Cleaning an old Stetson...

[RBH]

This is a Stetson hat that belongs to my 82 year old cousin. I think it is from the 1970's, he took out the liner years ago. I don't know the 'name' .
He cant remember when he got it, just that it had been a good ol' hat.

<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/4106/roypl5.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /></a>

He always commented on my hats and wished he could have this one cleaned and blocked. He is a old time cotton farmer and used his lids for what they were made for. which means he wore his hats !
I said I can clean it but cant say any thing on the blocking !
To get on with my tale, I soaked it in naphtha and here is the finished product ...
<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/8352/roy2hf8.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us" /></a>

Although not sunday go to meeting, it looks a lot better and can be a great everyday hat.
I post this so the fellow hat lovers can see that there is hope for '' old, wore out hats ''
I do not favor the shorter brims but this is an example of what can be done to a old hat.

Hope this gives someone the FAITH to either bid on or 'clean up' an old hat.

[Dinerman]

That's nice work. Looking at the "afters" I'd never know it was even stained.

[Bud-n-Texas]

Good deal RBH, you did a fine job and I am sure he will appreciate your efforts. A little kindness goes a long way. My hat is off to you.

[The Duke]

very nice work RBH!

[GentlemanFarmer]

Nicely done RBH.

[John in Covina]

I remember seeing something about when a hat has been worn a lot. If the hat is faded by the sun, the hat guys will disassemble the hat and turn the felt inside out and rebuild the hat from there because the inside is often in much better condition.

[ideaguy]

Great job!! You've saved a perfectly good hat from extinction, and hopefully some new member will gain the knowledge that these hats have a "life" to them,and a long one, given the care needed. Does'nt have to be a throw-away society, unless we let it be.

[Mr. 'H']

I remember seeing something about when a hat has been worn a lot. If the hat is faded by the sun, the hat guys will disassemble the hat and turn the felt inside out and rebuild the hat from there because the inside is often in much better condition.

Art ddi that for Varga (?), I think.

[RBH]

It really makes you feel good to bring back an old hat.
I hope all of you out there can get the chance to do it.
THANKS AGAIN.