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That must be it (44350) rather than 4435 as in the original link.Originally Posted by alanfgag
Perhaps this?
That must be it (44350) rather than 4435 as in the original link.
sorry guys my post is No 44350 down the page a bit
VM
Good afternoon....We came across your website in our research of a top hat we found in our attic and wondered if you would be able to help us. We are not sure how old it is and were interested in finding out how to have it appraised. The hat is in the original box and is in excellent condition.... looks like it was hardly worn. It does not look to be silk, maybe beaver? Would anyone have any advice on how to research this further? Attached (I think) are three photos, included is one of what looks to be a model number with a signature of perhaps the maker which should help in the dating.
http://www.kodakgallery.ca/ViewSlide....1338818326671
I love my Stetson PlayboyII and nice things. Just found this wonderful place to discuss such things. How much are these worth? thanks
Link broken
Ed Wiser
Derby town Fedora Rescue League
Playboy II's are not as desirable as the orginal Playboy.
Playboys-on-Parade!
Ed Wiser
Derby town Fedora Rescue League
Recently acquired a Stetson 25 Open Road. Hat has a black sweatband. Was wondering if any FL members know when Stetson stoped making the Stetson 25.
Miller-Stockman still had them in their 1971 catalog, so sometime after that.
still reaching for that brass ring
Here is a Dobbs Twenty homburg with some distinctive features. The brim curl is much higher at the sides than in front and back, but not like a bowler; the brim never curls toward the crown. The brim edge binding is thin, for a homburg. The elegant, understated ribbon bow has a frayed edge. The black felt is the nicest I have ever encountered.
The crown is just shy of 6 inches. The brim width is roughly 2 1/2 inches, measuring straight from the crown to the edge. The actual width of the brim is wider at the sides (I would say 2 7/8 if not 3) than in front and back (2 3/4), but the effective width at the sides, with the high curl, is 2 inches.
I apologize for the poor quality of the pictures. As you may or may not be able to make out, the words "Dobbs TWENTY" are embossed on the sweatband, slanted, not gilded. The name of the original owner, Anthony Martinek, is embossed on the sweatband in gold letters. No store name appears on the sweatband, I assume because Martinek purchased this hat at the Dobbs shop on 5th Avenue. According to the sales slip, Martinek's residence at the time was one of the residential apartments in the Savoy Plaza Hotel. Apartment 556, if that makes any difference.
A google search turns up one interesting possibility for Martinek's identity. Someone with that name invented a clock radio, an improved windshield, and other ingenious devices; he had a business called Martinek Devices. But I have no reason other than wishful thinking to suppose that Martinek the inventor, who seems to have been based in Pennsylvania, was the owner of this hat.
I'm guessing early 1940s or possibly late 1930s. However, after looking through the Dobbs thread on this site, I am not sure that Dobbs made a hat designated a "Twenty" so early. It's possible that this is a later production and that Martinek -- like many hat wearers -- was a little old fashioned in his tastes.
Here are my terrible pictures.
Any suggestions for a more accurate date?
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