THE MALLORY MILE

[deadlyhandsome]

So I always thought that Stetson bought Mallory in the 1940s and from then on they made lesser quality, probably wool hats. Is that all wrong—did they continue to make high quality hats under Stetson ownership?

The hats made in the years immediately after the Stetson buyout were excellent quality fur felt hats fully the equal of Stetson et al. If you see a blue and white cloth size tag cut on a bias you’re getting a great hat. Even those early hats with a gray paper size tag are very nice fur felt hats. When I see “Malloy by Stetson” I don’t even pause to look at it.

 

[Mighty44]

The hats made in the years immediately after the Stetson buyout were excellent quality fur felt hats fully the equal of Stetson et al. If you see a blue and white cloth size tag cut on a bias you’re getting a great hat. Even those early hats with a gray paper size tag are very nice fur felt hats. When I see “Malloy by Stetson” I don’t even pause to look at it.

Great info—thanks!

 

[Blare]

Just a quick updated primer


”Tombstone“ logo
Thought to be 1930s and older

Though I suspect this one could be a 40s hat

1823 dating in crest is generally believed to be pre 1946 Stetson takeover

Here with the later style logo and 1823 in crest (estimated 1940 to 46)

Post 1946 Stetson takeover with 1817 date in crest and fabric size tag - likely 1946 to mid to later 1950s

 

[Blare]

1817 date in crest and paper tag - Post Stetson takeover - mid to late 1950s to maybe early 1960s

I think on hats of this era… you start seeing more factory pressed crowns

Mid 1960s

Late 60s early 70s

After this would be the much lower quality wool Mallory by Stetson. I have not had one of these in hand.

 

[Blare]

Here is a discussion about the transition from Mallory to Stetson/Mallory by some of the Fedora Lounge ”old guard” from about 15 years ago…

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/1946-stetson-acquires-mallory-but-then-what.41052/


at the end of which is a post from @Hurricane Jack where he posted his Mallory by Stetson 3X which looks to be a pretty well made hat. (Maybe Stevens era?). So go figure….

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/thr...llory-but-then-what.41052/page-3#post-2488817

 

[Mighty44]

Here is a discussion about the transition from Mallory to Stetson/Mallory by some of the Fedora Lounge ”old guard” from about 15 years ago…

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/1946-stetson-acquires-mallory-but-then-what.41052/


at the end of which is a post from @Hurricane Jack where he posted his Mallory by Stetson 3X which looks to be a pretty well made hat. (Maybe Stevens era?). So go figure….

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/thr...llory-but-then-what.41052/page-3#post-2488817

Super helpful cheat sheet—thank you, Joe!

 

[Mighty44]

Speaking of—this one definitely has condition issues but is a beauty:

Vintage Mallory Gray Fedora Homburg hat 1940s 50s size 7 1/8 NR | eBay

Estate find good, used condition. One moth hole (see pic). Size 7 1/8.

www.ebay.com

 

[Frunobulax]

Speaking of—this one definitely has condition issues but is a beauty:

Vintage Mallory Gray Fedora Homburg hat 1940s 50s size 7 1/8 NR | eBay

Estate find good, used condition. One moth hole (see pic). Size 7 1/8.

www.ebay.com

Flow-thru ventilation for those warm summer days.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I believe this Mallory is from 1934 or older. 2 ⅛” bound brim and 5 ¾” open crown.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Mallory Regent. 2” bound brim and surprisingly nice felt for this era.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Mallory The Ten. 2 ⅝” brim with an underwelt.
I’m really having a hard time accurately capturing the wonderful pale green of this felt.

 

[BobHufford]

The Mallory Ten Pliafelt

 

[Blare]

The Mallory Ten Pliafelt

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Beautiful color combo. Really neat vent holes in the sweat.

 

[BobHufford]

Beautiful color combo. Really neat vent holes in the sweat.

Thanks Joe! I like the contrasting ribbon / binding / wind-trolley. It could stand a cleaning.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Mallory Fifteen with a 2 ⅝” wide brim. Great felt. Felted Durflex / Cavanagh edge.

 

[BobHufford]

Late 1920s (?) or early 1930s Mallory derby.

 

[Blare]

Late 1920s (?) or early 1930s Mallory derby.

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What great details!

 

[Rmccamey]

Beautiful bowler, Bob.

Late 1920s (?) or early 1930s Mallory derby.

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[BobHufford]

What great details!

Beautiful bowler, Bob.

Thanks fellas! The split in the brim binding at the front makes me sad, but the hat does have a few years on it.