1920s Stetson cowboy hat

[The Vintage Vendeuse]

Is anyone here knowledgeable about vintage Stetsons? I've spent hours researching this hat and it appears to be from the 1920s due to the zig-zag stitching that attaches the sweatband to the hat and the lack of stitching to join the two sweatband ends. This info was gleaned from some very helpful guides posted here last year by a gentleman, but I'd love confirmation on this.

This hat is stamped a Boss Raw Edge but as you can see it has a bound edge. In handling the hat, I believe the binding is period. Possibly the buyer preferred a more polished look and had it customized to his liking. Any opinions on whether a professional hat restorer could remove the binding or would the thread holes likely be too noticeable/permanent? (I worry that the bound edge may kill the hat's desirability.)

I registered at the Fedora Lounge, hoping to inquire there but am currently in the "moderation queue". Registration allowed me to search their site (which was very helpful) but I cannot post a question or photos until a moderator approves me. Unfortunately, I don't know how long one remains in this limbo!

An interesting tidbit of history on the store that retailed the hat: Ben Zindler's Sons in Houston, Texas was a Jewish-owned men and boy's clothing store that was supportive of freed black slaves and subsequently became a target of the Ku Klux Klan.

Thank you for any help
~Donna

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

I have my Grandfathers from 1920, and I can compare features for you.
It may take me a few days to pull it from storage.

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

Hi,

What a wonderful hat. Super duper! We do have a fellow who comes on here every so often who would know more, as you have mentioned. He is very knowledgeable. While my area of expertise is more women's hats, I have collected and handled quite a few mens hats over the years. It looks to be from about the 1920s to me, and may even be slightly older.

I have actually removed bindings from the edge of hats. The tiny holes from the stitching can often be brushed or picked out, with a gentle steaming too, although the edge might be a bit fuller there as a result. Felt is very forgiving, depending on the density of it. If you remove it, a concern might also be a difference in color of the felt under the grosgrain binding. Both of these could be addressed by trimming the edge slightly afterward, but I suggest having it done by a professional with the proper tools to ensure a clean even edge. Of course, this alters the original silhouette. If the binding was added in later years, then the hat has already been altered and may have had an even larger brim. I wonder.

It really is a great example and I am thrilled to see it.

 

[The Vintage Vendeuse]

Thank you for the replies. I was able to contact the gentleman mentioned through his website and he was kind enough to confirm dating. I've also been accepted into The Fedora Lounge and hope for more info there, too, re: correct name for color, proper type of crease, measurements hat buyers need, etc.
Barbara, I hadn't thought of the likelihood that there would be a difference in color if the binding were removed from the edge. You're right, of course! I'm going leave it as is.
Bette, I'd love to see photos of your grandfather's hat!

 

[anothertimevintageapparel]

I always called it his "Ten Gallon" hat. I have his W W l campaign hat also.
I will be back later with photos.