Tesi straw Hats...

[Aureliano]

I'm curious about the Tesi straw hats sold at Bencraft, particulary the Genuine Montecristi and the Parabuntal one. I PMed Besdor but he hasn't answered. Does anybody here own one of these two? is the Genuine Montecristi reall a Montecristi? Do any of these two hats have, inside the crown, a tip sticker (mini liner kind of thing that covers just the center of the hat?)
Thanks for the info.

 

[daizawaguy]

I have the linen/straw and sisal. They both have the bencraft piece in the middle. I am very happy with them both and they are very fine hats. I`ve found they don`t respond so well to mail, but they are very fast responders to an order...like 24 hours and it`s on its way. You can`t go wrong with Tesi..those prices are really good. Give them a try...you will not be disapointed.

 

[mayserwegener]

Bencraft Tesi Parabuntal

I have one of the Bencraft Tesi Parabuntals and it is a very nice / stylish hat. It is also very light and airy. I bought it to compare to a Mayser Parabuntal of mine. The Tesi has much more snap compared to the Mayser but there is a trade off on softness. Here are some pictures.

For comparison you can see my Mayser Parabuntal at this link (just page down)

http://thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=33795&page=7

 

[Aureliano]

Thanks for the info and great pictures guys!

 

[Aureliano]

Are this parabuntal straws hand woven?

 

[mayserwegener]

The parabuntals are not hand woven. I was told my Mayser is Philippine parabuntal. I am not sure about the Tesi. Besdor probably knows.

 

[Aureliano]

Hmm... Interesting. Let's hope Besdor shows up and tells us a bit more about how this hats are woven. I really want one but want to go my research first.

 

[mingoslim]

That is a nice looking hat . . .

Can you give us the specs?
And could this hat be reblocked . . . or is it pretty much as is?

 

[mayserwegener]

Can you give us the specs?
And could this hat be reblocked . . . or is it pretty much as is?

It is has a 3 brim and 5 inch crown. I am not sure if it could be re-blocked. As I mentioned it is crisp with a lot of snap so that could make re-blocking difficult. You should check with Bencraft if they have different blocks and brim widths / crown heights.

 

[cookie]

10 years ago in a chemist shop (druggist) you could be a good quality parabuntal like the above from AUD30 made by Lucban Hats. Then they just disappeared from the shops and I got one last year by chance on holiday in size 59 NOS - almost too small. The trouble is steaming them to a shape is usually not succeessful as they buckle and contort a little.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

You should check with Bencraft if they have different blocks and brim widths / crown heights.

If I remember, I had success calling them once, rather than emailing.

 

[Not-Bogart13]

I have the linen/straw and sisal.

What is the sisal straw like? And what's the real difference between sisal and parabuntal?

 

[besdor]

As far as I know, the bodies used used by Tesi such as Parabuntal ,sisol and balibuntal are from the far east. Buku as no longer made . As far as being weaved by hand, I doubt it although every delivery seems to come in different. The quality is getting to be less and less.
What Borsalino calls Baku today is actualy a fine sisol.


Steven
www.bencrafthats.com

 

[Altiori]

I'm curious about the Tesi straw hats sold at Bencraft, particulary the Genuine Montecristi and the Parabuntal one. I PMed Besdor but he hasn't answered. Does anybody here own one of these two? is the Genuine Montecristi reall a Montecristi? Do any of these two hats have, inside the crown, a tip sticker (mini liner kind of thing that covers just the center of the hat?)
Thanks for the info.

I realize this is an old thread but am also interested in the Bencraft Tesi Montecristi. Is it really Montecristi? The price looks great as does the hat. I followed the thread its entirety but am unsure if the Montecristi question was addressed. Welcome any updates or a redirection if I missed something. Happy New Year to you all.

 

[tropicalbob]

I remember reading some time ago that Tesi is a subsidiary of Borsalino. They're a reputable company, and I'd imagine if they say it's a Montecristi it probably is. I wouldn't be surprised if the bodies were bought in Equador and the hats manufactured in Colombia, as Borsalino makes some of their hats there. Just guessing, though.

 

[Altiori]

Thanks for the info; I may give Bencraft a call and check it out. All the best.

 

[se couvrir]

I previously posted my vintage Tesi Florentine in the Post New hats thread, but the bump to this thread reminded me to also post it here. I suppose I should also post it in the Milan thread of which I was previously unaware until it was bumped - apologies if this seems like overkill!

Chris

 

[belfastboy]

I previously posted my vintage Tesi Florentine in the Post New hats thread, but the bump to this thread reminded me to also post it here. I suppose I should also post it in the Milan thread of which I was previously unaware until it was bumped - apologies if this seems like overkill! View attachment 41347

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Chris

What an interesting (and great) hat.

 

[tropicalbob]

I'll second that. Does anyone know if that style is still being produced?

 

[se couvrir]

Thanks belfastboy and tropicalbob.
The original owner of this hat died in 1979, but I don't know when he bought it - I would be surprised if Tesi make anything like it today. Daniele might know.
Chris.