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

[barrowjh]

I see on Ebay that someone is selling off an entire collection of 7 3/4 and 7 5/8 hats made by Optimo in Chicago; all begin with a $25 price and have a $100 BIN. Here is an example : http://cgi.ebay.com/Optimo-Hat-Comp...Men_s_Women_s_Accessories&hash=item3cb480d9a6
I looked in the other forums and did not see where any one was trying to sell off this collection here, not in classifieds. I am a 7 1/8 so of little interest to me, but for someone that wears that size, an Optimo fur felt in excellent condition for $100 is a STEAL.

 

[T Rick]

In 1995 they merged with ILGWU to form UNITE. I don't know when they added Metric. Perhaps the '79 Hatco purchase of Stetson from Stevens(name rights).

Thanks, that was the same theory advanced by a guy at a Stetson dealer/Western wear shop here, but I think we can rule out 1979. Must've been a bit later (see below).

The two Open Roads I refer to have standard size tags, no metric. One of these (Silverbelly, much more yellow than the current issue Open Road, but same crown ht. and profile/feel) has the ACTWU label on the back, so 1981 or newer I presume.

The second, which I thought newer, is actually older it seems. Same as above except gray in color, diamond pattern to the liner (vs. smooth satin) and has the United Hatters, Caps and Millinery Workers logo, making it 1981 or earlier.

 

[mayserwegener]

Now, that is a nice one! Quite rare to get a grey one this light.

Thanks! The felt appears to be in very good condition which is not always the case with the lighter felts.

 

[Lefty]

I see on Ebay that someone is selling off an entire collection of 7 3/4 and 7 5/8 hats made by Optimo in Chicago; all begin with a $25 price and have a $100 BIN.

I'm not a fan of the live auction postings, but thanks for this. I picked up another milan. The one I own is probably my favorite hat, so I'm really looking forward to receiving this one.

 

[alanfgag]

I see on Ebay that someone is selling off an entire collection of 7 3/4 and 7 5/8 hats made by Optimo in Chicago; all begin with a $25 price and have a $100 BIN. Here is an example : http://cgi.ebay.com/Optimo-Hat-Comp...Men_s_Women_s_Accessories&hash=item3cb480d9a6

an interesting mix of hats and catalytic converters at this shop... [huh]

 

[Mobile Vulgus]

an interesting mix of hats and catalytic converters at this shop... [huh]

I figure its either a hat man that found some junk or a junk man that found some hats.

 

[gtdean48]

May be right. It doesn't say anything on the sweatband, just Royal De Luxe. With the bound edge its more Open Road, I suppose.

Bound edge, same ribbon & bow plus a wind trolley. Rancher doesn't have any of that...

 

[jimmy the lid]

I'm not a fan of the live auction postings, but thanks for this. I picked up another milan. The one I own is probably my favorite hat, so I'm really looking forward to receiving this one.

Sweet!

 

[fmw]

Bought a vintage Resistol pork pie today on Ebay. I didn't mean to. I put a bid on it when it was really cheap just to keep an eye on it. Nobody else ever bid. I'm not sure what I'll do with it since my wife won't let me wear pork pies.

 

[Mobile Vulgus]

Bought a vintage Resistol pork pie today on Ebay. I didn't mean to. I put a bid on it when it was really cheap just to keep an eye on it. Nobody else ever bid.

LOL. I've had that happen a few times. I've put in a bid on a hat never imagining I'd get it and then just moved on. Then, days later I'd find out I won it. I last did that with a Stetson western. I ended up just selling it later.

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

I just use the Watch it function on ebay lets you watch the price without biding. I do it mainly to watch pricing so I know what a hat is worth if I want to purchase a style in the future. Sometimes its not even the same size as my big head I have no need for a size 7 hat.

 

[fmw]

I don't keep up with the watch it function. If I use, I never keep up with it. So I got a pork pie for $13. Things could be worse.

 

[Mobile Vulgus]

I am constantly using the watch function. It is highly useful. Of course, you have to look at it daily to remember what you're watching!

 

[Ande1964]

I won this hat/box combo. The hat will be way too small for me, but the price was too good to pass on. I can use the box and flip the hat (assuming it's reasonably nice). I'm getting the grey hat on the left.

Anj

 

[Chinaski]

Gray, size 58cm and date stamped 03/19/59.

Mayser, there is just something about this hat that I can't really put my finger on, but it's fantastic! Nice one.

 

[Chinaski]

I'm not a fan of the live auction postings, but thanks for this. I picked up another milan. The one I own is probably my favorite hat, so I'm really looking forward to receiving this one.

I recall seeing pictures of your other milan and remember it had a really great looking blue/white ribbon? Congrats on picking up another...

 

[mayserwegener]

Mayser, there is just something about this hat that I can't really put my finger on, but it's fantastic! Nice one.

Thanks! The seller photos aren't very good but I have the same feeling.

Also picked up this size 60cm Hückel. Same situation as the gray Echter Borsalino.

 

[Bourne ID]

I think I need to cool it on the bay watching for a bit, bought four hats in two weeks!! It's far too easy and they all look good, there are far worse things to be addicted to but at some point it starts to look like OCD!!!!!!!

 

[alanfgag]

I think I need to cool it on the bay watching for a bit, bought four hats in two weeks!! It's far too easy and they all look good, there are far worse things to be addicted to but at some point it starts to look like OCD!!!!!!!

You'll be OK... four hats in two weeks is a mild case.

 

[Rodkins]

You'll be OK... four hats in two weeks is a mild case.

Tell me about it. My case is about 5 times worse...