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The BORSALINO BROTHERHOOD

Dreispitz

One Too Many
Messages
1,164
Carlisle Blues said:
Thanks I am beginning to get the picture;) I wear the Como when I perform I have had it for 6 or so years. The Silk Finnish Diamante I have also had for several years wear occasionally. Both have held up fine. I think I deserve a vintage. You know, just to compare;) ;) lol

In the beginning I found it fuss about new vs. vintage Borsos a somehow mannerist kind of thing. After I recently bought a vintage one, I have a clear position.

The new ones still come in nice shapes, but the felt, leather and quality of overall craftsmanship in not the same. The old ones do have a unique tactile quality and some kind of elegant tension to it.
 
Dreispitz said:
The new ones still come in nice shapes, but the felt, leather and quality of overall craftsmanship in not the same. The old ones do have a unique tactile quality and some kind of elegant tension to it.


Ah, another of the converted. Welcome to the fold. ;) :D
They just don't make them like they used to---especially after the original family sold out to a frachise hungry, accountant rich, bean counter company not interested in anything but capitalizing on the name and getting every dime out of it without any attention to quality. :rage: :eusa_doh:
 

Dreispitz

One Too Many
Messages
1,164
jamespowers said:
Ah, another of the converted. Welcome to the fold. ;) :D
They just don't make them like they used to---especially after the original family sold out to a frachise hungry, accountant rich, bean counter company not interested in anything but capitalizing on the name and getting every dime out of it without any attention to quality. :rage: :eusa_doh:

Converted is right! I bought my first Borsalino in a hatshop in Verona, Italy, in 1986. That was a fine little hat and it survived every torture testing by my class mates :)

I was too small a few years later and I replaced it by an excellent Herbert Johnson. For about twenty years, I did nor buy a new fedora. Last year I came across some Borsalino hats in an outlet shop. Since they were only 50 EURO the piece, I toock three. Good deal, i thought, since they are usually 275 EUROS. Hm, caveat emptor!

However, wearing feeling did not match my old one and I checked Borsalinos on the web, found an occasion to get hold of two vintage ones and .... bang! Those were hats!

So, there we are.

I also went to a hat shop and had a discussion with the staff. They confirmed the diference in quality.

Well, many hats, today, are sold by apearence not by quality. That is also trure for other traditional brands, I regret.

By the way, I have not oficially applied for membership in this brotherhood. May I hubly ask for somebody´s inauguration.
 

carouselvic

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,982
Location
Kansas
Those vintage Borsalino hats are just junk, especially the 7 3/8 size. I would sure discourage anyone from buying one. (remember 50% of what I say on the Lounge is being typed with tongue firmly planted in cheek)
 
Dreispitz said:
Converted is right! I bought my first Borsalino in a hatshop in Verona, Italy, in 1986. That was a fine little hat and it survived every torture testing by my class mates :)

I was too small a few years later and I replaced it by an excellent Herbert Johnson. For about twenty years, I did nor buy a new fedora. Last year I came across some Borsalino hats in an outlet shop. Since they were only 50 EURO the piece, I toock three. Good deal, i thought, since they are usually 275 EUROS. Hm, caveat emptor!

However, wearing feeling did not match my old one and I checked Borsalinos on the web, found an occasion to get hold of two vintage ones and .... bang! Those were hats!

So, there we are.

I also went to a hat shop and had a discussion with the staff. They confirmed the diference in quality.

Well, many hats, today, are sold by apearence not by quality. That is also trure for other traditional brands, I regret.

By the way, I have not oficially applied for membership in this brotherhood. May I hubly ask for somebody´s inauguration.

That 1986 hat you bought was just under the wire of when the quality started to go down. It was about that time that the original family was bought out. Quality had been slipping slightly before that but it was not slipping like it did after. :eusa_doh:
Soon Borsalinos name was on umbrellas, cologne, gloves, licensed to Toyo in Japan and a dozen other indignities to the name and their hats.
You are right. Borsalinos are now sold just by name. Quality that was Borsalino no longer exists. :(
Oh, and I will sponsor your membership here. You have learned enough the hard way. :D
 

Topdog

Familiar Face
Messages
80
Location
Charleston, SC
Allright guys, I'm looking for a sponsor for entry into this elite club.;)

My credentials are below;

the Tan Allesandria bashed up much nicer than this ebay picture. I'll have to take a better one with it on my head.

<a href="http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/mflugel/?action=view&current=TanBorso1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/mflugel/TanBorso1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/mflugel/?action=view&current=tanBorso2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/mflugel/tanBorso2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>


I also just won this baby tonight on ebay. I'm not sure of the model name but based on the liner and sweatband along with the Punti sizing, I think its pretty old. I think I'm gonna like the green felt.

<a href="http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/mflugel/?action=view&current=GreenBorso1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/mflugel/GreenBorso1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/mflugel/?action=view&current=greenborso2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/mflugel/greenborso2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/mflugel/?action=view&current=greenborso3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/mflugel/greenborso3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

So.... do i get as a foot soldier in the Capo Regime?
 

Dreispitz

One Too Many
Messages
1,164
gtdean48 said:
Post the photo evidence for all to see & you're in...

Here, it is! Borsalino, Qualita Extra Superiore.

<center>
<a href="http://s713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/dreispitz/?action=view&current=Borsalino1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/dreispitz/th_Borsalino1.jpg" border="0" alt="Borsalino1" ></a>
</center>

<center>
<a href="http://s713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/dreispitz/?action=view&current=Borsalino2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/dreispitz/th_Borsalino2.jpg" border="0" alt="Borsalino2" ></a>
</center>
 

billyspew

One Too Many
Messages
1,746
Location
London, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
Application...

Here's my first Borsalino...
3290972148_2faabae927_m.jpg

3290152135_32991e81e1_m.jpg

Liner
3290153367_39bcc345da_m.jpg

Tag under the sweat
3290153575_84832244a0.jpg

And on
3290126181_19f0e75638_m.jpg
 

jimmy the lid

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,647
Location
USA
New arrival...

Just received this Borsalino Alessandria, recently fished from the 'Bay...

The color is a beautiful shade of light gray, and the hat is in absolutely pristine condition. Not only is the felt on this one extremely lightweight -- it is also incredibly soft and smooth. Just luxurious...

OpenCrown-19.jpg


Left3.jpg


Liner-19.jpg


BorsoSweat.jpg

ToledoSweat.jpg


Left-10.jpg


Right-8.jpg


LeftC.jpg



Cheers,
JtL
 

jimmy the lid

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,647
Location
USA
Thanks, guys. What really surprised me about this lid was the incredible softness of the felt -- even compared to my other Borsalinos.

gtd -- the brim on this one is a tad over 2 1/2".


Cheers,
JtL
 

BobC

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,378
Location
Central IL
jimmy the lid said:
Just received this Borsalino Alessandria, recently fished from the 'Bay...

The color is a beautiful shade of light gray, and the hat is in absolutely pristine condition. Not only is the felt on this one extremely lightweight -- it is also incredibly soft and smooth. Just luxurious..

LeftC.jpg



Cheers,
JtL

Another outstanding example of why you are the Chief of the Crease Police. Masterful, Mr. Jim. That Borso is another beauty for your stable. Congratulations!

I'm amazed at how you bay fishermen are able to hook these trophies. I must not be finding the good fishing holes. ;)
 

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