Yes. It is amazing that the condition of so many old hats is this great. If that hat was turned into a work hat or was thrown away by the owner's kids, it would not be here for us to wear and enjoy. I'm sure you'll put that in your rotation and get good use out of it. It is a nice, casual color and looks fresh for sure.
Beer has alcohol in it. Alcohol breaks down oils, wax......in other words.....waterproofing.
That’s what i suspected. However, I assumed that would only be if it soaked, whereas I thought most of the alcohol would have slid off. Lesson learned!
Tonak post WWII Czechoslovakian well known hat company.
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Maybe a narrower brim fedora? 2 to 2-1/4" brim wouldnt overpower anything. Something like an old Stetson Moose River in Silverbelly would look good... particurly if it was well used with a few "Character" places. Maybe something semi crushable like an Akubra Traveler..... Theres also lots of nice casual Pendleton wool hats available
If you are flying...note that fedoras do not travel well. Perhaps a flat cap/newsboy would be a better travel choice. But wear what is comfortable, and what best suits the activity and weather.
I think any color fedora would be fine. Some people feel out of place in certain hats. I like to play peaky blinder sometimes.
I stitched it up myself today. It took about an hour, maybe a little longer. It doesn't look perfect, but it didn't come out too bad at all.
Alden 403 Moc Toe Boot - Brown Chromexcel - $680 The classic "Indy" style Alden Boot in the classic Horween brown Chromexcel. 
Grant Stone Diesel Boot Dark Olive Chromexcel - #395 Goodyear welted, Horween Chromexcel, classic good looks. 
Himel Bros. - The Ross Mk. 1 Leather Jacket Classic D-pocket motorcycle/aviator style jacket.
Kind of curious why you would limit yourself from eBay, the largest source of vintage hats on the planet??
