hats off philosoph

[dr greg]

I've been watching several threads about the price of this that or the other hat from various outlets and so forth lately, and it dawned on me that although I've been wearing fedoras for the best part of 30 years, and have at least 2 dozen quality lids, I've NEVER bought one from a Hatter...long before ebay I got them from garage sales and op-shops or found them in junkshops in country towns etc etc, there is no real plan involved; it just seems to be that damn fine hats seem to make themselves regularly available for less than $20. In fact I don't think I've ever paid more than $30 in my life.
This is not of much comfort to manufacturers and dealers I know, but that's how it has been through no particular effort on my part, so: am I feasting on the corpse of a dying trade, or daily inspiring those less adept at the hunt to keep the industry and skills base afloat?

 

[MattJH]

Posts like these almost make me resent my 24" circumference.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

I've found quite a few hats really in the past 2 years or so. Simply because of the fact that I look for them now. Seek and ye shall find. Trouble is, none of them are ever my size 7-5/8! But I've been able to rescue some from the landfills to recycle them to those that appreciate them.
I just wish I had started looking for vintage items about 20 years ago, ...:eusa_doh:

 

[Selentino]

My Rule of thumb.....If its a 71/2 and you like it, buy it! They are not falling out of trees these days. I never have any luck at sales of any kind.
I really do keep a hat fund just in case I come across something.

 

[Sefton]

Me:7 3/4" extra long oval. My hats are about $30 if you consider the other $270 as shipping and handling! You small headed guys and your inexpensive vintage hats are killing me...I don't think I can stand to read about another one of your "I found this beautiful (insert hat maker of choice) for $15,$20,$30 at a yard sale,ebay,etc.! ...and yet i keep reading. Must be a streak of masochism in me.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Me:7 3/4" extra long oval. My hats are about $30 if you consider the other $270 as shipping and handling! You small headed guys and your inexpensive vintage hats are killing me...I don't think I can stand to read about another one of your "I found this beautiful (insert hat maker of choice) for $15,$20,$30 at a yard sale,ebay,etc.! ...and yet i keep reading. Must be a streak of masochism in me.

But just think how much better it will make ya feel when you actually find that one in a million hat.

 

[GWD]

I've only found one hat at a local antique store worth buying and that was my very first hat. I paid $45.00 for it! It must be a regional phenomenon, there are very few vintage mens hats here in Southern California. I've seen many women's hats around but very few men's hats. My only sources for vintage hats have been ebay and Johnnyphi. I'm at a total loss as where to find vintage hats here in my area.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

I've only found one hat at a local antique store worth buying and that was my very first hat. I paid $45.00 for it! It must be a regional phenomenon, there are very few vintage mens hats here in Southern California. I've seen many women's hats around but very few men's hats. My only sources for vintage hats have been ebay and Johnnyphi. I'm at a total loss as where to find vintage hats here in my area.

Hmm,...I would think S.CA. would have a lot of hats. L.A. seems to, or did. Maybe because of the higher population of wealthier people from the golden age of Hollywood? I used to think hats were extremely scarce here, but I have found a number of antique places, estate sale liquidators, and better resale shops that do in fact have the occasional vintage hat. Just never anything cool in my size. But I just buy them anyway if they are in decent condition and/or the price is right. Just found a really cool 40s fedora today for a mere 5 bucks, but it's a 6-7/8 so may be hard to unload. In great shape though and at that price I couldn't let it fall into the wrong hands.

 

[GWD]

Maybe Hollywood has them all in a Prop House somewhere?

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Or just all snagged up back in the 70s and 80s when that generation was passing away, and their vintage clothing ended up in the thrift shops. Now I usually find hats from the 60s. A few from the 50s, even fewer from the 40s. There are still a few out there, but ya gotta turn over every stone.

 

[GWD]

That's another problem, there isn't a lot of Antique Shops in my area, but if I drive past one, I always stop.

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

I like your style Dr. Greg.

It is certainly easier for my size 7 (albeit Long Oval) head to find great deals. Thus, my average price paid for fine felt hats: $33.00.

I'm only interested in vintage lids since not only am I going for the look but the "connection", if you will, to that bygone era. If one is patient, as you seem to be, and keeps eyes open, great prices on great 'prizes' abound.

G