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

[hatsRme]

How about a photo of said block, B1?? Sounds like just the ticket.

 

[fedoracentric]

Every hat you buy on-line, brand new or 100 years old, is a gamble on fit. It's part of the game.

 

[fedoracentric]

Now that was funny... just saw a guy on ebay selling a 1950s Stetson Stratoliner for "$299.00" and it is a size 6-5/8. That's is about the size of a newborn baby's head! LOL This guy would be lucky to get $20 for the thing.

 

[theoldnorthwest]

There are a couple of Stratoliners listed for over $700 by two different sellers. I won't mention the sellers names but they have a distinct background in all of their photos and I just automatically pass by any hat they have listed. I don't know why they think those hats are worth that much money. Maybe someone is willing to pay that much but it seems like it would make more sense to lower the price by say $400 and actually sell some hats.

 

[fedoracentric]

I'm afraid that some of these wild-eyed sellers have seen a few auctions go for $500 and $600 dollars but instead of taking the time to research why those particular hats went for so much they just assume every old hat is worth $600.

 

[gtdean48]

I've noticed, on this and other threads, that many of you guys are very brave at buying hats online.

I'm very particular that my hats fit right (not too tight, but firm enough to not blow off in the wind) and worry that I'd be disappointed. Sizes seem to be a bit variable, ie sometimes a 7 will fit me, with another brand it can require a 7¼.

Do you have any tricks for minor adjustments if the fit's not right, or do you tend to put it down to experience and sell it on? Or just wear it anyway?

I have remnants of a heated hat stretcher, 2 vintage hat stretchers, 2 hat jacks, 1 band block. They seem to be in constant use in vintage & modern hats I own.
The band block is almost always in a hat the night before I wear it. During summer months, it goes in hats that I take off & wipe down the sweatband.
Vintage hats that I bought online are seldom their original size plus I buy hats 1 size lower to get a better selection of vintage lids. I'm 7 5/8 so I will go for 7 1/2 expecially Long Oval or XLO.
Being Long Oval means even modern 7 5/8 need shaping to fit me.

 

[tommyK]

I overpayed because i wanted this hat really bad.


Stetson Fifteen from the 40's I think. 6 inch crown, 3 inch brim. I've been trying to get an early Whippet in this color but this is better. This one had a buy-it-now so I jumped. No buyers remorse. It's a big beautiful hat.

 

[hatsRme]

Congrats, Tommy! It IS smashing! Even without knowing the specifics, the price was right.

 

[fedoracentric]

I overpayed because i wanted this hat really bad.
t.

I know what you mean. Once in a while you just gotta have it.

I've done it, but sparingly.

Glad you are happy with the purchase.

 

[jlee562]

you should be hapy with that purchase, looks great!

 

[mayserwegener]

Yes very nice!

I recently won this Hückel Weilheim "Chevreau" at a bargain price. Poor auction photos but will update when it arrives. The bottom photo is the true color. Also very good condition.

 

[carranty]

I overpayed because i wanted this hat really bad.
View attachment 16515 View attachment 16516

Stetson Fifteen from the 40's I think. 6 inch crown, 3 inch brim. I've been trying to get an early Whippet in this color but this is better. This one had a buy-it-now so I jumped. No buyers remorse. It's a big beautiful hat.

I''m a fan of tall, wide brimmed hats too, that one looks great. I love the colour.

 

[hatsRme]

Wow! La Chevreau is wicked beau, Steve. And a bargain?!?! SOo nice...

 

[tommyK]

Yes very nice!

I recently won this Hückel Weilheim "Chevreau" at a bargain price. Poor auction photos but will update when it arrives. The bottom photo is the true color. Also very good condition.

That hat looks darn near flawless and it's a bargain! Most of my bargains are often rough and need some work.

 

[tommyK]

I''m a fan of tall, wide brimmed hats too, that one looks great. I love the colour.

It's a perfect neutral medium grey. Would go with just about anything except that blue t-shirt I'm wearing. I work from home a lot so i'm in casual mode.

 

[mayserwegener]

Charlie, Thanks!

Tommy, Thanks! Probably about $45.00 including shipping from Germany. My guess is it's a 58cm.

 

[Rick Blaine]

I'm afraid that some of these wild-eyed sellers have seen a few auctions go for $500 and $600 dollars but instead of taking the time to research why those particular hats went for so much they just assume every old hat is worth $600.

Agreed.

 

[B1ggles]

How about a photo of said block, B1?? Sounds like just the ticket.

Here goes, hatsRme. 'Made in France' is all it says on the underside, no brand, hard to date. But it looks as though it would do the job, eh?

 

[B1ggles]

Well, I was wrong about it having no branding , half hidden by a screw head on the top plate is the name Allie Maillard. Google Images brings up a few similar examples, mostly quoting 19thC and asking - and getting - from $300 to over $1,000! I'll give it a careful clean and look after it better in future!

 

[DJH]

B1ggles, what you have is part of a conformateur set up, I beleive your piece is called a formillion.

Check out this thread for a lot more info that you will find interesting:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?60871-Allie-Maillard-Conformateur