Black Beauties

[alanfgag]

I purchased these two hats via ebay last week... both old and black. They were costly - at the top end of my hat allowance at $200 each, but they looked in very fine condition for the age, so I splurged.

First, the No.1 Stetson, 1930s, 1/4 ribbon banding at the edge of a slightly upwards brim. The sweatband has the look and feel of a loved old baseball glove.

This Vanzina was also advertised as 1930s, prior to Borsalino taking ownership of this company. I can't find any history on this, other than the fact that Borsalino now owns this trademark. The company was located near Milan and this hat was sold through a store in northern Italy very near the Swiss border. It is a beautiful winter weight felt, somewhat heavier than my Borsalinos from this era:

Hard to take pictures of black hats... would enjoy hearing your knowledge or experience with either of these black beauties.

 

[thebroker]

Both are beautiful, sir, and both suit you well!

 

[frussell]

I agree, although that Stetson is a real killer. I'd pay that much for one in my size any day. Good catches both. I've been veering towards the black lately, maybe it's the winter coming on. Frank

 

[MarkD]

Fantastic hats there Alan. Well worth the whole allowance!

 

[Dinerman]

I'm pretty sure I sold that same Vanzina over the summer. Really cool hat, isn't it? Incredible condition.

 

[carouselvic]

Very nice

 

[jonbuilder]

Good buys, I not on top of all the hand clapping but defiantly envious. If you ever lose interest with the thin ribbon Stetson, I like an opportunity to make an offer for it

 

[zetwal]

Here's another Black Hat thread ...

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?41583

 

[DRB]

You look good in black..wide brim... and short brim. Good additions to your collection.

 

[mayserwegener]

Both are super and in great condition! I really like the bow and liner work on the Vanzina.

 

[alanfgag]

Thanks very much for the comments - and for sharing the link to the black hat thread!

 

[alanfgag]

I'm pretty sure I sold that same Vanzina over the summer. Really cool hat, isn't it? Incredible condition.

The same hat my friend - and your pictures are beautifully done. It has stayed in perfect shape and gotten a little more expensive I would guess!

Was it a good fit for you? A perfect 7.125 for me.

 

[DanielJones]

Those hats are both in stellar shape Alan. Well done!:eusa_clap:eusa_clap

Cheers!

Dan

 

[rlk]

This Vanzina was also advertised as 1930s, prior to Borsalino taking ownership of this company. I can't find any history on this, other than the fact that Borsalino now owns this trademark. The company was located near Milan and this hat was sold through a store in northern Italy very near the Swiss border. It is a beautiful winter weight felt, somewhat heavier than my Borsalinos from this era:

Beautiful Hats.
Vanzina made hats independently at least into the 70's and Borsalino seems to have first used the trademark in 1990. RMR in Italy has both original(NOS) and Borsalino Vanzina hats.

 

[Dinerman]

Good to hear. I don't remember what I sold it for, but I know when I did the market wasn't very good.
Much too small for me, but I couldn't pass up such an early hat in such good shape.

 

[mattwithahat]

Those hats are amazing, Alan! What a great find. That No.1 Stetson is enough to make a woman swoon. Haha.
I had one similar to it awhile ago, but sadly, I let it go. I now regret it quite a bit. Thanks for the pictures.


______________________________
"Where is a solid hat when you need one?"
"You're wearing one."
"Oh, right."

 

[monbla256]

NICE Stetson for sure ! Put some curl to the brim sides and it will be perfect

 

[danofarlington]

NICE Stetson for sure ! Put some curl to the brim sides and it will be perfect

Just for my information, would that hat have been originally worn with curl on the brim; how much; and what about now in Texas? Curl or staight brim, for the most part?

 

[monbla256]

Since Western style hats probably outnumber Fedoras down here and that one looks to have a 3" or better width of brim, my guess is that it probably had some curl at the sides towards the front. But then a lot depends on it's age and when it was worn as to how much if at all. I recall some older men wearing Stetsons back 50 years ago with the brim very flat when I was younger. If it was mine I would put some curl to it but sadly it is not

 

[Dinerman]

Since Western style hats probably outnumber Fedoras down here and that one looks to have a 3" or better width of brim, my guess is that it probably had some curl at the sides towards the front. But then a lot depends on it's age and when it was worn as to how much if at all. I recall some older men wearing Stetsons back 50 years ago with the brim very flat when I was younger. If it was mine I would put some curl to it but sadly it is not

The no. 1 looks to be from the mid '30s.