Almost a Federation, But Not Quite

[J.T.Marcus]

A couple of weeks ago, there was a discussion of Stratton hats. When I noticed one in the right size, on ebay, I decided to pop for it. It was the "Sheriff" model, like this, but without the acorn cord.

What really attracted me was these vent holes. (The chin strap holes were a put-off, but I sometimes use a long bootstring with a wooden bead, for a wind string.)

A good soak and a reshape, and this is what I came up with.

By this point, it was looking very familiar. It didn't take long to identify the likeness. The black hat is my Akubra Federation Deluxe. The brown one is the Stratton Sheriff.

Given a price difference of about $45, the Stratton becomes a possibility. Since the total cost of mine (including shipping) was $16.54, I'm delightfully happy!

 

[MississippiLong]

now thats some fancy work, you did very well on it. i can see a nice resemblence there as well. Tell me, how do the felts match up? Same thickness? durability? (hard to tell at this point, i know) softness?

all in all, great job!

:eusa_clap

 

[Stoney]

Nicely done, as always, J.T. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

I haven't seen a Stratton hat since the 1970s , but back then they made some really good quality hats for law enforcement. I knew a couple of Iowa State Troopers who wore them and they were nice. I'm assuming that since the demand has been pretty constant for these Trooper and Sheriff hats that the quality is still quite good.

 

[KY Gentleman]

Lookin' Good JT...:eusa_clap

 

[MAB1]

I put a ribbon on my Akubra Riverina.

And... I could care less what people think.

 

[BobC]

NIce Looking hat, JT. Great looking rebash you did on it.

 

[J.T.Marcus]

Thanks for the kind words, Gentlemen.

Tell me, how do the felts match up? Same thickness? durability? (hard to tell at this point, i know) softness?

My general impression is that the felts are about the same thickness and have about the same amount of stiffener (not too much, in either). Since they are both fur (rabbit) it would be expected that they would be equally durable. (I know, somebody is going to say Australian rabbits are more durable than American rabbits...)

The one difference I noticed is that the hairs in my Akubra are "finer" than those in the Stratton. It's not a "head-to-head" comparison, though. The Akubra is a Federation Deluxe, which is made of the fine "underbelly" fur (thus the extra cost over the standard Federation). Akubra brags that it takes EIGHT rabbits to make one Federation Deluxe.

I'd really like to be able to pet the Sheriff with one hand and a regular Federation with the other.

 

[MississippiLong]

I'd really like to be able to pet the Sheriff with one hand and a regular Federation with the other.

lol lol :eusa_clap

 

[RBH]

SWEET!

 

[grey ghost]

very nice,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[MAB1]

I'd really like to be able to pet the Sheriff with one hand and a regular Federation with the other.

Good thing they don't make em outa monkey fur, eh?

 

[RobFedoraField]

Similar opportunity...

A good soak and a reshape, and this is what I came up with.

I've picked up a navy blue stratton that I had the same idea with as you. can you tell me a little more about your soaking? warm / cool water, submersion or spritz, did steam help soften it up any?

Thanks!

 

[danofarlington]

A couple of weeks ago, there was a discussion of Stratton hats. When I noticed one in the right size, on ebay, I decided to pop for it. It was the "Sheriff" model, like this, but without the acorn cord.

Looks good in the photo. If it looks good in person, then you have a winner.

 

[frussell]

I pet the Sheriff.....

But I did not pet the Deputy.

 

[Preacher Man]

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap
Great looking hat J.T., and you did a fantastic job reshaping it! Good hat, Good job!

Preacher Man