The Stratoliner Society {VINTAGE}

[Jedwbpm]

I wish they would put wind cords on these new hats

Jeff

 

[gtdean48]

I wish they would put wind cords on these new hats

Jeff

:arated:

 

[Frunobulax]

I wish they would too. It seems to "finish" the hat. And given the step up in quality they're trying, that would be a nice touch.

But then, I've got a thing about wind trolleys.

 

[fedoralover]

I know this question is answered in this thread somewhere but I can't find it. So please have pity on an old man. When was the last year that Stetson made the Stratoliner? Not the newer version of course. I just bought one that is in like new condition. It honestly doesn't look like it was ever worn. My other 3 Stratoliners have 2 5/8ths brim widths. But this one is 2 3/8ths, so it seems like it would be one of the later releases. Any info would be appreciated.

thanks fedoralover

 

[Short Balding Guy]

I have been remiss in that I have not posted in this thread for too long. Let me change that this evening.

Today I have been working on cleaning 3 vtg. Stetson Stratoliners. Over the past couple of months they arrived dirty, whooped and 2 in original boxes. I mention the original boxes as the hats came out of the boxes well worn and having brim shapes like a clam. Not a pretty sight for a hat afficianato. Naphtha baths, toothbrush scrubbing, Scout cleaning (dark hat version), freezer overnight, sitting on a straight-sided block this afternoon and they slated for some steaming tomorrow. I am nearly finished with cleaning. I am pleased with how they have cleaned up. They are 60+ years old and looking well.

Stetson, as clearly shown in the many posts, had many versions of this model over the years they were produced. These 3 are all brown shades, but vastly different. My pics below are taken today moments before a rain shower. The weather is cloudy, humid and hot. The highlight colors will not show in today’s pics.

I will wear these hats proudly as they, as the 1940's advertisement says, are "Right for traveling in style." The different shades of brown I will no doubt appreciate when it comes to pairing with daily clothing.

Best to all of the vtg. Stetsom Strat folks, Eric -


Older posts: http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?8329-The-Stratoliner-Society-VINTAGE/page101

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?8329-The-Stratoliner-Society-VINTAGE/page80

 

[g.durand]

Nice Strats, Eric. Thanks for showing them to us.

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

Beautiful hats Eric.


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[RJR]

They have cleaned up very nicely.

 

[mikespens]

Great additions to your collection Eric and nice job of restoring them and extending their useful lives.

 

[fedoralover]

Here's the one I got not too long ago. Super clean inside and out. I have no idea what time period it's from.




\
fedoralover

 

[hatophile]

Beautiful collection Eric!

That's pristine, Fedora lover!

 

[moontheloon]

Here's the one I got not too long ago. Super clean inside and out. I have no idea what time period it's from.




\
fedoralover

judging by the size tag , crest, liner, and sweat it looks to be late 50s.... possibly very early 60s ?

someone more qualified may correct me if I am wrong ... but thats what I gather from my studies

beautiful hat ... great cocoa color

and Eric absolutely gorgeous hats my friend ... sort of in awe of them actually

you've inspired me to gather my Strats together and maybe throw some pics up in this thread

 

[mikespens]

What's better than restoring a vintage hat back to life? Finding a pristine one! Nice catch Rich.

 

[tommyK]

Add me to the chorus, Eric. Great finds and great clean up on them.

I really appreciate you adding your pictures and methods the the Naptha Bath thread. You've given me the confidence to try this myself. I've been storing up a few hats to clean this way.

Fedoralover, finding a vintage Strat that nice is an epic great find. As much as I enjoy cleaning and shaping up old neglected hats, finding one pristine is even better!

 

[clintfisher]

So gorgeous

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.

 

[moontheloon]

I thought here might be the place for these pics.
I happen to absolutely love the Stetson Stratoliner.

Earlier today I took a couple shots of some of my Stratoliners.

These range from early '40s to mid '50s.

Hope you enjoy

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[Bob Roberts]

Nice collection Moon and you've built it up really fast! Quite an accomplishment. Carry on!

 

[Frunobulax]

Agree with Bob. Great collection.

 

[RJR]

Wow!

 

[hatsRme]

Well done, Moon!