Help with {date or identify} a hat please.....!

[deadlyhandsome]

Both I guess model number ? Some hats I have does not show up on a search of the internet or Stetson web site

I’m still not getting exactly what you’re looking for.

For most of the hats Stetson made we cannot determine the original model name. We can compare specifications to vintage catalogs and see if we can match them up, but it’s not by using the numbers on the re-order tags or other factory labels. Those numbers usually tell us the size and sometimes the block, but the other numbers were used for Stetson’s internal purposes and I’ve never seen a decoder for what they mean. A minority of Stetson’s hats had/have their model on the sweatband or the liner, but otherwise it’s just a matter of matching up clues. Often we can’t positively identify models.

You might try adding photos to show us what you’re trying to identify. Photos are always your best chance at getting good information.

Don’t be surprised if a bartender (moderator) merges this thread with an existing thread such as:

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/help-with-or-identify-a-hat-please.62452/page-10

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Just got accepted here so no haven’t had a chance thought I would ask first from someone who might know

Lots of knowledgeable people here…way more knowledgeable than me. Most are willing to share and help, but it goes a long way if the new members put in some effort too. There’s a lot of information here. This is a good place to start:

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/links-to-important-hat-forum-threads.52584/

 

[The bull]

Yes those code numbers in the sweatband . I have have a few and some there isn't any thanks

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Yes those code numbers in the sweatband . I have have a few and some there isn't any thanks

The older Stetsons, ending sometime around 1940, had Lot Numbers that were marked as such on the reverse of the sweatband. The stamped numbers on the sweatband have never been deciphered as far as I know.

 

[Just Daniel]

Welcome to the Lounge.

Can you post a pic of what you are looking for?If you are asking about numbers stamped on the leather that say “Lot No ..” there is a thread for them; they appear to be markers generally associated with pre-WWII decades.

If you mean the reorder numbers, for pre-60s hats they will be the same as the orange tag stamped to the felt at the back of the hat. To my knowledge no one has “decoded” these, if there ever was a code involved.

If you are referring to post-50s hats, someone else might know a little bit about them.

Certainly post a pic and we’ll try to help.

Daniel

Yes those code numbers in the sweatband . I have have a few and some there isn't any thanks

 

[Cranston Davenport]

We have a black fedora that has been in storage for years, it belonged to my wife’s grandfather who was from Sicily. We are curious to what year it is and maybe the value. If you have any insights we would appreciate it! Thanks

 

[Bamaboots]

We have a black fedora that has been in storage for years, it belonged to my wife’s grandfather who was from Sicily. We are curious to what year it is and maybe the value. If you have any insights we would appreciate it! Thanks View attachment 391967 View attachment 391968 View attachment 391969

It's old. The sweatband, liner and the hat's style are indicators of this. As to how old, likely impossible to put an exact date on it but there are other indicators that may help. If the sweatband is supple enough to be turned over w/o damage, look for a lot number on the sweat on the backside in the front of the hat. In the rear, affixed to the hat body may be mfg. stickers which help to date hats. If you're concerned about the sweat, a small mirror can aid you in looking. As to value, there are many variables there as well. Many people here compete against each other in the vintage hat market and some are reluctant to place a value on a hat. Size is one of the more important things as larger sizes are more rare in a vintage hat.

 

[Cranston Davenport]

It's old. The sweatband, liner and the hat's style are indicators of this. As to how old, likely impossible to put an exact date on it but there are other indicators that may help. If the sweatband is supple enough to be turned over w/o damage, look for a lot number on the sweat on the backside in the front of the hat. In the rear, affixed to the hat body may be mfg. stickers which help to date hats. If you're concerned about the sweat, a small mirror can aid you in looking. As to value, there are many variables there as well. Many people here compete against each other in the vintage hat market and some are reluctant to place a value on a hat. Size is one of the more important things as larger sizes are more rare in vintage hat.

I think it is a 7

 

[TedTheChilehead]

Ran across an interesting fedora. I've not seen this logo before. Does anyone have a clue as to what hat maker it might be?

I thought it was an Indiana Jones. Not sure though because the logo looks different than other Indiana Jones hats I've seen.

Thank you

Ted the Chilehead

 

[Bamaboots]

I think it is a 7

This is merely a guess but your hat 'looks' 20's-30's to me. When you're able to provide more info, others will likely weigh in as to the hats age. Size 7 might hurt the initial $ assessment, but all it takes is two who really want that hat. The liner is rare.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

For the most accurate information, it would be useful to have photos of any/all markings on the leather sweatband and photos of any of the labels on the felt behind the sweatband. If the leather is still supple you can flip it down, but don’t do anything that damages the leather. Go slow and be gentle and stop if the leather isn’t up to that much flexing. Looking forward to seeing additional photos.

 

[Cranston Davenport]

I found this in the inside, btw thanks for the response

This is merely a guess but your hat 'looks' 20's-30's to me. When you're able to provide more info, others will likely weigh in as to the hats age. Size 7 might hurt the initial $ assessment, but all it takes is two who really want that hat. The liner is rare.

Thanks

 

[Bamaboots]

I found this in the inside, btw thanks for the response

Thanks

Man, that's great. @alanfgag has a really good grasp of the Stetson Lot Numbers and their respective decades. He'll see this. You're welcome for the response.

 

[Cranston Davenport]

For the most accurate information, it would be useful to have photos of any/all markings on the leather sweatband and photos of any of the labels on the felt behind the sweatband. If the leather is still supple you can flip it down, but don’t do anything that damages the leather. Go slow and be gentle and stop if the leather isn’t up to that much flexing. Looking forward to seeing additional photos.

This is all I can find in the inside, thanks for the response

 

[deadlyhandsome]

The use of Lot Numbers stopped right about 1940. There should also be a paper label(s) glued to the felt behind the leather sweatband near the back where the two ends of the sweatband butt together. You might need to love the liner a bit to see them. Those labels are useful in telling us a lot about old Stetsons and photos of them will help a lot if you can get them.

EDIT: looks like you already did this. Thanks!

 

[hatsRme]

I think it is a 7

Welcome, Mr. Davenport. Great piece there. Is there a size tag, or did you measure?

 

[Cranston Davenport]

Welcome, Mr. Davenport. Great piece there. Is there a size tag, or did you measure?

I measured the circumference but it looks like there is a 7 on the inside of the leather

 

[deadlyhandsome]

This is all I can find in the inside, thanks for the response

The size is on the top of the label you photographed. Is there anyway you can safely push the satin liner up and get a photo of the whole label?

 

[Cranston Davenport]

the best I could do!

 

[deadlyhandsome]

the best I could do! View attachment 392014 View attachment 392015 View attachment 392013 View attachment 392014 View attachment 392015 View attachment 392016

Nice! It’s a smaller size, but it’s of a great vintage. I’ll leave the heavy lifting on dating it to my betters.