Whippet question from new member

[Uncle JimmyPie]

Hiya, all. Been lurking here for a while. Thanks for the great information and inspiring pictures! I learned about Hat Shapers here, and confirmed my sense that Jaxon's Bogart (a recent Net purchase) might be pleasant to don.

I'm not a collecter of hats -- my wife might disagree -- I'm a wearer, so I only have a few. No, really. The grey Bogart, a black Akruba outback-type with the brim cut down tp 2 1/4", and an old grey Stetson Whippet. And a black wool stingy brim that I'm currently reworking into a Porkpie, just for grins.

I rescued the Whippet, dusty and crumpled, from a garage sale for $2 a couple of years ago. A bunch of steam, a bunch of brushing, and I got a great hat, suitable for the not-new-hat look that I prefer. A wee bit too small, but regular arguments with a Hat-Jack have brought it around.

I joined today to ask an ignorant question. Is the Stetson Whippet fur felt or wool? I always assumed it was wool, but I have no idea why.

Thanks,

 

[barrowjh]

If it does not have markings that indicate wool, then it is not wool. To my knowledge, the Whippet, Stratoliner, Open Road - these were always fur felt, though it may have been mostly rabbit / hare on the low end (Royal Stetson). If it is a Royal Deluxe, then maybe about half Beaver. How wide is the sweatband? What are the other markings on the sweatband, and the production tag that should be attached to the felt behind the sweatband?

 

[RBH]

Welcome to the Lounge Uncle Jimmy!! Glad to have ya join us!

Since you are in the southland... check out this thread about MEMPHIS
.
We would be glad to you there.

 

[jeboat]

Whippet felt

It is fur felt probably all hare/rabbit. If it were wool it would certainly say so and besides it is hard to miss a wool felt hat.

I own several Whippets and wore one today to church; it was refurb'd. by Optimo. Gray with a wide grosgrain black ribbon. The original price on the inside tag was $10.00.

jeboat

 

[indycop]

Welcome, uncle jimmypie! After such good luck with my jaxon bogart I am awaiting my jaxon monk! For $42 you can't go wrong.

 

[fatwoul]

I believe the Whippet I am currently awaiting was also described as fur felt.

 

[Uncle JimmyPie]

Thanks folks; looks like fur it is. An even better had than I had supposed! I shall wear it with additional satisfaction.

How wide is the sweatband? What are the other markings on the sweatband, and the production tag that should be attached to the felt behind the sweatband?

Sweatband 1 13/16" -- says Royal Stetson, Beaver/Griffin crest with John B Stetson Company underneath, and the store it come from, Millers Manshop, Knoxville Tennessee. Oval tag tucked in at the bow in back of sweatband says long 1/4 oval. No price tag remains.

Production tag, eh? Learn sumpin' ever' day. Says Reorder No. B957815, Block G723, Size 7 1/4 (used to be)

And the reshaped porkpie turned out decently, but I look so much better in a fedora . . .

 

[carter]

Welcome to the Lounge Uncle JimmyPie. Looks like you have a keeper there. Can't wait to see photos.

 

[fatwoul]

Hey Uncle - I just thought of something. The fact that you were able to steam it without it shrinking down to the size of a doll's hat is also a good indication that it isn't wool. Most wool hats - certainly the one I had when I was a kid - do not react as favourably to moisture.

...Can't wait to see photos.

Absolutely. I have particular interest in this hat since I am waiting for my own Whippet.

We want to see it on your head, Uncle. None of this anonymous "sat on a bookshelf" stuff.

 

[barrowjh]

Production tag, eh? Learn sumpin' ever' day. Says Reorder No. B957815, Block G723, Size 7 1/4 (used to be)

I have learned a ton here, including that. I was not a hat collector either . . . . You can pick up some habits reading this site! I work in Knoxville, and since you appear to be from there also, we may meet sometime. I have been able to sell some ebay hats that did not fit to the two vintage stores in 'Old City.' They can only afford to pay about $25 for a hat, so that only applies to less expensive ebay mistakes.