How old?

[tonyb]

Bought this one a few days ago at a vintage clothing/antique furniture/collectible junk shop in Butte.

As you can see, it quite resembles a Dobbs Gay Prince, which was introduced around 1947, I believe.

But, as the interior shot shows, it's a Penney's Marathon. Marathons were made by Lee, right? I ask for verification of that because I happen to have a Lee, and it's no great shakes. And a Marathon that crossed my path quite some time back wasn't much of a lid either, as I recall. But this latest acquisition ranks among the best of my now large-ish collection of old hats. (Well, not large in comparison to jamespowers's and Douglas's stables, but still.) The felt is dense and has a very nice, suede-like feel. So apparently there were Marathons and then there were Marathons.
Any guesses as to its age? Over what time span did Penney's use the "Marathon" name for its house brand? They also used "Towncraft" at one time, didn't they? At least for some models?
The lettering on this one's liner and sweatband looks '50s to me. But, you know, that's just a wild guess.

 

[BJBAmerica]

Regardless of age, that's a beauty of a hat, looks almost as if it had never been worn....I like it, and it's just my size I see, too....LOL!!!

Nice find, congrats & wear it well!!!

 

[jimmy the lid]

Wow, great looking lid in mint condition. Congrats!:eusa_clap

I believe that Stetson made a clone of the Gay Prince, and it's interesting to see that Lee jumped on the bandwagon, as well. Certainly a distinctive style.

Cheers,
JtL

 

[tonyb]

Yeah, it's in a nice condition, Barry and Jimmy, but not quite a perfect one. The whip stitching on the brim edge was broken in one place near the rear center. I mended it with a thin needle and a close-to-matching gray thread. (I basically rejoined the loose ends.) The repair isn't quite unnoticeable, but it's far from conspicuous. A real hat fancier (ever met one of them?) might spot it, but the average civilian would have to have it pointed out to him before he'd pay it any nevermind.

 

[thunderw21]

Great hat, lots of character with that stitching. I'd love to have it for myself.

 

[carter]

Tony B, That is a swell topper! Not to covet but to admire from across the room. Wear it with pride!

 

[J.T.Marcus]

I don't have the slightest idea how old it is, but the quality and beauty are undeniable. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[feltfan]

Nice hat and nice condition.

I guess you're soliciting opinions, since none of
us really know, so I'll say late 1940s. The style
is late 40s to mid-fifties, isn't it? But with the wider
brim, taller crown, untooled and beautifully mounted
sweatband, and softer, perhaps not plastic
liner, I'd say on the early side of the range.

Let me know if you come across a larger one.

 

[EricH]

I have got to go West. You have great hats and hatmakers out there. I grab a Marathon whenever I can find one and if you put that anywhere near me I would probably try to wrestle it out of your hands. I would agree it is a late 40's vintage. The Marathon's of that era include some fine hats. You have a gem there and if you ever need to make room in the collection give me a call.

Eric

 

[tonyb]

Well, Eric, I doubt that on average our pickings are any better out here than they are in your neck of the woods. My visits to places a person might half way expect to find an old hat (antique malls, etc.) routinely disappoint.
By the way, also on this recent road trip I was tempted to buy a hat -- a Portis in practically good-as-new condition, complete with an original box -- at an antique store near Baraboo, Wisconsin. (I happen to have an example of the very model, but it's a well-worn beater I bought for something like three bucks at an estate sale.) But I let it pass because it's a bit too snug, I'm not crazy about its style, and the shopkeeper wouldn't budge enough on the price. It's not that it isn't worth, to someone, the marked price of $89, but not to me. And I already have enough hats I rarely if ever wear. I'm much happier with the Montana find, and it cost me a whole lot less.

 

[EricH]

Baraboo!?! You should have given a wave if you passed through Mpls/St. Paul on Interstate 94. Always glad to say hello to a fellow Lounger. Don't bother stopping for hats, though, I've cleaned out most of the good (and bad) spots here.

Eric

 

[tonyb]

I'll keep that in mind for next time, Eric. On this trip I took the more southerly (I-90) route (90 and 94 split at Tomah, right?), so I bypassed the Twin Cities but got to take in the charms of Albert Lea.

 

[Dinerman]

Great hat. I'd definitely agree on the late '40s age.
Does the felt have the same sueded "glove" finish like the gay prince?

 

[Baron Kurtz]

That Marathon liner i've seen in late 40s and early 50s models.

Gotta love that whip stitching.

bk

 

[tonyb]

Great hat. I'd definitely agree on the late '40s age.
Does the felt have the same sueded "glove" finish like the gay prince?

Yup, sure does. About as nice a "hand" as I've encountered.
You got one?

 

[DOUGLAS]

WOW what a beauty!!