The big difference between a boss of the plains and a campaign hat is the grommets. An army campaign hat has them. A boss of the plains does not. Typically a boss of the plains stays uncreased, while a campaign hat gets a four point montana peak. This is a boss of the plains that has been adapted for NPS service.
This one probably dates from the 1920s. Typical boss of the plains crown. May have had a curled brim edge at one point, but if that’s the case, it’s long since been cut off. Textured leather sweatband, no lining. Wide ribbon. Deep imprints. No. 1 Quality, a western designation of the time. Very high quality fur felt.
This is the second biggest hat I’ve had in the collection. A whopping size 8! It dates from the 1960s.
Brown 1930s Stetson homburg. Great imprints on the sweatband. Excellent condition.
This one is ancient and unusual. It’s not a panama, but it’s similar. I’m not sure the country of origin of the straw. Marked Genuine Madagascar, but knowing the old straw names, that could mean anything. Stitched crown with taped seams. White sweatband with nouveau markings. Sold by M.E. Blatt – Importer – Boardwalk Atlantic City, NJ.
Brown dyed 1950s or ’60s Dobbs panama summer hat.
There was a time when Sears made great stuff. High quality leather jackets, high quality shoes, high quality hats.
Airplane themed hats were popular. This one dates from the 1960s.
This one’s seen some trail. Look at the character the sweatband has accumulated.
The real deal- a big ’30s Dobbs western sold by Desmond’s of California. No interest when I sold this one- ended up losing money on it. Everyone wants a “Stetson” and are willing to pay big for the brand name. People will pay big for Dobbs fedoras, but they just didn’t become iconic in the western market in the same way.
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