O.P.S. Borsalino, 7 3/8

[randooch]

I was sure hoping for an unusually large 7 3/8, but no luck. Can't bring myself to put such a beauty on the rack, so maybe one of you gents will have a new gem in the lineup.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271118159213?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1558.l2649

 

[Bitzelbook]

Are you usually a 7 1/2? I'd hate to make the same mistake you did, but this hat is a nice-looking lid!

 

[randooch]

Yes, I am, but once in a blue moon I stumble upon a 7 3/8 that I can make work. Not this time.

 

[Bitzelbook]

Bah. Guess I'll keep looking. Thanks, and good luck--that's a sweet looking hat!

 

[ideaguy]

GRRR...Just what I was looking for- but in a Long Oval; don't think that it'll take a stretch?? And, who do you recommend for
cleaning/blocking/stretching? I know of Optimo, but they look a little pricey-gladly give the business to a smaller concern
and kind of keep it in the family-have 3-4 hats to go right away...

 

[LoveMyHats2]

Dang. That is one nice sweet Borso! I hear you about not wanting to risk pulling on that one, I have the same problem you do, a nice 7 3/8 and after peeking at it more and more, I am not going to risk doing anything to it...so...I will toss it for sale as well.

 

[Ormazd]

Ooh, that's a great looking hat and in my size. Put it on my watch list.

 

[randooch]

GRRR...Just what I was looking for- but in a Long Oval; don't think that it'll take a stretch?? And, who do you recommend for
cleaning/blocking/stretching? I know of Optimo, but they look a little pricey-gladly give the business to a smaller concern
and kind of keep it in the family-have 3-4 hats to go right away...

I don't think the difference between a regular oval and a long oval is much of a concern with these older Borsalinos. The sweatbands are non-reeded, and the felt is malleable; those two features combine to make a very forgiving, comfortable fit.

Shipping costs become an issue for sending a hat off for the royal treatment, but you have 3 or 4, so maybe not such an issue. Northwest Hats in Eugene, OR and Cleanahat are the only two pros I've used, and they both did great work.

 

[randooch]

Dang. That is one nice sweet Borso! I hear you about not wanting to risk pulling on that one, I have the same problem you do, a nice 7 3/8 and after peeking at it more and more, I am not going to risk doing anything to it...so...I will toss it for sale as well.

Rational decision, Dan'l!

Anyone unfamiliar with these O.P.S. hats? Here's a thread about only them.
http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?41559-Special-OPS/page3&highlight=Special+OPS

Josh launched a great thread about the OPS's and their older cousin, the OPA's, but I can't find it, dang it all to heck!

 

[LoveMyHats2]

Well geez, maybe someone will post a link to it here? If not, relax, have a chili dog, enjoy the fireplace! If that hat was a 7 1/2, I would have made a run to the bank and bidding like crazy on it!

 

[randooch]

Zzzzžžźžżzzzzzzžźżzzzzzzźžžzzz. . . Should've maybe gone with a 3-day auction. Zzzzzzzz.

 

[tridentine]

Sir,
Do you think this will fit a 8 1/4 by 6 1/2 inch head?

 

[randooch]

Not at all.

 

[Ormazd]

Zzzzžžźžżzzzzzzžźżzzzzzzźžžzzz. . . Should've maybe gone with a 3-day auction. Zzzzzzzz.

You could end it now.

 

[randooch]

In 24 hours time, I hope, one of you will be the proud new owner of this one. The way I have it packed, I don't think even the USPS could damage it!

 

[ideaguy]

You should see the marvelous "box" that arrived on my porch; thought someone had thrown some trash up there. Was more round than
square, open, labels hanging off and stuffing coming out. There was a Borsa in the very bottom, thankfully, protected by 3 issues of a Sunday
paper, complete with ads for winter hats! Amazing what happens when you stamp "fragile" on a box...

 

[randooch]

I'm with you. No way I'll label anything FRAGILE anymore. It's an invitation to abuse the box, for sure.

Glad your hat made it through that wringer!

 

[Walt]

Randall,

Congrats on the final price for the Spokane found Borsalino! It didn't go super high, but still you did good! :eusa_clap

 

[randooch]

1: I'm still bummed it didn't fit me.
2: I'm glad it went to a worthy home!