SeventeenerHatPress

Securely Store Your Broad Brimmed Campaign Hat

St Louis, Missouri On Etsy since 2018

380 Sales | 5 out of 5 stars

SeventeenerHatPress

Securely Store Your Broad Brimmed Campaign Hat

St Louis, Missouri | 380 Sales

5 out of 5 stars

Shop owner

Contact

Items

Contact shop owner
380 Sales
15 Admirers
 
Seventeener

Contact shop owner

Seventeener

Reviews

Average item review
5 out of 5 stars
(26)
See reviews that mention:
quality 6 shipping 5 customer service 2

About SeventeenerHatPress

Sales 380
On Etsy since 2018

A Boy Scout Troop with a unique story

Boy Scout Troop 17 has worn the traditional broad-brimmed Scout campaign hat since its founding in 1917. During the late 1950s and early 1960s, several problems arose with the campaign hats. The material used in the newer hat’s construction was less sturdy, making the hats susceptible to warping. Hat presses were becoming less available and more expensive; and those that were available were not well made.

Because Scouts solve problems, one of the Troop’s Assistant Scoutmasters constructed a rudimentary prototype with the intent of using them within the Troop and perhaps making them available for sale. He proceeded to refine the “tear drop” design, and used stronger materials such as Masonite, heavy grommets, and rivets.

One summer in the early 1960s, a Scout, who was home from college and without a summer job, worked with that Assistant Scoutmaster on the hat press. On a trip to Chicago, he took several with him and spontaneously stopped at the Illinois State Patrol headquarters in Springfield, Illinois. They were enamored with them and bought several. The Troop’s first sale!

After that, sales were mostly word-of-mouth referrals. Beginning in the 1990s, the troop began an aggressive marketing campaign and quality control program. The product was improved, material and shipping costs were reduced, and major broad-brimmed hat users (such as highway patrols, park service rangers, and the Marine Corps) were targeted throughout the United States.

Troop 17 Scouts assemble the hat presses themselves in St. Louis, Missouri.

With the popularization of online shopping, the hat presses were sold on our Troop 17 website and now on Etsy. The hat press business is a success. Through these sales, we are able to finance most of the Troop’s expenditures, including camperships to our Scouts in need.

Thank you for supporting Troop 17!

Around the web

Website

Shop members

  • Boy Scout Troop 17 in St. Louis, Missouri, USA

    Maker

    Boy Scout Troop 17 has been continuously active since 1917.

Shop policies

More information

Last updated on Jan 25, 2020
Frequently asked questions
Will the Seventeener Hat Press accept different styles of broad brimmed hats?

Yes, in most cases. In addition to felt hats, we accommodate most beaver felt and straw hats. See detailed sizing information in the listing description. Hat presses for triple thick brims (1/4") are available at no extra charge.

What if I use both a summer and winter style broad brimmed hat?

Many of our customers purchase two presses in order to protect both the hat in service as well as the one in storage.

Can I use a purchase order?

Absolutely. We accept purchase orders from qualified customers. Please use the Contact link above.

Are there quantity discounts?

Yes! Get one free for every 25 ordered. See the coupon codes in the listing description. Just pay incremental shipping.

Can I Change My Address After Ordering?

We do not accept address changes sent in follow-up conversations. The correct shipping address must be specified at ordering time. If you need to change your address and it is before we have shipped the item, please contact us immediately. We will then cancel the order, refund your money and ask you to create a new order with the correct address. Following this process offers the highest level of Etsy protection for all parties in case of delivery issues.

Will I Be Refunded Shipping Charges if I Make a Return?

Unfortunately, no. Shipping charges will not be refunded.