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ChicagoWayVito · Nov 30, 2015

humanshoes said:
Wow, Somebody snagged it already. Hope it was one of us.

Damn, wasn't me that got it. Thanks for the information, now I know what to look for.

humanshoes · Dec 1, 2015

You're welcome. I almost bought it myself, considering I'm the kind of guy that likes to have two of everything in case one breaks.

Blackjack · Dec 1, 2015

Anyone have any good advice???

moontheloon · Dec 1, 2015

"Stetsons" is a pretty vague term

you looking for vintage?... modern?... westerns?.... fedoras? etc etc

Frunobulax · Dec 1, 2015

The Hatco factory outlet in Garland, TX.

Anteln · Dec 1, 2015

Hi!

I am new to this forum but i hope i can ask for some advice anyway.

I am looking for a couple of new hats at the moment as i am redoimg parts of my closet. A couple of new suits are on the way... gray, navy and black. At least one new dark gray coat, and at least one new hat, most likely two or more.

I have a black Stetson Elkader which i am keeping, but i would like some other models as well. I am looking for a hat for the winter jacket in the below pictures, but also for the clothing above. If anyone have a model of hat they think would fit my face / style, please do let me know. I am quite tall (198 cm) so i will be seen regardless, might as well make it a bit more stylish.

Thank you, Andreas

Navy

Gray

Another gray

RJR · Dec 1, 2015

Hi Anteln,welcome.I think that numbers1&3 look best on you,but its a purely personal thing.No doubt your favorites will evolve over time.Just remember "wear thehat,don't let it wear you".

Gabe Long · Dec 1, 2015

Your build, face shape, and the style of that coat says "Akubra Campdraft" all day! I like number 2 from the pics you provided.
Caveat: I'm just some dude who isn't an expert.

moontheloon · Dec 1, 2015

full long face begs for a tall crown and a 2 1/2 + brim

I like #3 simply because of the least amount of taper and a nice brim size for your face ... as far as color ... Gray is always the most versatile and is where anyone new to hats should start as far as I'm concerned

and I would stay away from black hats ...

just one idiots opinion

Bob Roberts · Dec 1, 2015

I echo Moons advice as I'm always begging for bigger. (4.5+ in. high) crowns and wider (2.5+ in. wide) brims. Straight sides with little or no taper and there are SO MANY different shades of grey avaliable from dark carbon to light silver, as well. Have fun and welcome!

Bolero · Dec 2, 2015

I have this recently acquired Stetson but don't know what it is ?
The Logo on the Sweat Band says "No 1 Quality" and it is the early Logo as far as I know...
I suspect it is Pre 1950's "1st Quality Western" but then again it could be a One Off 1970's "Open Road"...
I would appreciate any and all info youse experts could offer...
and it is going to be For Sale so I will accept Offers.

**** The number 6 picture is not the Stetson but I am not able to edit it gone****

carouselvic · Dec 2, 2015

The Open Road was never made in a #1 quality. Thin ribbon, thin bound edge hats had been made for decades before the Open Road was marketed.

Anteln · Dec 2, 2015

Thank you for all ideas so far! Im always interested in new ideas / things.

Thought id add the elkader as a reference, i love this hat. Though im not sure it fits my face... but ill keep wearing it anyway.

This is a black wool felt hat and it kind of lacks the "sting" in this photo, it needs a contrast... like a maroon metallic scarf (which i dont have where i am now unfortunately). It does show off the style of clothing i like to wear aside from suits though.

Im about to go and buy one of the two grey hats above now... let me know any more thoughts you might have about style!

Thank you, Andreas

Moviehats · Dec 2, 2015

ChicagoWayVito said:
Question: what is the name of the machine that will punch letters into a sweatband? The kind that will allow me to put in initials or a name.

I used a hot foil stamping machine once for a sweatband. Worked great. Need to get one (the school I was at owned the machine).

hatsRme · Dec 2, 2015

My guestimate on the age is circa 1955-60. But, as always, remember that I was wrong once before. GREAT hat!!

Bolero · Dec 2, 2015

carouselvic said:
The Open Road was never made in a #1 quality. Thin ribbon, thin bound edge hats had been made for decades before the Open Road was marketed.

Well that rules out it being an Open Road eh...Whats your next best guess ?

RJR · Dec 2, 2015

I believe it would be "No. 1 Quality"I see no reason to try to name a specific model.

Willybob · Dec 2, 2015

question about shellac:
I recently read an interesting article by The Hatted Professor about bowlers and have a few question for any of you hatters. What type of shellac is used for stiffening felt and how is it applied? Does it loosen with heat and how is it affected by moisture? Thanks in advance for any input.

ChicagoWayVito · Dec 2, 2015

Willybob said:
question about shellac:
I recently read an interesting article by The Hatted Professor about bowlers and have a few question for any of you hatters. What type of shellac is used for stiffening felt and how is it applied? Does it loosen with heat and how is it affected by moisture? Thanks in advance for any input.

I have used a mixture of Bulls Eye Shellac (clear) with denatured alcohol. One part shellac to two parts denatured alcohol. You could also a Satin Lacquer mixed with Lacquer thinner and it would be the same ratio, one part lacquer to two parts lacquer thinner.

To apply them, you have two options: 1) Use a paint brush and apply or 2) Use a spray bottle and spray it on.

For a bowler/derby, apply the stiffener to the inside of the crown and not the outside. Also, apply it in coats and let dry 24 hours between coats so you can assess the stiffness to see if it is where you want it. I once over applied stiffener and the bowler is more like a hard hat. Any stiffener you use will become somewhat soft and workable if you apply steam. Good luck.

ChicagoWayVito · Dec 2, 2015

Moviehats said:
I used a hot foil stamping machine once for a sweatband. Worked great. Need to get one (the school I was at owned the machine).

A hot foil stamping machine is also on my wish list for that very reason. I kind of like the perforated look myself but want to offer both options when I make a hat.

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