Wow, someone REALLY wanted this Stetson!

[Canadave]

http://tinyurl.com/ef9yo

David

 

[Baron Kurtz]

at 7 7/8 that's a great deal.

bk

 

[Canadave]

I'm not sure I'd agree with that. I'd have to see the hat first. You're right in that they are VERY few and far between on eBay, but it still seems a bit steep to me.

David

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Well, smaller open roads go for much more than that. I'm actually surprised it went for so little (not that i'd ever even consider paying that much for a hat).

bk

 

[Razzman]

I have to agree with BK. That Stetson OR in that size is a bargain at $100.
You rarely see a hat of that size up for auction.

 

[Snrbfshn]

I agree, too...

Finding any vintage OR in 7 7/8 is rare, and this one looks to be in very good shape. You can tell it was never/hardly ever worn because the original paper price tag ($22.50) on the sweatband is unsullied:

 

[scotrace]

I have to agree with BK. That Stetson OR in that size is a bargain at $100.
You rarely see a hat of that size up for auction.

Pre Fedora Lounge, they were cheap as paper towels. We drive the market.

 

[Bud-n-Texas]

Pre Fedora Lounge, they were cheap as paper towels. We drive the market.

Scot I do not know if all the blame for price increases can be attributed to the lounge, but you are correct to some extent. The horse is now out of the barn, so we must all cope with the current prices.

 

[Canadave]

The 7 7/8 Stetson Open Road (5X) that I bought on eBay in November 2004 sold for 29.88. It may have been a little newer, but it is in great shape.

David

 

[Tony in Tarzana]

Scot I do not know if all the blame for price increases can be attributed to the lounge, but you are correct to some extent. The horse is now out of the barn, so we must all cope with the current prices.

And those higher prices may pry a few really nice lids out of the woodwork.

Or keep them out of a dumpster.

 

[Mr. 'H']

I looked at that listing and I thought the condition was excellent.

However, I was put off because I thinks it's from the 60s (price, box, sweat color).

Please, correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

I think it is, indeed, a later vintage stetson. I wouldn't let this put me off, however: It looks just like any other Open Road, and i imagine the felt is quite high quality.

bk

 

[Canadave]

The 7 7/8 Stetson Open Road (5X) that I bought on eBay in November 2004 sold for 29.88. It may have been a little newer, but it is in great shape.

David

I should clarify. I BOUGHT the hat on eBay for 29.88 in 2004...this wasn't the original selling price.

David

 

[Bud-n-Texas]

Dave, you are right, I think we all know that the prices have jumped. What remains to be seen is IF they maintain their value. There is a big vintage boom going on now, how long it will last is anyones guess. Hat should be enjoyed for what they are, period. I do not buy hats for an anticipated return, but to wear. One looking for an investment should look elsewhere for a better chance at a high return on their money. JMHO

 

[DOUGLAS]

I remember ten or twenty years ago I could get a really beautiful hat at a flea market or antique store for as little as 10 dollars. There seemed to be more hats in good condition then. I see hats now go for 75 to 100 dollars at the markets now and there are not so many. I don't think it is just a boom that is spiking prices. More people are wearing hats and and those who sell them know that.
You can still get good deals on line though, my last Stetson was less than 40.00 and it is in perfect condition.

 

[Sefton]

That's the first vintage hat that I've ever seen in such a large size. Perhaps there's hat hope for me after all!