BILTMORE BLITZ (Vintage only)

[Joshbru3]

Hello everybody. I've looked and looked and looked through past threads to find a thread that showcases vintage Biltmore Hats. There are several threads about certain new models, cleaning, etc, but not one dedicated to showcasing vintage Biltmore's. We have the Dobbs Diner, The Noble Schoble, Stevens Spotlight, etc. Why not one for Biltmore....say........THE BILTMORE BLITZ!

Due to the fact that Canada's oldest hat manufacture just closed its factory in Canada and moved to the states, I also figured this would be a great thread to showcase some of the great Canadian made Biltmore hats through the years.

Vintage Biltmore hats are pretty hard to find and this is the first one I have actually owned. I just received it and have never seen another Sky Rider model. This hat still has the original tags along with a Carter Detachable sweatband. I'm unsure about exact dating for a Biltmore, but I believe this hat dates from the 1940's to the early 50's.

 

[Joshbru3]

 

[DavidJ]

This just became a favorite hat, as many of your hats are, Josh. Glad I came to own one, and you'll be glad to hear that it gets many compliments.

 

[Alive'n'Amplified]

Allow me to post the second compliment. Nice pick. And it has a Carter sweatband to boot! I think Biltmore is a great brand; and under appreciated. Very cool hat.

 

[mikespens]

A real classic Josh, love the sales tag, in fact love to see hats in that condition. Look forward to seeing more here.

 

[m0nk]

That is a great looking hat. I didn't realize that Biltmore has been in business that long and am looking forward to seeing more!

 

[Joshbru3]

This just became a favorite hat, as many of your hats are, Josh. Glad I came to own one, and you'll be glad to hear that it gets many compliments.

Allow me to post the second compliment. Nice pick. And it has a Carter sweatband to boot! I think Biltmore is a great brand; and under appreciated. Very cool hat.

A real classic Josh, love the sales tag, in fact love to see hats in that condition. Look forward to seeing more here.

That is a great looking hat. I didn't realize that Biltmore has been in business that long and am looking forward to seeing more!

Thanks so much for all the wonderful comments, Everybody!!! Biltmore has been in business since 1917 but was known as the Fried Hat Co back then. It wasn't until around 1920 that the Biltmore name was used. Its funny, living in Chicago, the US - Canada border is not incredibly far and yet I never see vintage Biltmores around the area in antique shops and such. I know that Biltmore's production was anything but small, so one would think that we would see more vintage Biltmores. I know there have been a few posted on the lounge through the years, so soon I will try to find them in old threads and add them in this one.

 

[RBH]

Josh, here is the direct post from Jeff Connors from '09.
It was in the classifieds......

Hello:

For Sale or Trade

Perfect Condition Looks Never worn, BILTMORE 7 1/2 Black Fedora, with original box. Onion Skin crown protector . Looks dusty in pics but I have brushed all the dust away, the hat is prefect.

Brim = 2.5 "
Crown Height = 5"

I'm looking for a hat for my father in gray that is a little bigger than 7 1/2 maybe 7 5/8 or 7 3/4 or something for me 7 1/4 -7 3/8
If you have anything to trade shoot me a PM with pics, Also sale offers will be considered.( i'm quite attached to this hat as it was made for a old mens store in my home town soo keep that in mind when making offers)

 

[RBH]

Another from Carter in '07.

Just purchased this Biltmore on OFAS this morning:

 

[Joshbru3]

Thanks so much for posting these, Rusty!

 

[Joshbru3]

Here's a few more from past threads......


EVEN-STEVEN's Vintage Biltmore Roller

Just scored this navy blue (washed out by flash) Biltmore - does anybody know how old it might be? Dinerman?

Well, I'm quite pleased with the Biltmore because it definitely is more blue than gray. The ribbon has nice detailing - every inch there is a raised vertical line. It is called a "Roller" hat. I went to the Biltmore website and in their glossary section they defined Roller as a hat with a brim meant to be turned up all around. But you can definitely snap it down in front or swoop it if you are so inclined. What do you think?

and by far one of my FAVORITE HATS OF ALL TIME........

Bolt's Biltmore Country Club

Mine finally came today. Did anyone else get theirs yet?

This hat is unbelievable, I never seen anything like it before. The felt is a beautiful light dove gray in color with a navy blue ribbon. The sweat is super soft, as is the felt itself. I can almost compare it to one of my Borso's, but it's super light weight.

Dimensions: 5 1/4" open crown, the brim is exactly 2", bound edge is a mere 1/8" wide, the ribbon is an odd size at 13/16" and the sweat is 1 3/4".

I was playing with the crease because of how soft and pliable it is.....I didn't use no steam or water, just a couple of dry bashes it show it off......it's a bit snug at 6 7/8, but I think with a little stretch will workout fine.

 

[Dinerman]

 

[Joshbru3]

1930's THE YORK Bilt by Biltmore

I just received this one yesterday. The auction pictures were not very flattering, but I could tell it was an oldie. To my surprise when I opened the box, it turned out the be a Velour! Its marked 6 7/8, but its the biggest 6 7/8 I have ever seen. It fits like a roomy 7. Not only is it a velour, its also a heather felt. Its very hard to see from the pictures, but there are little white and reddish-brown furs thrown into the black fur mix. The brim is short with a VERY high rear flange and high front flange. The sides of the brim are very flat, but when snapped, the front snaps sharply and the rear stands up. Its very similar to the "Swing" flange than I own and often use for many of my own hats. The crown has a nice straight and flat profile.

Its PITCH black, but obviously the flash from my camera lightened things up a bit.

 

[Chepstow]

Josh, gorgeous hat, looks very good. The brim flange looks perfect in my eyes, great job!

 

[Joshbru3]

Josh, gorgeous hat, looks very good. The brim flange looks perfect in my eyes, great job!

Thanks, Manfred!

 

[viclip]

I just received this one yesterday. The auction pictures were not very flattering, but I could tell it was an oldie. To my surprise when I opened the box, it turned out the be a Velour! Its marked 6 7/8, but its the biggest 6 7/8 I have ever seen. It fits like a roomy 7. Not only is it a velour, its also a heather felt. Its very hard to see from the pictures, but there are little white and reddish-brown furs thrown into the black fur mix. The brim is short with a VERY high rear flange and high front flange. The sides of the brim are very flat, but when snapped, the front snaps sharply and the rear stands up. Its very similar to the "Swing" flange than I own and often use for many of my own hats. The crown has a nice straight and flat profile.

Its PITCH black, but obviously the flash from my camera lightened things up a bit.

Being a Canadian hat fancier from Windsor (Ontario) I very much appreciate your post. Can't say that I recall a Greenway's Clothes Shop. In terms of the sizing, I wonder whether Biltmore followed UK sizing, which is 1/8 size larger than US. Canada particularly back in the day was subject to the British influence. I'll be keeping an eye out for vintage Biltmores locally.

 

[Joshbru3]

I just received this one yesterday. The auction pictures were not very flattering, but I could tell it was an oldie. To my surprise when I opened the box, it turned out the be a Velour! Its marked 6 7/8, but its the biggest 6 7/8 I have ever seen. It fits like a roomy 7. Not only is it a velour, its also a heather felt. Its very hard to see from the pictures, but there are little white and reddish-brown furs thrown into the black fur mix. The brim is short with a VERY high rear flange and high front flange. The sides of the brim are very flat, but when snapped, the front snaps sharply and the rear stands up. Its very similar to the "Swing" flange than I own and often use for many of my own hats. The crown has a nice straight and flat profile.

Its PITCH black, but obviously the flash from my camera lightened things up a bit.

Being a Canadian hat fancier from Windsor (Ontario) I very much appreciate your post. Can't say that I recall a Greenway's Clothes Shop. In terms of the sizing, I wonder whether Biltmore followed UK sizing, which is 1/8 size larger than US. Canada particularly back in the day was subject to the British influence. I'll be keeping an eye out for vintage Biltmores locally.

This is my oldest Biltmore to date. I have had ones from the 40's/50's that seem to follow the American sizing chart. I'm unsure if the earlier Biltmores followed UK sizing. Its very possible. I LOVE vintage Biltmores as I feel they were not only very well made, but are always stylish. Please do keep an eye out for vintage Biltmores around where you live. Its very hard to come by vintage examples in the States, so hopefully you will find more in Windsor.

 

[hatophile]

Nice hat Josh, it definitely has that 30's look, tall crown, narrower brim.

 

[Joshbru3]

Nice hat Josh, it definitely has that 30's look, tall crown, narrower brim.

Thanks, Perry! I'm actually working on a modern black velour re-block right now that will look pretty close to this Biltmore, so its funny that I just won this auction last week.

 

[Garrett]

Josh, I'm glad you got that one. Its got the dimensions you love and it fits!!