Vintage 1960s Stetson 10 Gallon Cowboy Hat Size XL 7 1/2

This is a wonderful Stetson 10 gallon cowboy hat made in the style of hat worn by Big Hoss on the popular 1950s-60s television show Bonanza (see last photo), which probably served as inspiration for its production.  The liner is gold stamped with the Stetson logo and the sweatband is gold stamped “Stetson Sagebrush” as well as with the retailer name “Ritchie Feed & Seed Ottawa, Ont.”.  The inventory tag reads “Stet Felt Harrow Style Rust Colour Size 7 5/8”.  The gold foil size tag, however, reads “7 1/2” - why this is different from the inventory tag, I’m unsure, but please note that the sweatband measures 23 1/2” around, which is keeping with a size 7 1/2 hat.  The opening measures 7” by 8 1/4” across its opening.  The crown has a height of 7” and the brim has a width of 3 3/4”.  This Stetson 10 gallon cowboy hat is in very good condition with a couple of small issues - some cracking / surface loss to the sweatband near the size tag and the hat would benefit from a professional cleaning, although it is perfectly usable as it is.

Excellent quality beaver blend felt used to make this Stetson 10 gallon cowboy hat, fairly thick - this hat will last a lifetime with proper care.  The crown is wrapped at its base with black faille ribbon.

This is not a common model - they make reproductions of the original Hoss hat, but finding a Stetson that is contemporaneous to the television show is not easy, especially in this XL size…..