good while. I have a Kiandra in 61 that fits real nice.

[Atticus Finch]

Hi All,

I received an e-mail from Everything Australian this morning. Of course, it was in response to yesterday's request for a long oval Campdraft.


Hi Geoffrey, Thank you for your email.No problem at all, your Campdraft will be made long oval.
Kind Regards Sam Menche
www.everythingaustralian.com.au

Tough to beat that kind of service, don't y'all think?

AF

[gtdean48]

My second hat won't be here until April, so I asked Sam at EA if they did long oval blocking or did it need to be ordered from Akubra that way. Will post the reply when I get it...

[univibe88]

Hi All,

I received an e-mail from Everything Australian this morning. Of course, it was in response to yesterday's request for a long oval Campdraft.



Tough to beat that kind of service, don't y'all think?

AF

Fantastic service

[Guinness]

The Borsalino version.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/feraud/Fedora%20Lounge/DSC06642.jpg
What model Borsalino is this? It is a beautiful hat.

[gtdean48]

What model Borsalino is this? It is a beautiful hat.
Most likely the Alessandria...

[gtdean48]

Does EA do the blocking to Long Oval then ship? I'd assume Akubra just makes them to the size & doesn't have this step at the factory but could be wrong...
Here is Sam of EA's reply about Long Ovals =
The hats can be 'long ovaled' in two ways, the best way is to do it when the hat is being made (we are too late for this), the other way is to get akubra to put it on the long oval block and then they can steam it. I will tell akubra to do this to your hats, and there will be no problems with this.
Next time state in the special comments section of your order that you would like them to be long oval.

[Feraud]

What model Borsalino is this? It is a beautiful hat.
Thanks. It is a fine hat. Here are a few pics of the inside.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/feraud/Fedora%20Lounge/DSC06644.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/feraud/Fedora%20Lounge/DSC06647.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/feraud/Fedora%20Lounge/DSC06645.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v120/feraud/Fedora%20Lounge/DSC06643.jpg

[Michaelshane]

Is this worth repairing?

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh450/andycat60/P1030970.jpg
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh450/andycat60/P1030971.jpg
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh450/andycat60/P1030972.jpg
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh450/andycat60/P1030973.jpg

[carouselvic]

Only if it has sentimental value to you.

[gtdean48]

That is a fairly modern Open Road. You could probably get one in about the shape a renovation would put it in for what the renovation would cost you, if it isn't stained too bad. Seem to be too many nice vintages out there to spend the money here, IMHO...

[John in Covina]

This one might be worth trying out your own home rennovation on.

[Michaelshane]

This guy did it,he played with it for a few days before I noticed it was missing.

http://andycat.smugmug.com/photos/119618070_ecSEU-M.jpg

[carter]

Michaelshane, That OR is just beginning to look lived in. ;) :)
You can get some Scout Felt Hat Cleaner (spray on) and clean it up. You spray it all over the felt, let it sit for 5 minutes or so until it forms a fine powder on the felt, and brush it off. This stuff works well.
It won't be perfect but you'll have a good working hat. You might even want to throw an Oreanna bash on it. I think that would be a good look for you.
Nice dog as well.

[Michaelshane]

Thanks carter I'll try it.I have uglier hats.

[Bob Smalser]

I couldn't resist this one for the wife, as nobody else seemed to want it for $10.50 plus postage.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=170293509388

A modern Resistol Beaver 100 Open Road style in Size 6 7/8 in new condition. A 2 3/4" brim and 4 7/8" crown. I steamed and stretched it to Size 7 for her. Now along with the high-end vintage Cavanaghs one of the best hats in our house. A buttery, dense yet lightweight felt nice to touch.

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/21545128/354625868.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/21545128/354625900.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/21545128/354625932.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL12/1104763/21545128/354625960.jpg

[nickn5]

Extremely nice hat there, I'd love to get my hands on a 100 at some point in the future. Actually Resistol is one brand of which I don't own any representatives.

N. :)