I just Blocked my first Parabuntal !!

[tonyb]

Nice work, Al. We're getting to expect this sort of thing from you.

 

[Fu Manchu]

Out of curiosity...

What is a parabuntal hat like that approximately worth?

(it sure *looks* like a million dollars)

 

[Neil]

And where did you get it?

 

[Colby Jack]

Terrific job Al!:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[Mr. D.]

Al,
We've got a parabuntal hood that is much like yours. It has been in the bamboo since 1945 when my wife's father brought back from the Philippine Islands where he was stationed. It has a squiggly pencil mark inside that we can't read. It seems to be very flexible and in great shape. How does one determine the quality, condition and value of something like this?

 

[jayinhk]

For the record, Tesoro's is an old chain of handicraft stores that is still around today, but they don't sell buntal hats EDIT: anymore

 

[carouselvic]

Rolled Buntal hat...Yet to be blocked

 

[jayinhk]

Beautiful! I'd love one of those old ones for the collection. I do have a modern one from Bulacan that I am very fond of.

 

[carouselvic]

Old Balibuntal...rebuilt by Optimo in Chicago...not for sale

 

[jayinhk]

Incredible weave! I'm hoping to pick some decent ones up in the Philippines later this year. I don't know if I'll be able to find any as nice as yours are though! I hear there are only a handful of decent weavers left. Thank you for sharing!

 

[carouselvic]

What size hat do you wear?

 

[jayinhk]

I'm a 7 1/2 myself. Why?

 

[carouselvic]

I have an extra blank, but it will not make a hat that big.

 

[jayinhk]

Ah ok--sorry to hear that! Hopefully I can pick up some decent modern buri hats (and perhaps some blanks) in Bulacan later this year.

 

[carouselvic]

Are you familiar with this weave?

 

[jayinhk]

I am not, but that looks incredible! I am a relative newbie to straw hats, but I've learned a great deal by perusing the panama hats thread here. I really appreciate you showing me some of your buntal hats: I am currently obsessed with them. So much so that I don't know if I can hold out until October!