Tag Archives: hat

1940s casual MacLachlan fedora

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Now on eBay! LINK

This hat was made by MacLachlan hat makers, probably in the 1940s and was sold by Barney’s Mens Wear of Chicago, Illinois. It is an unusual light oatmeal colored heathered felt with a small overwelt. The hatband is of a then popular casual knit style. The hat has a grosgrain ribbon sweatband, which, combined with the tin, lightweight felt, makes the hat rollable and packable. The hat is unlined and has the Mac Lachlan crest printed into the crown. Also, because of the soft construction, the hat has a fair bit of give to it, so it easily fits a 7-1/4, despite being tagged and measuring to a 7-1/8 when unworn.

Size: 7-1/8
Brim Width: 2-1/8″
Band Width: 3-4/”
Crown Height: 5-5/8″

   
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1950s CHamp milan straw porkpie

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This hat was made in the 1950s by the Champ Hat company. It is a high grade milan summer straw hat, with a bound brim, teardrop porkpie blocking and a nicely executed wide ribbon and bow. There is a satin liner tip and a leather sweatband. The sweatband isn’t in very good shape, but the rest of the hat is. These old high quality milans are hard to come by (lots of cheap milans back in the day), and sweatband replacement isn’t very hard or expensive.

Size: 7-1/4
Brim Width: 2″
Ribbon Width: 2-1/4″

   
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Late 1800s / early 1900s Stetson Montecristi Panama Hat

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This hat was made in the early part of the 20th century, or possibly the late 1800s. I’ve never seen another hat with this super early John B. Stetson crest. It’s extremely old and unusual.
The hat is a very fine montecristi panama, see the detail picture with a penny for scale for an idea of just how fine. There are three breaks in the straw in the brim, at the back, but unlike the other early Stetson Montecristi, they don’t show very badly, especially when worn. The hat has a classic optimo blocking, and the brim is finely backwoven. THe sweatband has some of the finest stitching I’ve seen and is extremely wide. It is still nice and supple. The original owner’s initials, “ECA” are stamped opposite the Stetson logo.
Size: 7-1/4
Brim Width: 2-1/8″
Ribbon Width: 7/8″
   
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1940s Imperial Stetson

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I found this 7-3/8 Imperial Stetson at an antique store in Maryland. It wasn’t marked, but due to the condition of the sweatband, the owner gave it to me for $5. It’s mid 1940s, and has the early style “Stars” Stetson crest. The brim is wide, the crown is tall and the ribbon is bold. It has a huge overwelt.

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