Vintage Whippets

[ConsiderMeMilesDavis]

Gang,

My dream bucket is a 40's Whippet, but the price tags on ebay are getting harder and harder to stomach. Anyone have recommendations for a similar lid, similar era, but manufactured by someone besides Stetson that'd be a little easier on the wallet?

Thanks in advance,

- m

 

[tuco1963]

awesome question I too want an affordable whippet or clone

 

[javadave61]

Anyone have recommendations for a similar lid, similar era, but manufactured by someone besides Stetson that'd be a little easier on the wallet?

Just from my experience looking around on eBay, my perception is that any whippet-like vintage hat, no matter who the manufacturer, is going to be high. Many here have had a custom hat designed to replicate it. I'm considering selling off a few hats that have fallen in the rotation to see if I can save up for one myself.

 

[ConsiderMeMilesDavis]

Just from my experience looking around on eBay, my perception is that any whippet-like vintage hat, no matter who the manufacturer, is going to be high. Many here have had a custom hat designed to replicate it. I'm considering selling off a few hats that have fallen in the rotation to see if I can save up for one myself.

Cool, I had a feeling the conversation would steer this way.

Next step is recommendations on custom hatters. Anyone?

 

[Bob Roberts]

Cool, I had a feeling the conversation would steer this way.

Next step is recommendations on custom hatters. Anyone?

I'm going with Northwest hats for my first custom. Like Mikes work and prices.

 

[Andykev]

What size Whippet are you looking for? You might post "wanted" in the classifieds... I have had several of these come and go. I think I have an almost NIB 7 3/8 somewhere...very brown. My least favorite color. The majority of hats I see now on Ebay are way too small. Size 7 or even smaller. Most folks today wear the larger sizes.

 

[ConsiderMeMilesDavis]

What size Whippet are you looking for? You might post "wanted" in the classifieds... I have had several of these come and go. I think I have an almost NIB 7 3/8 somewhere...very brown. My least favorite color. The majority of hats I see now on Ebay are way too small. Size 7 or even smaller. Most folks today wear the larger sizes.

Thanks. Noticed the same thing online, all 7's or smaller. I'm a 7 1/4.

 

[Bamaboots]

What size Whippet are you looking for? You might post "wanted" in the classifieds... I have had several of these come and go. I think I have an almost NIB 7 3/8 somewhere...very brown. My least favorite color. The majority of hats I see now on Ebay are way too small. Size 7 or even smaller. Most folks today wear the larger sizes.

PM sent

 

[moontheloon]

I've had a few "clones" but none of them compare to the Whippets I've owned and own

that being said ... I do own a Dobbs clone from the early 50s that is very nice

 

[Dan Allen]

I have recently received a Whippet clone from Mike at Northwest hats. You would be hard pressed to tell the difference between it and the Vintage I own which I used to get the specs for the build.

 

[Historyteach24]

THe problem when looking for a whippet is that the demand and the prices have skyrocketed, I can't really explain why its THE hat for many, but what is leads to is every Tom, Dick and Harry posting on ebay "whippet like" or "whippet esque" which brings more eyes to the auction and inevitably more bids

 

[Dan Allen]

I wear a size 7 which occasionally come up for sale reasonable. My vintage actually cost a few dollars less than the Northwest clone , however the Clone is a custom color and 100% beaver . If you are a smaller head and are patient and make offers then one may show up . If you are a "pin head" so much the better. Large sizes may mean that a clone would be cheaper.

 

[moontheloon]

I have recently received a Whippet clone from Mike at Northwest hats. You would be hard pressed to tell the difference between it and the Vintage I own which I used to get the specs for the build.

I find this very hard to believe

mostly for the simple fact that the felt available today isn't even close to the felt used on vintage Whippets

 

[Dan Allen]

I just pulled them down and "checked" my memory. and I stand my my statement. I realize that we are comparing apples to oranges ( beaver with rabbit). Mike would do well to keep brim trimmings and send pieces upon request to prospective customers.

 

[Frunobulax]

 

[RJR]

I've seen but not handled several of Mike's clones.....very nice.

 

[Andykev]

Stetson Whippet, around 1950..guessing from the original square Stetson box. This has has zero flaws in the felt, the bound edge is perfect. The crown ribbon may have a bit of discoloration from age. The 'bead' is perfect. Paper tag of 7 3/8 is good as is the bow. Slight age yellowing to the inner liner. This hat was stored a long time, and worn very little. Stitching is excellent. From all appearances, this is one of the best examples of a "Whippet" I have seen. That said, I have a "Royal Deluxe" of same vintage which is a "dove" gray, my favorite color, and that one is pristine. I hate brown hats. The "Royal Deluxe" is one of about 7 or 8 that I have which are actually "New in box" quality. That means, never worn (or at least it was tried on a few times). I see no advantage to this hat compared to the other Stetson's from the same era. The name "Whippet" commands a premium, for which I cannot explain. I hope this is a good "show" for some who have whitnessed the crap on Ebay, for the most part. Sweat stained and worn, and size 7 or under!

 

[Bob Roberts]

I just pulled them down and "checked" my memory. and I stand my my statement. I realize that we are comparing apples to oranges ( beaver with rabbit). Mike would do well to keep brim trimmings and send pieces upon request to prospective customers.

He does and did. He recently sent me 3 Winchester Beaver swatch trimmings.

 

[Bob Roberts]

View attachment 39558

Thats great Fruno.

 

[Bob Roberts]

Stetson Whippet, around 1950..guessing from the original square Stetson box. This has has zero flaws in the felt, the bound edge is perfect. The crown ribbon may have a bit of discoloration from age. The 'bead' is perfect. Paper tag of 7 3/8 is good as is the bow. Slight age yellowing to the inner liner. This hat was stored a long time, and worn very little. Stitching is excellent. From all appearances, this is one of the best examples of a "Whippet" I have seen. That said, I have a "Royal Deluxe" of same vintage which is a "dove" gray, my favorite color, and that one is pristine. I hate brown hats. The "Royal Deluxe" is one of about 7 or 8 that I have which are actually "New in box" quality. That means, never worn (or at least it was tried on a few times). I see no advantage to this hat compared to the other Stetson's from the same era. The name "Whippet" commands a premium, for which I cannot explain. I hope this is a good "show" for some who have whitnessed the crap on Ebay, for the most part. Sweat stained and worn, and size 7 or under!

I come very close to "hate" for brown also and I'm a 7 and 1/4... but in this hats case, I would swallow my "hate" and grow my head.