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Sure it's black, but it's a potentially unworn Barbisio in 7 5/8!

MattJH

One Too Many
Messages
1,388
I won this last night. I'm excited about it. After selling my modern Borsalino Traveler for my Akubra Federation, I don't have any black hats, so this will be my first one. It seems to be one of the Barbisios that Selco Hatters from Brooklyn sold prior to going out of business.

besdor had this to say in an older thread:

besdor said:
Selco carried the hats for many years . They also carried Barbisio hats when they were made in Italy . The store itself liquidated their inventory about 8 years ago of hundreds of old vintage hats such as Stetson , Christy's, Mallory , Melton and many others . Their last location was 228 Broadway in Brooklyn. Now the store is gone. I was able to get some very cool hats from then but the sizes were small . I bought them just for preservation purposes.

Some excerpts from the auction description:

"The 2 3/8” brim is bound with a thin black strip that matches the ribbon. The ribbon itself has a 4 leaf bow, something you only saw on Italian hats, and usually on those at the top of a line. The wind cord is real, not a piece of decoration."

"The sweat says that the hat was made in Italy of “100% Rabbit Fur.” Between the sweat and the hat liner is a thin strip of plastic, a sure sign that the manufacturer assumed this hat would be worn in warm conditions (the strip is to protect the liner from sweat damage). The liner is sewn in, not glued. Barbisio’s commitment to craftsmanship hadn’t died. The sweat makes one other nod to the past. A bit of white thread runs in and out of it in the back, recalling a time long ago when the little bow in the back of the hat was functional, and could be used to tighten the fit."

"The size tag says 7 5/8, and it measures 24‚Äù around the inside (as it should). The crown is 4 ¬?‚Äù in front, 5‚Äù midway back, and 4 1/2‚Äù again in the back. You could reduce the height a little by making the crease deeper; the felt is easy to shape. But the hat would loose a little of its authority if you did. The hat is in mint condition. No bites, no tears, rips or stains. The man who sold it to me said he‚Äôd brought it from a hat seller in New Jersey who had bought up the stock of stores as they left business. So it probably hasn‚Äôt been worn."

Here are the auction pictures. When I get the hat, I'll post more details. Any indications of its age from these photographs?

barbisio1.jpg

barbisio2.jpg

barbisio3.jpg

barbisio4.jpg

barbisio5.jpg
 

WEEGEE

Practically Family
Messages
996
Location
Albany , New York
curiosity

I was watching that out of curiosity.

Looks to be a good one at a great price.:eusa_clap

keep us posted and of course photographs.
 

Chanfan

A-List Customer
Messages
371
Location
Seattle, WA
Nice. I was eyeballing it, but I'm a little busy packing and moving currently to really watch the ebay auctions.
 

MattJH

One Too Many
Messages
1,388
Oh, I like black hats a good deal! I just know from the infamous Black Hat thread that I'm in the slight minority, hence the subject line disclaimer. I'm excited about the Barbisio. Due to the first weekend of the impending and nearly unbearable hot/hazy/humid Philadelphia summer, I probably won't wear it until the fall.
 

DOUGLAS

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,777
Location
NYC
Wow that is a beautiful hat!! The rear view is fantastic,its just the way I like them. Congrats
 
D

DBFedora

Guest
An excellent find. I agree with Deanglen and Douglas...classy and beautiful. Enjoy wearing it. :fedora:
 

MattJH

One Too Many
Messages
1,388
jamespowers said:
I saw the hat as well. I just figured that if it went to you then it would be going to a good home where it won't be among a hundred others. ;) :D

Haha. That's a funny thing to say! Thank you for your foresight in knowing I'd be watching it and not, you know, winning it and causing me another mournful woe-is-me post! :)

When I receive it, I'll be certain to post pictures.
 
Dumbjaw said:
Haha. That's a funny thing to say! Thank you for your foresight in knowing I'd be watching it and not, you know, winning it and causing me another mournful woe-is-me post! :)

When I receive it, I'll be certain to post pictures.

I thought I saw your bid on it and recognized your moniker from here. You mean you didn't bid early and I could have stolen it from you? Darn. ;) :p

Regards,

J
 

Bogie

One of the Regulars
Messages
109
Location
Texas
Black hats have been classy since Hopalong Cassidy came along, so no need to be modest. This particular Barbioso only accentuates it.

A fine hat all the way around. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap
 
D

DBFedora

Guest
Warlock said:
Great hat! Besides, I think a man needs a miniumum of one black hat in his wardrobe. Comments, anyone?

Have two. Love them both!:cool:
 

Feraud

Bartender
Messages
17,190
Location
Hardlucksville, NY
I have not owned a black hat in many years. Due to the generosity of a Lounger I just received a fine black suit.
My next purchase will be a black hat!
 

Razzman

One Too Many
Messages
1,357
Location
South of Boston
Great looking hat. A very nice looking black fedora. Congratulations. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap I just picke-up a black Lee Adventurer.
 
You need at least five black hats to complete the wardrobe. A Borsalino think ribbon, a Playboy, a Resistol, a Dobbs, a Knox and a Barbisio of course. Wait that is six. :eusa_doh: Maybe you need ten good black hats. So then a Dunlap, Portis, Cavanagh and the ever present Mallory. :p

Regards,

J
 

Tango Yankee

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,433
Location
Lucasville, OH
So, has it shown up yet?

It's a beautiful hat. I kept an eye on it even though it wasn't my size. If it was, I'd have bid on it. I need a black fedora!

Cheers,
Tom
 

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