with

Plaited Kangaroo Leather Stampede String 

C.J., Sr's Estate

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Some Back Story

Yes, it's true, he died at 92.

In his own words, his epitaph and what was ordered for his memorial;

We Kid You Not!

A Bane to Miscreants, Friend to Lost Children and Stray Dogs

A Decorated War Hero Who Fought on Three Continents.  He Led Men Into Battle With Everything From Aircraft, Tanks and Artillery to Horses, Spears and Swords.  He Has Visited and Befriended Tribal Villages No White Man Had Ever Seen Before.  He Has Won and Lost Three Out Of Four Fortunes,

"I've Killed Evil Men and Truly Loved Only One Woman With A Passion I've Never Really Understood.  I Believe In Honor, Courage, and True Love.  This Is Necessary, As Things That May Or May Not Be True Are The Things A Man Needs To Believe In The Most."

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Back To The Hat

\It is a Vintage Ultrafino Fedora Panama Hat with Plaited Kangaroo Leather Stampede String from C.J., Sr's Estate, as the title implies.

Purchased new in 1998, it has traveled with him throughout the United States, South America, Thailand, Laos, Viet Nam and Malaysia.

It is in excellent overall condition with an honest patina developing and no signs of damage or repair.

These hats can easily be shaped, cleaned and bleached to look like new.  How to online videos abound on how to do this.

It is a hat size 7

The inside circumference of the hat measures approximately 22" and there is a thin leather strap he cut to fit inside the sweatband to size it down (included, but not shown) this can be cut to fit you.

The brim measures approximately 3 1/8" and the crown is approximately 4 1/8" in height.

The black grosgrain hatband is 1 1/2" in width.

~ Ultrafino ~

Ultrafino specializes in authentic, handwoven Panama hats made from 100% Toquilla straw in Ecuador and hand-finished in Seattle, Washington.  Their collection ranges from classic fedoras and adventure-ready safari hats to high-end Montecristi weaves that can take up to six months to create.

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Round Plaited Kangaroo Stampede String

A round plaited kangaroo stampede string is a high-end hat chin strap with extreme tensile strength and lightweight feel.  C.J., Sr. hand-plaited this one using traditional four-plait round braid that provides a substantial, durable grip without the bulk of cowhide.

Kangaroo leather is significantly stronger than cowhide at the same thickness, allowing for a strong, fine, thin braiding.

Measuring approximately 25" in length, it utilizes a sliding knot or "keeper" (a braided gaucho knot) to tighten the strap under the chin.

C.J. Sr. did most of the headstalls, reins, riattas, stampede strings and whips we sold over the last 70 years under our Crazy Old Cowboy Leather business using this same leather and plaiting techniques.

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It is certainly a nicely aged, vintage Panama Hat that is much nicer than the photographs depict,

Nice addition to any collection, wardrobe or decor, displays really well.

Really doesn't get any better than this.

There are 17 photographs below to tell the rest of this tale.

Buyer to pay $0.00 for Insured Ground Shipping with Tracking, handling and lagniappe.

Rest assured your order will be carefully packed to withstand the onslaught of the most deranged of parcel carriers

 

International Buyer's, Please email us for a Shipping Quote.

Payment is due at listing end.

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 ©Text and Photos Copyright 2026 bushidobuce, all rights reserved.

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Hat Only!  Props Are Not Part Of The Deal, But You Knew That Already!

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