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Panama Hat Thread

Guardian Enzo

One of the Regulars
Messages
245
Location
Kobe, Japan
Well - a bit of a tough question, I guess. So just to narrow it down a little - anyone heard of these guys? Their "Extra Fino" is only 256 wpsi but the price is pretty reasonable. They say a 30-day lead time for that but I could order it now and have them send it to the hotel for me.
 

Daniele Tanto

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,246
Location
Verona - Italia
Hello Enzo,
they seem to me very reasonable made and the price will worth the investment.
As I just said in others threads Panama's have a direct connection with weather in your area and state of use.
For my taste is unuseful invest more than 150 max 200 euros for a panama.
Or with this amount of money you could buy two and live without problems in hot weather :)
Let us know when you will have hats in your hands and head
 

tropicalbob

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,954
Location
miami, fl
Well - a bit of a tough question, I guess. So just to narrow it down a little - anyone heard of these guys? Their "Extra Fino" is only 256 wpsi but the price is pretty reasonable. They say a 30-day lead time for that but I could order it now and have them send it to the hotel for me.

I'd wait until I got there. My South American friends here all say that you can find some beautiful hats in Bogata. I've been looking at straws for some time now, and I've never heard of the outfit mentioned above. Monterrey Hats are in Bogata, I believe, and they make some very nice ones.
 

Guardian Enzo

One of the Regulars
Messages
245
Location
Kobe, Japan
I'd wait until I got there. My South American friends here all say that you can find some beautiful hats in Bogata. I've been looking at straws for some time now, and I've never heard of the outfit mentioned above. Monterrey Hats are in Bogata, I believe, and they make some very nice ones.

Monterrey Hats? Thanks - I knew they were a manufacturer but I wasn't sure if they had a retail presence in Bogota (and I can't find a website if they do). One concern I definitely have is that I'm going to be traveling with two co-workers, and I don't know how much time I'll have to get away on my own - so having a game plan going in is going to be critical. EDIT: I see them, they're based out of Medellin, where sadly I'm not going. Maybe they're sold third-party in Bogota.

Thanks for the input Daniele. I agree, the investment isn't huge so it's not a huge risk, but you'd always prefer a personal recommendation to go on.
 
Last edited:
Messages
15,083
Location
Buffalo, NY
National Recovery Act Panama 1933-34

A little survivor from the depression showing no signs of having been worn before. The National Recovery Act tag and United Hatters of North America union label combine to date this from 1933-1934. Hat came in a Strawbridge & Clothier box with a shipping label from the 1940s - probably a later marriage. 2 1/8" brim, 4 1/2" crown with a 3/4" black ribbon.

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Guardian Enzo

One of the Regulars
Messages
245
Location
Kobe, Japan
Well, I discovered that my hotel in Pereira (where I'll be staying for two nights) is walking distance from a Monterrey branch store. So if anyone else has experience or opinions on their hats or would like to share pics, that would be sincerely appreciated.
 
Messages
15,083
Location
Buffalo, NY
Knox Premier baku straw - 1951-53

The lightest of straws - hat is 2 ounces fully dressed with ribbon and sweatband.

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The starting weave line at the top of the crown can be seen in baku straw hats when held up to the light.

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Messages
15,083
Location
Buffalo, NY
Thank you. I have three of these all retailed by Knox/Dobbs from the mid 1940s - early 1950s. The other two are softer, perhaps from use. This one is quite crisp and appears to have been worn very little if ever.
 

Daniele Tanto

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,246
Location
Verona - Italia
This Knox/Dobbs baku is the right hat for a day like this in Italy.
Hot upon the average.....
This is a real gem as the other you posted Alan some days ago
I wish there are more hats like this in the actual market :)
 

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