back in the closet: 1920's Stetson Select 7 3/4 (24")

[ScottF]

Edited to add: I'll change the title to 'traded' if anything comes of this, so feel free to send a PM any time (months, years) - my head isn't going to grow any.

Following is available for TRADE only (not for sale). This is way big for me (I'm 7 1/4 + 1/16), but picked up because I'm researching pre-1940s Stetsons. 2 5/8" brim, 2" ribbon, 6" crown with small amount of side taper, 24" circumference around inner sweatband. Color: brown with lean toward olive, dark olive ribbon. It's in great shape, but does have some mothing (under left front side dent, one on top, one tiny bite on back right top of brim, a few on underside) - I doubt any of it would show up when wearing - tracking, not bites. I'm guessing 1920's, but would love to hear opinions.

I'm only interested in trading this one for a hat(s) of 1940's or older vintage, wearable condition, at least size 7 1/4, brim at least 2.25" and preferably raw edge. Especially interested in Stetsons of similar era (wide-brim fedoras or westerns - not bowlers, derbies, top hats or stingies)

Again, TRADE only. If I can get something of historical interest that fits, I'd rather see this on someone's head who can wear it.

 

[ScottF]

Wow! This really IS a tough crowd here in the old classifieds section.

...it's back in the box, awaiting the opening of the virtual Stetson museum. lol

 

[texasgirl]

The problem is, anyone who could wear this, is probably not going to have anything is your size to trade?

 

[Mr. Lucky]

Here's what I got, and it's ALL I got, to trade. It is a Wormser version of the Open Road/Strat. It is light beige in color with a matching thin ribbon and narrow bound brim. It has some visible moth damage, but not making it prohibitive to wearing. As for age, I don't know. The liner is sewn in if that makes any difference. The sweat is in good shape and has Royal Luxury printed in gold on one side. Overall it is in good shape. The size is 7 1/4 and the brim is 2 1/2. Don't know if you're interested but there you go.

 

[ScottF]

The problem is, anyone who could wear this, is probably not going to have anything is your size to trade?

Actually, what I've read on this forum would indicate otherwise - people with heads this size end up buying a lot of hats that are too small for them, taking chances because it's so difficult to find big hats.

No matter - if I'm going to have unwearable hats lying about, this one will do.

 

[ScottF]

Here's what I got, and it's ALL I got, to trade. It is a Wormser version of the Open Road/Strat. It is light beige in color with a matching thin ribbon and narrow bound brim. It has some visible moth damage, but not making it prohibitive to wearing. As for age, I don't know. The liner is sewn in if that makes any difference. The sweat is in good shape and has Royal Luxury printed in gold on one side. Overall it is in good shape. The size is 7 1/4 and the brim is 2 1/2. Don't know if you're interested but there you go.

I'll PM you - thanks for the post!

 

[texasgirl]

Well, it would fit my husband, but I only have girly hats to trade

 

[carldelo]

Scott - FWIW, if the circumference is 24", then that's a size 61 or 7-5/8. No surprise that a hat has shrunk over time, I guess, but you may find more possible trades with the hat listed at the actual wearable size, rather than the size on the label. It's a nice lid, but too small for my 7-3/4 noggin.

 

[ScottF]

Scott - FWIW, if the circumference is 24", then that's a size 61 or 7-5/8. No surprise that a hat has shrunk over time, I guess, but you may find more possible trades with the hat listed at the actual wearable size, rather than the size on the label. It's a nice lid, but too small for my 7-3/4 noggin.

I've listed, in the title, the tagged size, as well as the actual circumference - can't get much more explicit than that. It's important to list the tagged size because that's generally the safest size that you will be able to stretch it back to, but the actual circumference, of course, is also very important.

It's all there

But while I appreciate all the suggestions, it's very important to note: I like this hat. I don't have any need to get rid of it. It's not for sale. I just think that it's a cool hat, and that those of you with huge heads probably rarely get the opportunity to wear a 1920's Stetson fedora, especially one with a bound brim, so I thought I'd offer it for trade.


I don't usually check the Classifieds very often, and all the hats that I offered here (for sale or trade) are now either sold, traded or finishing up this Sunday on ebay, so....

if you have some interest, or additional comments, please send a PM.

Thanks!

 

[carldelo]

It's important to list the tagged size because that's generally the safest size that you will be able to stretch it back to

That's a good point, I hadn't considered the stretchability issue

those of you with huge heads probably rarely get the opportunity to wear a 1920's Stetson fedora, especially one with a bound brim

Ain't it the truth, brother....

 

[ScottF]

That's a good point, I hadn't considered the stretchability issue

That's a point that rlk made, and that I hadn't thought much about either. His idea was that a hat should be stretchable to the tagged (original) size.

There is a good chance I'll actually send this one to a professional and have it sized down, given that it has a reeded sweat that can be cut down and re-used, no liner, and as someone suggested (I think, ferrault?) the bound brim might not be original. If that's the case, I think removing the brim binding, re-blocking, and possibly trimming the brim, might result in a gorgeous hat that I can actually wear.

And I do realize that it was a long-shot that a large-noggin lounger would have a much smaller hat of similar vintage...but you don't know until you ask.