Ebay Hats: Victories, Defeats, Gripes & Items of Interest

[Rick Blaine]

Got this vintage Optimo Panama this a.m. Sports a wpi of about 500.

I saw that listing Rick as was sorely tempted to pull the trigger but didn't want to take the chance. Congrats, you got a great deal on it. Have you got it yet? I was curious about the sweat or any other markings.

Thanks-that WAS a sweet price.
Ain't got it yet, just now bought it...I wrote the lady & she insisted there was no brittle straw & the sweat was sound... see in about a week, I guess.

 

[tomb1013]

My new Ebay Penny'y Marathon came today almost looks new!

 

[Alive'n'Amplified]

Marvelous! Terrific condition.

 

[bowlerman]

I may have just impulsively purchased this ("may have" as in "yes, I did"), but I have very limited experience with Panama hats, and have trouble judging from the photos. From what I can tell, the weave seems tight, but the ribbon looks cheap-- not really sure about the sweatband. It says Montecristi, but it seems these labels can be misleading from what I've read around here. Ultrafino is the brand; I have no idea about the grade.

Any thoughts?

 

[Landman]

Yes, it was designed to support the flange. Snap the brim up, tighten up the sides as it goes in the box. Comes out snappy every time.

Thanks. I'll have to get one out and try it again. I was worried about the hat being stored with the brim curled up.

 

[mikespens]

I may have just impulsively purchased this ("may have" as in "yes, I did"), but I have very limited experience with Panama hats, and have trouble judging from the photos. From what I can tell, the weave seems tight, but the ribbon looks cheap-- not really sure about the sweatband. It says Montecristi, but it seems these labels can be misleading from what I've read around here. Ultrafino is the brand; I have no idea about the grade.

Any thoughts?

I believe this is their website bowlerman http://www.ultrafinopanamahat.com/storefrontprofiles/default.aspx?sfid=92278

Looks like yours is pretty nice a weave which is the important part.

 

[bowlerman]

Thanks for the link, Mike! I wish there was a model name/number somewhere in the auction photos so I could compare it to the various grades they list on the website. Who am I kidding, it would be a guess at best from my end, anyway! I guess we'll see when it arrives.

 

[Rabbit]

I may have just impulsively purchased this ("may have" as in "yes, I did"), but I have very limited experience with Panama hats, and have trouble judging from the photos. From what I can tell, the weave seems tight, but the ribbon looks cheap-- not really sure about the sweatband. It says Montecristi, but it seems these labels can be misleading from what I've read around here. Ultrafino is the brand; I have no idea about the grade.

Any thoughts?

The weave appears to be quite nice; if I had to guess I'd say it looks like it could be a 500 or 600 wpsi. The sweatband might be so-so, but you can always replace it, just like the ribbon.
If you're looking for vintage grosgrain ribbon, feel free to PM me. I have more vintage ribbon stock than I actually need (quality is not top, just good), so I can send you some for free.

Nik

 

[bowlerman]

Thanks Nik! I might take you up on that. My estimation of what an inch is lines up roughly with your count. I'm getting possibly 20-25 linear weaves per inch? I could definitely live with that.

 

[Rabbit]

Thanks Nik! I might take you up on that. My estimation of what an inch is lines up roughly with your count. I'm getting possibly 20-25 linear weaves per inch? I could definitely live with that.

Yeah, at the 400 wpsi range the Panamas are beginning to get dressy in my opinion. I don't think yours could be below that threshold.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

1920s cap got no love. It arrived today and is actually light brown with orange overcheck! and fits my size 7 LO head. Sold by (hard to read) Barbier Lamoureux, I think somewhere in Ohio.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350591166812?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

 

[scooter]

So, I picked a Cervo off the bay the other day, and Sam and I had a discussion about fit. He was concerned the stated 7 5/8 was not accurate and may have been front to back or something. Well, it arrived today, Sam, and it is a true 7 5/8 (fits more like 7 1/2) and the felt is absolutely luscious. I have the privilege of owning several nice hats, and this may be the crowning jewel. It is simply luxurious to the touch and fits like a dream. Have to head off to work, but I'll post pics tonight or tomorrow.

 

[casechopper]

That's great to hear Scooter. Some times you've got to risk it. I'm looking forward to seeing the photos.

 

[EggHead]

Just paid BIN for this hat. Never paid BIN before, but figured why not this time!
Hope it turns out OK.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Bor...=&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

[jlee562]

Just paid BIN for this hat. Never paid BIN before, but figured why not this time!
Hope it turns out OK.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Bor...=&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

I'm sure the good ladies at Paul's will be happy to reblock the crown for you.

 

[Dinerman]

Someone got an incredible deal on this hat of mine.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/280961330936

 

[Grizzly Adams]

Someone got an incredible deal on this hat of mine.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/280961330936

They did indeed. I had the high bid on that one, but I am in travel status and missed the end of the auction. Congratulations to the winner! Wonderful hat.

 

[cookie]

So, I picked a Cervo off the bay the other day, and Sam and I had a discussion about fit. He was concerned the stated 7 5/8 was not accurate and may have been front to back or something. Well, it arrived today, Sam, and it is a true 7 5/8 (fits more like 7 1/2) and the felt is absolutely luscious. I have the privilege of owning several nice hats, and this may be the crowning jewel. It is simply luxurious to the touch and fits like a dream. Have to head off to work, but I'll post pics tonight or tomorrow.

Pics please.

 

[bowlerman]

Someone got an incredible deal on this hat of mine.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/280961330936

Truly! I had my eggs in other baskets, and frankly didn't bid primarily because I assumed it would go much higher. The trials and tribulations of the bay...

 

[randooch]

Just paid BIN for this hat. Never paid BIN before, but figured why not this time!
Hope it turns out OK.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Bor...=&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

I sense a winner! Great price, too.

Pics of the Cervo eagerly awaited, Scooter!

Dinerman, that auction is an argument for using Reserves. I can't stand 'em, but all the same.