The Stratoliner Society {VINTAGE}

[Rogera]

Does anyone here have a Strat with a 2.25" brim? I assumed they were all 2.5 and up.

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

Eric you have the best collection of Strat's love them all.

 

[gtdean48]

Thanks for that info, GT.

Check that = real early Premier grade Strat too....

 

[rlk]

Does anyone here have a Strat with a 2.25" brim? I assumed they were all 2.5 and up.

Don't have one, but like all the "name" Stetson styles the brims contracted in the mid-late 50's.

 

[alanfgag]

Mid 1940s Stratoliner Vita-Felt process

A recent discovery in my wife's costume shop... I took it home to clean and renovate. It is in good shape overall - unfortunately missing its crown tip sticker. After removing the sewn in actor labels and restitching the ribbon and bow in a few places, I used a size 7 961 block (close but not a perfect match to the Stetson 122 block that was used originally) to smooth out the old crease. You can see how thin and light the felt is in these 1940s Strats as the thin supple sweatband is easily visible from the pressure of the block.

This hat is not as early as the Vita-Felt strat posted here. The brim width is 2 3/4" vs. 2 1/2". It shows the later single field version of the red manufacturing label and does not have a LOTXXXX stamp on the back of the sweatband. The size tag has been cut, but I would not expect it to be of the gold foil variety. But unlike the 1950s Strats, it retains the unlined, lightweight and very soft and flexible gestalt of the early 1940s Stratoliner. Price was $7.50.

I gave the front of the brim a gentle touch with a flat iron. While I like my Strats various, I seem to wander back to making them play this uplifting tune.

 

[randooch]

Good work, thorough write-up, and excellent results!

 

[g.durand]

While I like my Strats various, I seem to wander back to making them play this uplifting tune.

Beautiful music on a well-preserved old instrument.

 

[mikespens]

What they said + nice hat dude.

 

[RBH]

Very nice!!

 

[ManofKent]

Beautiful music on a well-preserved old instrument.

Are we talking about Alan or the hat?

 

[Landman]

Great job Alan!

 

[hatsRme]

Lovely music indeed, Alan, but credit is certainly due to the chorus of comments above... TOO funny. Great hat, terrific TLC, sir.

 

[alanfgag]

Are we talking about Alan or the hat?

You guys are pulling my strings.

Thanks from the old bag o' bones.

 

[seabass]

Can not top your Vitafelt Strat man those colors pop !

ok new to me as found needs cleaning & blocking
very good clay like felt squishy & molds with fingers

notice the ribbon & brim binding spots

5 1/4'' open crown 5''bashed, 2 3/4'' all around

excellent leather thick & supple

Gilroy CA was a big Rodeo town maybe the store B.Rocca Co had this special ribbon deal with Stetson
cant find info on the store but herd from Old timers they had a shop in Salinas as well..
a good hat that will receive a massage & cleaned up but wears well as is....
che

 

[g.durand]

Nice!!

 

[alanfgag]

Yup! I've had some success taking a toothbrush and baking soda to the corroded reed. On one panama, I cut away the coating on the reed, cleaned the wire and then wrapped it back up with a bit of electrical tape.

 

[alanfgag]

Repair of corroded reed on 1940s Dobbs Panama... I was less successful removing the staining from the straw.

 

[TheDane]

Are we talking about Alan or the hat?

*LoL* Exactly my thoughts! Then I discovered the resemblance between the inside of the sweatband and my own facial skin-features. That convinced me, that the instrument in question must be Alan lol

Fantastic Strats, gentlemen! Alan's copper'ish ribbon on the midgray felt - and Che's ribbon with the embroidered pattern - make my eyes bleed honey. Gorgeous!

 

[seabass]

good info Alan
your always a good helping hand
But your Strats felt/ribbon color combo is the best ive seen

Thanks for the input & comments All !

 

[mikespens]

Great and unique Strat Che!