Identifying maker of store branded cowboy hat? Leader Western Stores, Denver CO

[Honez]

I found this handsome cowboy hat in exceptionally clean condition.

I'm assuming that many store branded hats were made by major manufacturers, but that the best quality ones would retain manufacturer's branding. After all, if it was Stetson, you'd want to announce that... right? I can find very little info on Leader Western Stores, Denver CO, and am having trouble dating it. The Library of Congress has a photo of the storefront from some time in at least the mid-60s (there's a '65 Ford Galaxie parked out front).

Does this look like the work of a known hat manufacturer? Does it seem like a pretty good quality hat?

 

[Joao Encarnado]

Maybe Thoroughbred? The "100% imported fur no other fibers" is from them. Size tag is also the same.

 

[Honez]

That was quick! I think you're absolutely correct. Looking at Thoroughbred hats online, the lining and shape looks pretty much identical to most examples I've seen.

Thanks!

 

[Honez]

Funny thing, after looking at other examples online - many with tacky feathered bands - this hat now looks very "Travolta" to me. Ha.

 

[ingineer]

I think it was made by Langenberg Hat Company which later became Beaver Brand Hats.
And that the Thoroughbred label belonged to them.
Just my wild ... quess

 

[RJR]

I'd guess you're correct,Ingineer.I've seen any number of house brands made by Beaver Brand.

 

[johnnycanuck]

I have two Buck-a-roo hats made by Beaver brand hats. The fur felt label is the same as yours and I saw the print for the crown in pictures from the Beaver brand auction. So I second the Beaver brand guess.
Johnny

 

[Joao Encarnado]

Well I didn't know all that.
My Thoroughbred had a feather hatband (yuck) that I quickly removed.

 

[RBH]

Here is a little bit of a search ..

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?48764-Thoroughbred-Hats

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?73075-Beaver-Brand-Hats-Final-Auction

 

[TheDane]

I think it was made by Langenberg Hat Company which later became Beaver Brand Hats.
And that the Thoroughbred label belonged to them.
Just my wild ... quess

+1 - Maybe not that wild. I have a (probably 50s or 60s) western fedora from Langenberg/BeaverBrand, that came with a size label like the one shown here