The hard-to-find or unusual Hat Circle

[drmaxtejeda]

It was on my eBay list for 19 months before I found one, Jim. Did you find yours easily?

 

[deadlyhandsome]

That might be Eric's

I don’t think so. This hat sold very recently on ebay.

 

[drmaxtejeda]

I just bought this one on the cheap. I din't expect much, but it is unusual

 

[drmaxtejeda]

I think this is unusual... a hat made of pure Orylag fur.
Orylag comes from a genetically mutated French rabbit. It doesn't have guard hairs, which makes for very fine felt. Very soft and moldable.
Optimo Chicago Rex. As far as I know, this is the first one sold.
Optimo secured a world-wide exclusive from FEPSA.

 

[Frunobulax]

It was on my eBay list for 19 months before I found one, Jim. Did you find yours easily?

I picked it up from Adrian several years ago. We don't see many of them, though, you're right about that.

 

[Tonio]

Borsalino 150th anniversary. 6 of 150.

 

[drmaxtejeda]

Borsalino 150th anniversary. 6 of 150.

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OMG! A Siur Pipen! Is it yours, Tonio?

 

[drmaxtejeda]

Borsalino 150th anniversary. 6 of 150.

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Do you have more pics? How is the felt? Tell us about it!

 

[Short Balding Guy]

I promised Max I would contribute some pics of Stetson Vogues from my hat rack. As promised.

More details can be found here: https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/side-by-side-hat-comparisons.65983/page-51#post-2747433

Cheers, Eric -

 

[drmaxtejeda]

I promised Max I would contribute some pics of Stetson Vogues from my hat rack. As promised.

More details can be found here: https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/side-by-side-hat-comparisons.65983/page-51#post-2747433

Cheers, Eric -

Thank you, Eric!

 

[Tonio]

OMG! A Siur Pipen! Is it yours, Tonio?

Do you have more pics? How is the felt? Tell us about it!

First, congrats on the Stetson Ermine! I do own this one. Obviously a modern hat, however it was on my wish list for a while due to its eye catching look. A couple minor condition issues but completely wearable.

The felt is really nice and it has a great feel to it. I believe they described it as white rabbit and hare, and that they use a french iron to give it the shine. It’s not necessarily as “shapeable” as a vintage Borsalino, but it doesn’t need to be.

It has some weight to it due to the alligator belt and gold pin. The Moroccan sweatband is ok.

 

[drmaxtejeda]

First, congrats on the Stetson Ermine! I do own this one. Obviously a modern hat, however it was on my wish list for a while due to its eye catching look. A couple minor condition issues but completely wearable.

The felt is really nice and it has a great feel to it. I believe they described it as white rabbit and hare, and that they use a french iron to give it the shine. It’s not necessarily as “shapeable” as a vintage Borsalino, but it doesn’t need to be.

It has some weight to it due to the alligator belt and gold pin. The Moroccan sweatband is ok.

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Thank you, Tonio!
Do you think it is worth the sales price, or is it just more of a status symbol?

 

[drmaxtejeda]

First, congrats on the Stetson Ermine! I do own this one. Obviously a modern hat, however it was on my wish list for a while due to its eye catching look. A couple minor condition issues but completely wearable.

The felt is really nice and it has a great feel to it. I believe they described it as white rabbit and hare, and that they use a french iron to give it the shine. It’s not necessarily as “shapeable” as a vintage Borsalino, but it doesn’t need to be.

It has some weight to it due to the alligator belt and gold pin. The Moroccan sweatband is ok.

View attachment 287987
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Oh! And did it come with the wonderful case?

 

[DaveProc]

I promised Max I would contribute some pics of Stetson Vogues from my hat rack. As promised.

More details can be found here: https://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/side-by-side-hat-comparisons.65983/page-51#post-2747433

Cheers, Eric -

Beautiful pair Eric, but oh, the green one is amazing!

 

[Tonio]

Thank you, Tonio!
Do you think it is worth the sales price, or is it just more of a status symbol?

It’s a sharp looking hat but perhaps more of a novelty. I don’t know what it retailed for back in 2007, but I don’t think I would have bought it new. I’d rather get another Optimo.

That said, I’d guess it’s the best they were able to produce based on their modern production process. No box included unfortunately, but I took what I could get.

Have you seen the 160th anniversary edition? I don’t like that one very much.

 

[drmaxtejeda]

It’s a sharp looking hat but perhaps more of a novelty. I don’t know what it retailed for back in 2007, but I don’t think I would have bought it new. I’d rather get another Optimo.

That said, I’d guess it’s the best they were able to produce based on their modern production process. No box included unfortunately, but I took what I could get.

Have you seen the 160th anniversary edition? I don’t like that one very much.

I do! But... you're right, I'd rather get another Optimo. Except for the case! That case is awesome!

 

[drmaxtejeda]

Borsalino Sour Pipen 160 anniversario. Not mine. Vicuña felt.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Borsalino Sour Pipen 160 anniversario. Not mine. Vicuña felt.

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Not sure what “Astrakhan” is, but that hat band is a huge turn off to me. In fact, the taper, crown height, and gold branding on the bow keeper are all not to my taste. Rare it no doubt is, but it’s not in the same class as many of your vintage hats, Max.

 

[Zombie_61]

Not sure what “Astrakhan” is, but that hat band is a huge turn off to me. In fact, the taper, crown height, and gold branding on the bow keeper are all not to my taste. Rare it no doubt is, but it’s not in the same class as many of your vintage hats, Max.

I have to agree--the only things I like about it are the felt color and the brim width. But, for me, it still has that "X" factor that makes it cool regardless of everything wrong with it ("wrong", of course, being nothing more than my opinion).

 

[deadlyhandsome]

I have to agree--the only things I like about it are the felt color and the brim width. But, for me, it still has that "X" factor that makes it cool regardless of everything wrong with it ("wrong", of course, being nothing more than my opinion).

I agree. All any of us can express are our personal opinions, and I’m sure there are some who dislike what I like and who love this Borsalino. I’ll also add that the hat box looks very nice!