Gold Belly Stetson? What is it?

[fedoracentric]

This was up on ebay and I just wondered about it.

It is an oder for 25, 2-1/4 inch brim, soft hats in "gold belly" color.

Anyone every heard of "gold belly"?

 

[mayserwegener]

I believe Nut = Nutria. This would be the belly fur (highest quality, natural color) of the Nutria (similar to Beaver silver belly). I am sure someone will provide more details / corrections.

 

[gtdean48]

A date stamp from 1895....very interesting!

 

[alanfgag]

A few decades earlier, but perhaps a clear nutria soft hat something like this. At $13 each cost, that would have been a high end Stetson.

 

[Joshbru3]

View attachment 2808

This was up on ebay and I just wondered about it.

It is an oder for 25, 2-1/4 inch brim, soft hats in "gold belly" color.

Anyone every heard of "gold belly"?

I like that it mentions the block number and brim width. VERY cool!

 

[Joshbru3]

A few decades earlier, but perhaps a clear nutria soft hat something like this. At $13 each cost, that would have been a high end Stetson.

I can't get enough of that hat, Alan!! Its just spectacular!

 

[alanfgag]

Thanks Josh... have to do a comparison with the NOS Flechet just received from RLK. Very similar in many respects, similar time frame, an ocean apart.

 

[Joshbru3]

Thanks Josh... have to do a comparison with the NOS Flechet just received from RLK. Very similar in many respects, similar time frame, an ocean apart.

I have a NOS Flechet from Robert as well, I would be very interested in your comparison. The Flechet is VERY high quality and the hand of the felt is simply superb. I've had a couple early Stetson Nutria's, but never a Nutria longhair. To be honest, when it comes to durability, nothing beats those early Nutrias.

 

[alanfgag]

The softness and flexibility of the two hats is similar. I had them both in hand to compare a week or so ago - I thought the Stetson felt had a little more memory for creasing than the Flechet. The finish on the Flechet is like a bunny rabbit or a powder puff - exceptionally soft. The Nutria is a little firmer and more fur-like. I fully agree on the ruggedness of nutria felt - one tough customer.