The BORSALINO BROTHERHOOD

[Aureliano]

It looks pristine, Alan. Very nice. I've never handled a nutria felt hat before, any substancial difference from a regular vintage Borsalino?

 

[Iyor]

I have a Nutria that is dated to 1921 by Gary White based on a Borsalinoo catalog. IMO the felt is a bit more clay like. I have a few vintage Borsos but the nutria is by far my best. The only hat that I have that rivals it is a stetson premier.

 

[delectans]

Fine looking Borsalino, Alan. Nice vvvvv stitching on that wide sweatband.

 

[alanfgag]

I have a Nutria that is dated to 1921 by Gary White based on a Borsalinoo catalog. IMO the felt is a bit more clay like. I have a few vintage Borsos but the nutria is by far my best. The only hat that I have that rivals it is a stetson premier.

Interesting... would love to see photos of that one, Iyor.

 

[alanfgag]

It looks pristine, Alan. Very nice. I've never handled a nutria felt hat before, any substancial difference from a regular vintage Borsalino?

This one is in super shape... 2 odd stains on the liner, but otherwise it doesn't show signs of being worn. The felt on this is soft in the Borsalino manner... very finely and evenly finished, somewhat heavy in weight (the hat is 4 ounces). I don't think it is noticeable as a "different animal."

I will have to pull out the nutria hats and handle them together to compare. There are 4, I think - 3 from the 1930s and earlier and this one, vintage unknown, but perhaps late 40s to 50s. 2 are westerns, 2 homburgs. All are quite different in feel.

 

[alanfgag]

Fine looking Borsalino, Alan. Nice vvvvv stitching on that wide sweatband.

Thanks Al. I should take a close-up photo of the sweatband attachment. I don't think I have another hat done quite in this manner. Similar to the 1940s fabric reedless reed used by American companies, but thinner.

 

[Aureliano]

Received this beautiful Amiata color, rollable Borsalino from Michaelshane who kindly responded to the ad I posted wanting to buy a gray "antica casa"
Reeded, very thin, taped sweat. Lined and pristine felt, one of the nicest Borsalinos I've handled. Thanks again, Michael!

 

[RobStC]

Received this beautiful Amiata color, rollable Borsalino from Michaelshane..... one of the nicest Borsalinos I've handled.

Seriously nice hat, and looks in beautiful condition. :eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap
Let's hope that one staves off your hunger for the perfect grey Borso..... at least for a few days!!

RobStC

 

[alanfgag]

I think that has your name written all over it... lovely!

 

[Aureliano]

Seriously nice hat, and looks in beautiful condition. :eusa_clap:eusa_clap:eusa_clap
Let's hope that one staves off your hunger for the perfect grey Borso..... at least for a few days!!

RobStC

lol lol I hope so!

I think that has your name written all over it... lovely!

Thanks, Alan. Yeah, this one's totally me

 

[DJH]

Congratulations, Ale! You know how I feel about those rollables and that one is a classic. Enjoy!

 

[Aureliano]

Thanks, David. I feel the same way as you!

 

[JAVIER]

A new member of the Brotherhood, that I acquired from a former lounger - nice to see a good price on an eBay BIN.

Nice Borsalino in the Open Road style in great condition, I'd been looking out for one for a while. I just love the Borsalino felt quality.

Acquired this beauty from our good friend David "DJH", Again THANK YOU so much! It should be my christening to the Brotherhood, guess that makes David my Padrino?

 

[bond]

A, that's a nice roller,Well done!

 

[Aureliano]

A, that's a nice roller,Well done!

Thanks, bond!

 

[alanfgag]

Acquired this beauty from our good friend David "DJH", Again THANK YOU so much! It should be my christening to the Brotherhood, guess that makes David my Padrino?

A great entry Javier... welcome to the famiglia and enjoy.

 

[jbucklin]

I am receiving a Borsalino Fim for Christmas and my first question is this: will the acquisition of a new/modern Borsalino qualify me as a member of the brotherhood? And my second question: due to the gracious monetary Christmas gifts from a couple of clients I now have enough for a new hat! I have seriously considered the Alessandria offered by Bencraft Hats, where my Film came from. Here's my dilemma: I am drawn toward the idea of purchasing a vintage Borsalino but am frustrated by the lack of prospective hats in my size on Ebay and/or the condition of the hats. It seems to me to be a gamble; and never mind that all of the good ones have many bidders by the end of the auction. Are these Borsos made for Bencraft anywhere near the vintage specimens in terms of quality of felt, craftsmanship, etc.?

 

[gtdean48]

... Are these Borsos made for Bencraft anywhere near the vintage specimens in terms of quality of felt, craftsmanship, etc.?

The Alessandria is a real nice hat but don't hold a candle to the vintage ones. I have an early 50's Mulfone Alessandria = they don't make hats like that anymore.

 

[Rodkins]

Here is my latest Borsalino. The tag I think reads Averia Ludonla.

 

[Aureliano]

I am receiving a Borsalino Fim for Christmas and my first question is this: will the acquisition of a new/modern Borsalino qualify me as a member of the brotherhood? And my second question: due to the gracious monetary Christmas gifts from a couple of clients I now have enough for a new hat! I have seriously considered the Alessandria offered by Bencraft Hats, where my Film came from. Here's my dilemma: I am drawn toward the idea of purchasing a vintage Borsalino but am frustrated by the lack of prospective hats in my size on Ebay and/or the condition of the hats. It seems to me to be a gamble; and never mind that all of the good ones have many bidders by the end of the auction. Are these Borsos made for Bencraft anywhere near the vintage specimens in terms of quality of felt, craftsmanship, etc.?

I've seen and handled both models at Bencraft in Brooklyn. They are both nice hats. The Alessandria you inquire is a great looking hat but unfortunately not even close to the quality and hand of a vintage example--this applies to the film as well--Some people have issues with modern Borsalinos, I have one of my own: the quality of the felt is a hit and miss situation. Good sometimes, great others and terrible some more. eBay is getting harder and harder. I've had great success posting an ad in the classifieds, there you can be specific about size and condition and you'll get it right as folks here know their stuff.