When a series like 1923 wraps production, emotions run high—and apparently, so does the temptation to sneak off with a few memorable souvenirs. That’s exactly what star Brandon Sklenar, who plays the rugged and magnetic Spencer Dutton, did after filming the Yellowstone prequel’s intense and globe-trotting first season.

In a recent exclusive interview, Sklenar confessed with a grin that he took more than just memories from the set — he walked away with some very personal (and very iconic) keepsakes. And yes, one of them is that legendary hat.

🎩 “I Couldn’t Leave Without It”

When asked if he held onto anything from 1923, Sklenar didn’t hesitate:

“I definitely walked away with a few things. I had to. Spencer’s journey meant so much to me—I couldn’t just let him go cold like that.”

Among the items he “liberated” from the set? His cowboy hat, worn in nearly every episode of the series, from the wild savannahs of Africa to the dangerous decks of transatlantic ships.

“That hat went through a lot,” he explained. “Dust storms, sea spray, blood, sweat—you name it. It became part of Spencer. I couldn’t imagine anyone else wearing it.”

The hat isn’t just a fashion statement. It became a symbol of Spencer Dutton’s resilience, adventure, and deepening identity as a man shaped by war, loss, and love.

Sklenar added with a chuckle:

“They didn’t even fight me on it. I think the props department knew better than to try.”

🧳 What Else Did He Take?

While the hat may have been the crown jewel, Sklenar admitted he took home a few more low-key mementos, including:

• A leather journal used during Spencer’s correspondence with Alexandra. “It was full of blank pages, but I wrote in it between takes. It helped me get into his mindset.”

• A brass compass Spencer used on the voyage back to Montana. “It doesn’t even work, but I like the symbolism.”

• A battered pair of gloves from one of the Africa scenes. “They’re filthy and ripped now, but I kept them anyway.”

None of these items hold value to anyone else—but to Sklenar, they represent key turning points in Spencer’s arc.

“Each one reminds me of a scene that changed who Spencer was becoming. I didn’t want to forget those moments.”

🎥 Why Actors Steal from Set (Yes, It’s Pretty Common)

Actors taking items from set isn’t new—but when they do it thoughtfully, it speaks volumes about their connection to a role.

For Sklenar, 1923 was more than a job. It was an artistic and emotional transformation. Spencer Dutton wasn’t just a character—he was a fully lived-in experience, shaped by months of filming across three continents, intense stunts, and complex emotional arcs.

“You spend that long embodying someone, you start to feel responsible for them,” Sklenar said. “Taking something home feels like honoring that work.”

It’s also worth noting that 1923’s sets were incredibly detailed and historically rich. From period-accurate travel trunks to antique weaponry, the props and costumes weren’t just decoration—they were storytelling tools.

🧠 What These Items Say About Spencer

Each item Sklenar chose to take home offers a glimpse into the emotional layers of his character:

• The Hat: A symbol of identity, masculinity, and protection—almost a mask that Spencer wore as he struggled with his past.

• The Journal: A sign of introspection, grief, and longing for connection, especially with Alexandra.

• The Compass: Represents direction—both literal and moral—as Spencer charts his way back to Montana and to family.

• The Gloves: A reminder of survival, grit, and the scars (physical and emotional) of his violent journey.

“Even now, months later, I can pick up that hat and feel Spencer again. It’s weird, but powerful,” Sklenar said.

💬 Reactions from the Crew

According to sources on set, Sklenar’s “thefts” weren’t exactly covert. In fact, some crew members encouraged it.

“We knew he had earned it,” said one props supervisor. “That man became Spencer Dutton. If anyone deserved to keep a piece of him, it was Brandon.”

Costar Julia Schlaepfer (Alexandra) even joked in an earlier interview:

“He told me, ‘If they try to take the hat, they’ll have to pry it from my cold, dead hands.’ And I believed him.”

🏡 Where Are They Now?

So where do these prized 1923 items live today?

“They’re not in some glass case,” Sklenar laughed. “The hat hangs on a coat rack in my office. The journal’s in a drawer. The compass… sometimes I carry it with me on long drives. It’s a comfort thing, I guess.”

He hasn’t ruled out displaying them in the future—but for now, these relics remain personal, private reminders of one of the most powerful roles of his career.