The BORSALINO BROTHERHOOD

[ScottF]

Looks like I have to chalk this one up to my inexperience. I actually sniped it when it was at around $150. Problem is someone else did the same. My max was around 10 bucks higher. I really never dreamed it would be much over $200 but.....

I also didn't know aout the size issue even thogh I have been lurking here for a while. Now I'm worried.

You live and learn I guess.

Another thing I thought I'd mention - most of the old Borsalino Allesandrias have the piece of anti-sweat corrugation at the front of the sweatband. That adds close to a size. It might be possible to have that removed, then stretch the hat very slightly and re-sew, and wouldn't lose any felt shape. I don't know - just a thought, but certainly if you had the sweatband replaced, you would gain close to a size without having any stretching or re-blocking done, just from the extra space that corrugated piece takes.

 

[zetwal]

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj260/billysmom1952/TB4.jpg

I find Sue's pic interesting. I know that several of us have hats from Salvatore Balbi, Napoli. Anyone know the relation between Salvatore and Michele?

Maybe this has been asked and answered already. I just don't see it ~

 

[MarkD]

Thanks Scott, I think I will be okay since I can put a mild stretch on a 7 1/8 and it will fit. I must be on the south side of 7 1/4 while you are on the north.

Incidentally I am wearing my Fed Deluxe IV right now with a wet head hoping it will shrink to fit. Thankfully I ordered it in a 58 not a size up as some recommended.

 

[High Pockets]

Gray Borsalino

Bought this one the other day that once belonged to Dr. Rocko M. Fasanella, a man with a very interesting history, and I feel fortunate to be the one to keep it in public for many more years.

http://archopht.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/extract/127/6/818

Although I'm learning from several of you, (thank you), I've yet to learn enough to determine the age of a Borsalino yet,....this one has:

1. Taped not sewn, sweatband joint.
2. 1 3/4" sweatband.
3. Red Punti size tag.
4. White ribbon bow
5. Stamped "Esportazione Vietata" ("Export prohibited") on the sweat.
6. No corragated strip on front of sweat.
7. 2" over welted brim
8. 5 3/8" open crown, slightly tapered.

I figure it might be from the early 1950's,.....?

 

[billysmom]

Whatever its age, it's beautiful and it suits you.

If the sticker dating scheme holds true, it could be from 1948.

Sue

 

[High Pockets]

Borsalino Rapallo

This black Rapallo just came back from Optimo. As I said before, I'm really beginning to like the stingy brims!
This one's felt is so thin it's almost hard to handle.
Might it be what many of you refer to as "Handkerchief Felt"?

Several of my Borsies have had liners and sweats that were trashed, I only wish I could have salvaged them, new liners and sweats are great, but they really seam to take away from a nice hat.

I hope you'll excuse the white spots on the hat, it's drizzling outside and I couldn't snap the pic before the hat got a few sprinkles on it.

:eusa_clap Thanks to Goose for inspiring me to try these stingy brims!

 

[MarkD]

I just received my new Alessandria and boy am I pleased. It fits great and looks fantastic. I am having a blast with it. This is my first Borso, what fantastic felt! It is the best fedora I have to date, it rivals my custom made 100% beaver western in being the best hat. It takes a center crease better than anything I have. When you talk into the side dents you can hear an echo they are so deep.lol

Unfortunately there is rain in the forecast for the next week in my area. How will this be in the rain or should I be repremanded for even thinking about it? I have the aforementioned beaver and a Fed Deluxe IV both of which laugh at the elements but I sure want to show this baby off!

Man this is fun.

 

[ScottF]

I just received my new Alessandria and boy am I pleased. It fits great and looks fantastic. I am having a blast with it. This is my first Borso, what fantastic felt! It is the best fedora I have to date, it rivals my custom made 100% beaver western in being the best hat. It takes a center crease better than anything I have. When you talk into the side dents you can hear an echo they are so deep.lol

Unfortunately there is rain in the forecast for the next week in my area. How will this be in the rain or should I be repremanded for even thinking about it? I have the aforementioned beaver and a Fed Deluxe IV both of which laugh at the elements but I sure want to show this baby off!

Man this is fun.

Glad to hear that hat fits you - it's the Byrnie Utz one, right? Unless it's a big downpour, I wouldn't worry about it. I wore my old thin-felt Borso yesterday in the rain, and it was no big deal. Remember - they're made out of rabbits, and rabbits dry off pretty well.

 

[MarkD]

Thanks Scott, yes it is the Byrnie Utz that I overpaid for but at least I am not disappointed. This hat is so cool. I am jumping up and down with delight.

 

[ScottF]

Thanks Scott, yes it is the Byrnie Utz that I overpaid for but at least I am not disappointed. This hat is so cool. I am jumping up and down with delight.

You can't really overpay for an old Borsalino - modern hats don't even approach the felt in your Borsalino. I think the top-of-the-line Borsos at Byrnie Utz today are over $400, and yours is better.

 

[billysmom]

Bulgarian Borsalino

This arrived after a 3 1/2 week journey from Bulgaria:

Auction pic -

And now at home:

It's missing the wind trolley button, as was shown in the auction. The felt's the typical wonderful vintage Borsalino stuff. Dense, malleable, super-soft.

2 1/8" brim, 5" uncreased crown, 7/8" ribbon, 2" sweat.

For under $35.00 shipped, I certainly won't miss the wind trolley!

Sue

 

[fiddletown]

A couple of current Borsalinos I bought new a few years ago.

 

[Mario]

​

There she went and did it again...that's beautiful hat, Sue! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[Mario]

Nice one! :eusa_clap

 

[cookie]

I snatched this modern Borsalino off a thrift store shelf. I found it comfortable so I took it. Cost 15 euros.

The hair is quite long, not sure what felt it is though..

Says in the tag, water resistant felt.

Pretty cool hat - theoretically it could be pounced (sanded etc) to a finer finish - right?

 

[ScottF]

Trionfo

As soon as this one arrived from Bulgaria, I sent to Optimo for a cleaning. It's very soft felt, feels great, and now I understand what rlk meant by 'cellophane' type liner cover - very brittle and like the old oilskin, but definitely different composition. I can't speculate as to age, but the red paper size-tag, sweat connection, ribbon holes, sweat attachment, are all exactly like the Mascotte I just ebay'd.

Optimo's bash fit my head perfectly, so that's the way it stays:

 

[bolthead]

wow......

That's one gorgeous Borso. :eusa_clap

 

[billysmom]

Scott - That's just gorgeous! I can feel it from here!

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

Sue

 

[mayserwegener]

Scott - That's just gorgeous! I can feel it from here!

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

Sue

+1:eusa_clap

 

[colps]

That's one classy hat!!