Graphic Hat Box Appraisal

Vintage-Style Stetson 'Last Drop' Graphic Hat Box

This is a large, square corrugated cardboard Stetson hat box, primarily black with a multi-colored lithographic lid featuring the iconic 'The Last Drop' illustration by Lon Megargee. The lid depicts a cowboy offering water to his horse from his Stetson hat, set against a Western desert landscape. The 'STETSON' logo is printed in white at the top, accompanied by the slogan 'Legendary Hats Since 1865'. The graphic is framed by a bold red border. The side panels feature the red Stetson logo, a 'MADE IN USA' patriotic circular seal with American flag motifs, and a smaller version of the cowboy illustration. Constructively, the box appears to be of modern or late 20th-century manufacture, likely a reproduction of a classic mid-century design. In terms of condition, there is visible shelf wear, particularly scuffing and white color loss along the black edges of the lid. Minor compression and creasing are evident at the corner joints, and small surface scratches are present across the top graphic. The printing remains vibrant, and the structural integrity appears sound, suggesting it was used for storage or display rather than heavy shipping. The inclusion of the 'Made in USA' mark is a significant quality indicator for Stetson collectors, as it aligns with the brand's heritage roots.