Open Roads while often given a "Rancher" (actually known by many names) crease all originally came open crown. This same style crease is often found on early 20th century fedoras and homburgs as well. I wear modified versions myself on many new and vintage hats........
Open Roads while often given a "Rancher" (actually known by many names) crease all originally came open crown. This same style crease is often found on early 20th century fedoras and homburgs as well. I wear modified versions myself on many new and vintage hats........
The "Open Road" as we know it, seems to be a rename of a very old Stetson Model the "Kingston" which had all the same dimensions. Ads seem to indicate it came out (as the OR) sometime in the early to mid 1940's ......
The "Stratoliner" was first introduced around 1938-39 as an unlined thin ribbon fedora for $6.50. It too was sold open crown. The Strat does always seem to have a 2 1/2 inch brim, while generally the OR has a 2 5/8 brim, they run the gambit from around 2 1/4 to around 3 with many 2 7/8 showing up.
Both are Stetson designs with very simular dimensions, bound brim and an almost identical thin crown ribbon.
So...... not sure who cloned who..........other than the same design goes back a long way and came back out with two differant names by the same company, Stetson.
I like the design, no matter what it is called......
M
PS as Fruno says each was flanged very differently....
The Gus crease is always a good choice and I prefer a flatter brim as well. Look forward to seeing it when you're done.
I ended up going with a 4 3/4 crown, 3-1/2 inch brim. It comes with a modified Cattleman crown, which I think I can push out as necessary. I will have it early next week. I realize I prefer a slightly larger brim that the Open Roads offer, as I like the extra sun protection.
I definitely prefer the OR crease for this type of hat, as opposed to the Stratoliner clone (if I want a Strat, I'll get a Strat). There's something classy and appealing about the OR of it's own accord.Open Roads while often given a "Rancher" (actually known by many names) crease all originally came open crown. This same style crease is often found on early 20th century fedoras and homburgs as well. I wear modified versions myself on many new and vintage hats........
The "Open Road" as we know it, seems to be a rename of a very old Stetson Model the "Kingston" which had all the same dimensions. Ads seem to indicate it came out (as the OR) sometime in the early to mid 1940's ......
The "Stratoliner" was first introduced around 1938-39 as an unlined thin ribbon fedora for $6.50. It too was sold open crown. The Strat does always seem to have a 2 1/2 inch brim, while generally the OR has a 2 5/8 brim, they run the gambit from around 2 1/4 to around 3 with many 2 7/8 showing up.
Both are Stetson designs with very simular dimensions, bound brim and an almost identical thin crown ribbon.
So...... not sure who cloned who..........other than the same design goes back a long way and came back out with two differant names by the same company, Stetson.
I like the design, no matter what it is called......
M
PS as Fruno says each was flanged very differently....
The classic crease, with the brim snapped up, is, well.... classic!
(Stetson actually made some labeled ORs much like this in the late 50's early 60's, 2 1/4 inch brims) . REALLY nice felt......the awesome liner is red and looks great, has National Auctioneers Association in the tip. It is however only a 7 3/8 LO so will be headed to the classifieds........hopefully for a good trade...
Here is a sort of OR clone I just got. It is an "Auctioneer" (not sure who made it) with all the look but only a 2 inch brim
Sure wish it fit..............as I like it a lot!
Best,
M
View attachment 115720 View attachment 115722 View attachment 115723
