The Open Road Guild

[jlee562]

Greetings Gents- I’ve come across a Royal Deluxe Stetson with an Open Road shape - a thicker grosgrain ribbon with flairs sewn In. No name on the sweat. It looks to be from the ‘70-‘80s but I’m no expert. Any Ideas on what I’ve found?

Despite what modern Stetson marketing would have you believe, the cattleman crown is not "an Open Road shape."

This is definitely not an OR, wrong ribbon, wrong brim. Though it's probably earlier than 70's given the keyhole tag.

 

[DJ-Delta]

Despite what modern Stetson marketing would have you believe, the cattleman crown is not "an Open Road shape."

This is definitely not an OR, wrong ribbon, wrong brim. Though it's probably earlier than 70's given the keyhole tag.

Thanks for the info - Any suggestions on forum threads to post to possibly get more info on this hat based on the pictures? (I don’t have it in hand yet)

 

[Hurricane Jack]

Any suggestions on forum threads to post to possibly get more info on this hat based on the pictures? (I don’t have it in hand yet)

It resembles the San Ann or the San All but they were No. 1Q & not RD quality. Once you get it you can search thru the catalog threads looking for matches by dimension, grade, liner, era, etc.

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/western-ranch-outfitters-stockmens-catalogs.51482/page-10

 

[jlee562]

Thanks for the info - Any suggestions on forum threads to post to possibly get more info on this hat based on the pictures? (I don’t have it in hand yet)

What HJ said above...

It's not always possible to 100% identify a hat model, the catalogs are a great, but incomplete resource. The keyhole tag on yours suggests mid 50's-ish, so I would look for that ballpark timeframe.

The ribbon treatment is a bit of a throwback to earlier styles and the red liner is less common, so it's a neat catch. The Western thread is probably a better place to post more pics when you have it in hand.

 

[DJ-Delta]

I’m new to all of this - thanks to you all, now 300% more knowledgeable than I was this morning. The sad part is I had the hat in hand, tried it on, looked in good in the mirror, and thought - I have no idea what this is and left. Got on a plane the next morning. Lesson learned - if the hat looks good, get the hat

 

[Buick]

The wife’s Open Road has spent a good amount of time in storage (we emigrated a little over a year ago, and all our belongings went to a shippers, then 5 months at sea, then going through customs etc) and from sitting upside down the brim now looks to be slightly flipped upward all around instead of being straight. What’s the solution? A light steaming and then just sit it on a flat surface with books to weigh it down? Iron it? Any tips appreciated.

 

[Buick]

 

[Dan718]

The wife’s Open Road has spent a good amount of time in storage (we emigrated a little over a year ago, and all our belongings went to a shippers, then 5 months at sea, then going through customs etc) and from sitting upside down the brim now looks to be slightly flipped upward all around instead of being straight. What’s the solution? A light steaming and then just sit it on a flat surface with books to weigh it down? Iron it? Any tips appreciated.

Should it be completely straight/flat? My observation is that they usually curl upwards slightly at the edge of the brim.

 

[Buick]

Perh

Should it be completely straight/flat? My observation is that they usually curl upwards slightly at the edge of the brim.

Perhaps you’re right and I’ve just forgotten. In my head the O.R. brim is really straight and crisp, but the mind certainly can play tricks.

 

[Rmccamey]

With a slightly damp dishtowel on top of the brim (a small section at a time) and a good steam iron, you should be able to iron the towel/brim mostly flat. As was stated, most OR brims do have a slight flange, or cup, in the brim but some people do like a flat brim.

The wife’s Open Road has spent a good amount of time in storage (we emigrated a little over a year ago, and all our belongings went to a shippers, then 5 months at sea, then going through customs etc) and from sitting upside down the brim now looks to be slightly flipped upward all around instead of being straight. What’s the solution? A light steaming and then just sit it on a flat surface with books to weigh it down? Iron it? Any tips appreciated.