Dating Vintage Stetsons by Liner: A Field Guide

[Rodkins]

Rodkins -- The colored medallion liner is certainly consistent with early 60's, and may extend back into the very late 50's, as well. I think a timeframe of 1959 - 1964 for that lid would not be far off.

Cheers,
JtL

Thanks for your expertise!

 

[Mobile Vulgus]

This is the first time I've seen this liner. It's on an Open Road Stetson. Age?

 

[Nostalgia]

My Grandfather worked many years for Stetsons. They made top notch Hats.

 

[zetwal]

Welcome Nostalgia. You will find a great many Stetson enthusiasts here. And many of the older models are held in high esteem by vintage aficionados and collectors as well. When did your grandfather work there? And what did he do? Do you know?

 

[Nostalgia]

Sorry for the late reply. Thank you for the welcome. My Grandfather worked for Stetson from 1920 to 1952. He was involved in the dyeing process. At their peak they sold millions of hats yearly. He was greatly disappointed when most young men stopped wearing them by the mid 1960s. Unfortunately I'm not in possession of one of his fine crafted headwear. Great forum, I enjoy reading about the fashion, cars, films and music from the Golden era.

 

[zetwal]

He sure was employed there a long time. It would have been great to hear his stories. If you haven't yet read Hat Talk by Debbie Henderson you should do so. In that book the author shares several very interesting interviews with some of the old timers at Stetson and elsewhere. I'll bet you would really enjoy it ...

 

[Nostalgia]

Thank you for the book recommendation. It will make a great read I'm sure. My Grandfather had a rough time of it in the very beginning due to the bigotry ethnic groups faced when first arriving in America from Europe but soon became good friends with his coworkers. They put in very long hours at the factory, Sundays were the only time he was able to enjoy being with his family. It wasn't uncommon for relatives to receive a Stetson hat at Christmas time until he retired in the early 1950s

 

[zetwal]

At least one of the interviews in the book mentions difficulties and triumphs connected with the immigrant situation in the (hat) factories at that time, as well as the long hours and dedication of the workers.

Check it out. I'm sure it will resonate ... :cool2:

 

[T Rick]

I'm off to a good start! My first Stetson arrived today, an eBay find I think I did pretty well on. I know it's newer than most so far covered here, but I hope someone can put me in an aproximate decade of manufacure based on my pics. It's an Open Road (not marked as such on the band, but it is on the tag). Pics:

 

[Mobile Vulgus]

... strikes me as something from the 70s or 80s. I hope one of the knowledgeable guys replies.

 

[buler]

"The Imperial"

Great looking Stetson derby, "The Imperial". Not mine, auction photos. Similiar to Douglas and Vic's "The Royal Stetson" pics.

B

 

[Rodkins]

Stetson Supper Club...

 

[alanfgag]

The same liner logo as Rodkins on a 1940s bowler:

And a rich foil imprint on fabric applied into a linerless 1920s bowler.
The customer initials are thin tin stamps:

 

[4spurs]

Atticus -- I tend to think of that liner as being associated with post-Stetson Stetsons. In other words, probably a liner found in post-1970 Stetsons that were manufactured by Stevens. The liner design is a painted version of the "Last Drop from his Stetson" -- a design that was actually embroidered in vintage Stetson liners.

Cheers,
JtL

OK, well, I have a western Stetson with the embroidered "Last Drop," the liner seam is on the side, it has the black and white keyhole size tag like the one above in Rodkins, and a round Stetson logo that is sideways on the sweatband that says "3X Beaver Quality", it came in an oval box with a leather strap and western scenes on the side of the box, a thin ribbon, the brim is moderatly stiff, the crown is softer. Under the sweatband is the rectangular red and white Philadelphia Stetson paper label with the numer "753" and a smaller red and white Stetson label, rectangular, with the reorder number. I'd post photos but don't seem to be able to, but here is the ebait # you can look it up if so inclined 350434350317. Any speculations as to the age I'd like to hear `em.

 

[jimmy the lid]

First of all, 4spurs, congrats! Very, very nice pick-up! Hat looks to be in pristine condition. For thread purposes, this liner obviously spanned many years. I think that your lid, however, can be fairly dated to circa 1950. Enjoy!

Cheers,
JtL

 

[4spurs]

JTL, thanks for the estimate re the age of the hat. It's as clean as the day it left Philadelphia and headed to Bryan, Tx where it was sold.

I bid on it because I thought it would be a good hat for a collection, wasn't sure it was my size so I never seriously thought about wearing it.

But don't you know that when I pulled it out of the box and set it on my head it fit like a second skin. So I have no other choice in the matter, I have to wear it. But that ain't a bad thing because it looks a lot better sitting on my head than sitting upside down in the box.

 

[jimmy the lid]

4spurs -- that is an absolute gem of a Stetson. Congrats!

After conferring with Brother Vic, I have edited my age estimate to "circa 1950" -- just to be clear that there is a very real likelihood that your hat dates to the late 40's.

Cheers,
JtL

 

[4spurs]

Sounds good to me, thanks!

 

[azhiker]

I have posted this on a couple other forums, but then found this one? any idea on the open road I found at a consignment shop last week?
In the photo, the sweat looks black, but it is definately brown!

The finished product is on my head in my avatar.

 

[rlk]

Late 70's-early 80's