Borsalino Question for the experts

[Stoney]

Sorry.....I'm a snake, I know!

Apologies for not sharing but I was fishing for information to help me nail down the date of manufacture for a hat that was listed on ebay without tipping my hand and starting a bidding war for it.

This is the hat, A San Remo with a 2" brim. I see that it has a wind cord, button still attached.

I was able to get it this evening. Based on information is some of the threads, here is how I currently have it dated as sometime between 1950 and 1975.



Older Liner Type

You can just make out the "OR" to the right "Original House" which means the old factory.

"A cloth size tag"

Also ,this is a picture of the Fox & Sons Store in Hammond Indiana where it was originally sold.

Just received the following information on tag numbers from the Seller.

2989 and 6399 . If I'm understanding correctly the first two digits on the second number set date it as manufactured in 1963.


Anyone have any ideas on how to nail the date of manufacture down better?

I'll slither out for now.

 

[vonwotan]

So you're the one. I had been watching this hat but my girfriend is already going to go nuts when she sees that I ve taken over a few more shelves for hats. And, she doesn't know there are already three more on the way!

 

[Stoney]

We're In This Together

Yeah , You'll be camping in the back yard as well.

lol

 

[handlebar bart]

My Mom and Dad are going to be in Italy over the holidays and I was thinking of asking them to pick up a packable fur felt Borso. Does anyone know if it is a bargain to do so. I was hoping it would be a cheaper way to get one. Thanks

 

[besdor]

No its not cheaper there at all. It depends what you are looking for. If you go after Christmas , when the stores have their sales, you may find a good deal .
It depends on the exchange rate at the time. You can also get back the VAT at the airport if you are willing to wait in line .

Or you can look online at our website. Our prices are quite low compared to others.
If you decide to but the hat in Italy , go to a private store not one of the Borsalino stores . Their prices will be higher.


Steven
www.bencrafthats.com

 

[rumblefish]

^I agree.

I think you'd have to save a lot to justify the hassles of buying; for you by someone else, on an overseas vacation, and probably unable to return if you don't like the fit or how it looks on, etc.

I bought a Borsalino Allegro from Bencraft's Broadway store and I am very happy with the hat and price. I'm sure if your satisfaction wasn't met, it would be much easier to work out than if you hat was bought in Italy. My experiences with Bencraft's staff and owner have been fantastic.

Which one were you considering? I love the Allegro I bought.

 

[panama jack]

Steve,
I've been looking at Borsalino hats and was wondering if you could answer a question I have about two hats.
What is the difference between the Alessandria and Como other than the Alessandria comes with an open crown.
I really like both but can't decide between the two.

Thanks for your help.
PJ

 

[cookie]

I think the Como is a higher grade non e vero?

 

[PabloElFlamenco]

Bart, I live in Europe (previously called Belgium) and, IMHO, I cannot quote ANYTHING being, generally speaking, cheaper in Europe than in the United States. Whilst true in general, there are of course always exceptions to that rule. A Borsalino hat (don't ask me what kind, though) nowadays costs €250-€300 in Belgium. I see no reasons whatever of buying such hat at that kind of price. The few Borsalino's I have, I all bought in Florence in 1982-1983 when we went on holiday there two consecutive years. The shop was Attilio Cambini. Stylish? A resounding "yes". I remember I paid the hats about 3200 Belgian francs in those days. Mathematically, that would today be 80 Euro's, but in terms of those years, I guess that would be 200 Euro's at least. The hats are nothing but supple velvety rabbit fur (at best) some say ...wool fur.
So, I'm not convinced I would entrust my parents with such a sensitive mission.
My experience is that the USA have a resounding choice of goods, at very competitive prices, available to the public. Take advantage of that, Bart!
Paul

 

[mikeymoto]

Hello, a while back I bought a Borsalino fedora from Byrnie Utz in Seattle. I work about two blocks from the store and visit often. This hat does not seem to have a name on the band or lining, and I would like to know what I have so I can compare it online with other hats of different dimensions.

It has a white liner that says "RAIN PROOF LINE Borsalino" 1857, Alessandria, Made in Italy, Water repellent fur felt

The sweat band is leathery and beyond the size (7 5/8) it says only "Borsalino, Marca Depositata, Made in Italy"

I checked and there is a label under the band with Cod. 390131, Col. 0521, 08A010556 with 61 below that.

Given that information can anybody tell me information about this hat? I can measure its dimensions but I don't know what materials were used in its construction or if there is other interesting (to me) information about it.

I purchased it within the last 2 years and it was new at the time. The cost was in the $200 range, though I do not recall how much exactly.

Thank you if you are able to help.

 

[rlk]

What information are you looking for? Is there a reason not to ask Byrnie Utz?
Here's an earlier thread:
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=15762

 

[wgiceman]

I recently got a Borsalino Como and an older Allesandra (I think). While the sizes both say 7 1/4 US, the fit is somewhat snug, almost like a 7 1/8. Is this attribute common to Borsalinos?

 

[zetwal]

In my experience, Borsalinos do sometimes run a little snugger than some other brands. But they are not a full size smaller.

What is your head measurement in inches (or centimeters)?

 

[danofarlington]

I recently got a Borsalino Como and an older Allesandra (I think). While the sizes both say 7 1/4 US, the fit is somewhat snug, almost like a 7 1/8. Is this attribute common to Borsalinos?

Borsalinos and sizing? Yes, that is a question!

I own eight Borslainos, of which six are modern (bought new) and two are vintage. The two vintage are dead true to size. It's the new ones that were the problem size-wize. Long story short, the ones with a thick leather sweatband are tight to my size (which is 7 1/8 in case anyone out there is inclined to buy me a present), and the ones with a cloth sweatband are loose, actually very loose. Only one of my modern Borsalinos (the Alessandria from Peters Brothers) was true to size.

I have two Borsalino beaver hats with a thick leather sweatband. The first I bought was 7 1/8, and it was too tight, so stupidly I kept it instead of sending it back for another size. The second one I bought one size up in anticipation, and it works well. So when you are buying new, take advantage of return policies. For a vintage hat you're probably stuck. But the good news is that hat shops can stretch a snug hat to fit. You have to get used to that here in the hat zone.

 

[gtdean48]

I have a vintage 7 5/8 US, early 1950s, & a more modern 7 5/8, purchased new in late 1980s, both fit just fine. Both are Alessandrias.

 

[bond]

Searching for Borsalinos in Italy

Anyone out there make the trip to Italy in hopes of finding any vintage Borsalinos?
I would like to hear about it and if you had any success at it?

 

[Dayonfire]

Whatever happened with this hat? Did you win it?

 

[dennisb]

How did BORSALINO grade or rate the fedoras

Can anybody advise a newbie how Borsalino rated their hats. Which models are considered their higher end products? Just curious. Thanks

 

[mayserwegener]

If you are talking the old factory (closed in the early 1980s) the overall quality was very high until the end. Parts and craftsmanship remained consistent so very hard to date. Catalogs from 1950s have Velours at the highest price point but not a lot of data available. You should check out this thread.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?13133-The-BORSALINO-BROTHERHOOD

 

[tommyK]

Can anybody advise a newbie how Borsalino rated their hats. Which models are considered their higher end products? Just curious. Thanks

For my money the "Film" is their best hat and in the case of the ones I've bought better quality than some other hats in the current lineup. Besdor has the best prices and great service if your in the area. The Whiskey color I got from is especially fine quality felt for a modern hat.