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Western, anyone?

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MikeinRome

One Too Many
Messages
1,285
Prior, Denver 4X hat, with 3 1/2 inch bound brim and 6 inch open crown. This hat's like brand new. It looks like about 1930's or so, but might be later and tricking me. The generic mfg tag is just like those in Miller Fine Hats of Denver 4X hats and I have a hunch these are all actually made by Stetson. My 1930's Elmer Keith Miller 4X hat which has a Stetson Lot Number also has this same generic tag. Stetson made their own paper tags along with every other part of a hat. I'm sure my critics will love this theory of mine, which is why they're on mute. Also, both this hat and the Keith hat have that VVV-type stitching on the sweatband which is sorta considered something done in earlier hats.
"Prior" was George William Prior 1864-1929, who emigrated to America about 1873 per the 1910 census. It seems he was earlier in the firm of Grove & Prior, Wholesellers of hats, caps, and gloves, per an 1899 letter. Later, George Prior's store became something like a department store it seems, still going into the 70's or later. In the 1899 letter, Oliver Grove discusses buying out a former partner of his.
 

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Last edited:

VoodooSan

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,305
Location
Boise, ID
Prior, Denver 4X hat, with 3 1/2 inch bound brim and 6 inch open crown. This hat's like brand new. It looks like about 1930's or so, but might be later and tricking me. The generic mfg tag is just like those in Miller Fine Hats of Denver 4X hats and I have a hunch these are all actually made by Stetson. My 1930's Elmer Keith Miller 4X hat which has a Stetson Lot Number also has this same generic tag. Stetson made their own paper tags along with every other part of a hat. I'm sure my critics will love this theory of mine, which is why they're on mute.
"Prior" was George William Prior 1864-1929, who emigrated to America about 1873 per the 1910 census. It seems he was earlier in the firm of Grove & Prior, Wholesellers of hats, caps, and gloves, per an 1899 letter. Later, George Prior's store became something like a department store it seems, still going into the 70's or later. In the 1899 letter, Oliver Grove discusses buying out a former partner of his.
That is a BEAUTY, Mike!
 

jeffgarf

One Too Many
Messages
1,156
Location
Jerusalem, Israel
Messages
19,380
HJ mentioned this hat this morning and i was reminded that I had given it a bath during the winter but only had it out once since then. Nice and bright day for some pics. Another KS sold No. 1 Quality. LOT #68XX.

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Beautiful No. 1Q, BB. I’d love to hear the stories it could tell. I only have one hat with a similar wine colored liner. Beautiful. Great job, thanks for posting it up.
 
Messages
11,658
Location
Alabama
Beautiful No. 1Q, BB. I’d love to hear the stories it could tell. I only have one hat with a similar wine colored liner. Beautiful. Great job, thanks for posting it up.
I appreciate you mentioning the hat, HJ. It’s one of those that doesn’t come out often enough. I wonder about the fellow that first bought this hat every time I pick it up. What did he do and what events did he wear this for. Makes me want a western tuxedo every time I put it on. My only such liner as well.
 
Messages
19,380
I wonder about the fellow that first bought this hat every time I pick it up. What did he do and what events did he wear this for.
Colby is in the part of KS known as the High Plains. Back in the era of your hat he probably was a rancher. Too bad we don’t know his name or a possible brand. That was probably his best hat reserved for Sundays & special occasions.
 

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