Rolled straw.....parabuntal?

[carouselvic]

An ebay purchase...looking for a blocker and more information. Thoughts?

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

I saw that when it was up for auction but I was afraid it had been rolled so long that it might be brittle and crack when opened. Obviously you got it to open up in one piece so that's good. Now I wish I'd bought it!

I've never sent a hat out for blocking but if ever there was a candidate for that service you've got one on your hands now. I believe Optimo is the preferred choice for doing this work. Be sure to show us the follow-up!

 

[carouselvic]

I am waiting for a call or email from them as we speak (type).

 

[Tomasso]

I was afraid it had been rolled so long that it might be brittle and crack when opened.

That was my (and Optimo's) concern as well, that it might not survive the build out. Also, the seller was a bit sketchy about the exact measurements and it lacked any identifying stamps, so.............[huh]

Good luck!!

 

[cookie]

Straw Hat

I am no expert but if that is a Parabuntal it is the finest weave I have ever seen. I say this having a rolled hat that is a Parabuntal myself. That is a fantastic score. Not as good as the Marc Chevalier Panama Optimo 1200 WPSI but finissimo weave. I wonder if it is a super fine Baku?

 

[cookie]

Straw Hat

I am no expert but if that is a Filipino Parabuntal it is the finest weave I have ever seen. I say this having a rolled hat that is a Parabuntal myself. That is a fantastic score. Not as good as the Marc Chevalier Panama Optimo 1200 WPSI but finissimo weave. I wonder if it is probably a Balibuntal? http://www.feshc.com/store/page2.html

 

[HungaryTom]

High potential

Carouselvic,

I agree with Cookie – only a DNA test could determine from what species the fibers were taken to make this extremely carefully, finely and evenly woven parade specimen of a vintage straw hat. I think it really doesn’t matter what sort of straw it is -the closeup photos speak for themselves and scream that it is a beauty!!!!!!!!!!

The fact that this is unrolled without cracking apart along the creases after being rolled up for long time suggests that it is flexible and the raw material is good. The other thing is that artisans never waste their time of making such a fine weave from crappy straw. It is not wheat that is for sure. This hat ’lacks’ the cracks from the 1940s superfino Montecristi – which shows that even paja toquilla is not immortal. Man, you have the trained eye for spotting fine pieces of cake – this again looks like one. Congratulations.

Thoughts of blocking it? Hmmm… what about selecting one of the master hatters at FL so he does the delicate handiwork on a nice vintage block getting you a decent C-Crown with a vintage grosgrain ribbon (colors I would choose: deep burgundy or petrol green or chocolate brown).

Ah yes, since it is a vintage straw –don’t use it too much for headspin breakdance!

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

Yeah, based on what I used to see from other members I have no doubt that Art Fawcett would do a wonderful job with this one. I'm just not sure he's still accepting that type of work... [huh]

 

[Al_Ojeda]

I remenber, that item, It was listed as a panama hat, is a beautiful parabuntal really is extra fino fino and the weaving in the crown is diferent tham the others parabuntal I have seen. here is mine ... I also buy from the bay and blocked myself...

this is the most popular weaving

umblocked

blocked

details

 

[Carlisle Blues]

great work Al:eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[carouselvic]

Great look. Does your hat have a seam where the brim meets crown? Seam is not exactly what I mean in that it is not sewn, but does a change-up right there. The back weave is also something to behold. I knew from the extra auction photos that I asked for, that it wasn't a Panama. I just knew I wanted to take a chance on this one.

 

[Al_Ojeda]

yes mine also had that seam that you mention but with the blocking is unnoticeable.

 

[carouselvic]

So when you flanged the hat you did not have to stay on that seam?

 

[carouselvic]

Baby's Born

Well, it has arrived. Hungary Tom picked the ribbon color. Graham and the workers at Optimo did the rest. All I did was supply the coin. I was concerned with the large brim. Graham offered to cut and bind it, but I am just to much of a purist to lose this back weave. Graham suggested a pencil roll and I told him he had total artistic license to do what he wanted. I am very pleased with the result.





I see I photographed the back of the hat rather than the front, my bad.

 

[Lefty]

Beautiful. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[Tomasso]

Bravo!!!

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap




BTW, what size did it turn out to be?





Please don't say 7-3/8.........

 

[carouselvic]

It came around 7 1/4...rebuilt to a 7 3/8 LO. I don't suppose that makes you feel any better.

 

[HungaryTom]

Victor,

Bravo!
This warm golden tone goes extremely well with this subtle and decent burgundy -Graham used a very distinguished shade of ribbon- a screaming red ribbon would have destroyed the whole look, not this one.
The chocolate brown ribbon from Al Ojeda's vintage Panama shows how well the warm and dark colored ribbons harmonize with the straw even after decades.
The pale ton-sur-ton ribbon looks like this for reference: http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?p=643425&highlight=Kunzig#post643425 .
I also liked your decision not to order a bound edge on a straw hat.
As an absolute layman I proposed to change the block, but this is a beauty this way. Congratulations to you and Optimo and wear it in good health!

Tom

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Wow, wow and WOW!!! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[Marc Chevalier]

And DITTO!!! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap