Open Road quality by era?

[matei]

Howdy all,

When would you figure the last "decent" Open Roads were manufactured? Were they OK into the '70s or '80s?

Also - how can you tell the difference? Is the sweat or liner different than the earlier eras?

Thanks!

 

[Marc Chevalier]

I can't answer your first question, but I'll take a stab at the second.

The earlier the Open Road, the fancier the Setson logo on the lining and on the sweatband (see images below).

Note that on the lining, the gothic "Stetson" lettering has a swirly, zigzagging calligraphic design running below it.

Usually, the "Stetson" lettering will be embossed more deeply into the brown (not black) leather sweatband, and the gold will be yellowish orange, not bright yellowish white.

Also, the earliest Open Roads had a sort of "whoosh" design to the right and left of the words "The Open ..." (see image below).

 

[matei]

Thanks. I like your avatar by the way!

I am seriously considering adding a Open Road or a Stratoliner to my collection. They look great, well - on other people. I've yet to try one out, as there aren't too many in my neck of the woods.

Now if I can only find one that fits, is in the right colour and at a good price...

 

[Rick Blaine]

Maeti, I found this one in your neck of the woods...

Thanks. I like your avatar by the way!

I am seriously considering adding a Open Road or a Stratoliner to my collection. They look great, well - on other people. I've yet to try one out, as there aren't too many in my neck of the woods.

Now if I can only find one that fits, is in the right colour and at a good price...

...last week. Has not arrived yet, but I am fedora-ising it when it does... I had to snap it up at that price ($25) 'cause the larger sizes seem to go for irrational prices, often. I don't know the vintage, but it is kinda cool that it was made & sold in Spain.... makes it a bit of an oddity, eh? at least on this side of the pond.

regards

Rick