Vintage Black Fedoras

[hatted]

I've been trolling ebay for vintage fedoras for years now, and it seems to me that there are very few black ones. Also, I rarely see nice vintage black fedoras here. So what's the deal? Were so many fewer black fedoras produced? Were they worn out? Is it my imagination? Thanks in advance for your expert opinions!

 

[Garrett]

Here's a few:

I believe these to be from the 30's

Mossant, Borsalino, Borsalino Trionfo










I've got more if you're still thirsty

 

[hatted]

Thanks! I think you have all of them.

 

[Dinerman]

 

[Garrett]

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[hatted]

The Brill Brother's is fantastic!

 

[feltfan]

Featherweight Borsalino, 1955:

Looks like Lefty deleted his pictures of the black Chamois. I guess
it's not technically a fedora anyway.

I also have a Mallory, probably 1930s, wide brim fedora in black.
I'll post pix some day...

I have a black French 50s (back bow) Willoughby with a "Satin"
finish. I have noticed a preponderance of "fuzzy" hats among
the black fedoras.

 

[hatted]

The Featherweight Borsalino is nice.

 

[Garrett]

Brill Brothers Article

Here's an article from the New York Times archives dating to 1910

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9E05E1D81239E433A25752C0A9669D946196D6CF

 

[Lefty]

I probably just moved them within photobucket. Here you go.

 

[hatted]

Well, that's great Garrett. Do you also happen to have a time machine? The only question then would be, is a hat vintage if you purchase it via time machine.

The answer is: who cares, as long as you get the hat!

 

[barrowjh]

Empathy

I've had no luck landing a nice (vintage) black fedora, so I wound up ordering one from Art Fawcett (Vintage Silhouettes):

Black was an ominous color for a fedora - religous, bankers, undertakers, etc. - so they were not as popular. Black is no longer 'ominous' and I suspect many of them are simply never sold. part of the problem with getting a nice one on OFAS was that I was not willing to pay top dollar, so they just kept slipping away.

No problem landing nice hombergs and bowlers in black, but a fedora with a 2 1/2 in felted edge brim? don't see many of them, and they fetch a good price.

 

[Garrett]

If ya can't get a vintage lid on the bay, Art is the next best thing....in most cases the 1st best thing!

 

[hatted]

Thanks John, what you're saying rings true. And excuse my ignorance, but what is OFAS?

 

[Garrett]

OFAS = Our Favorite Auction Site = Ebay

Though we've been told to stop using this, some still do. I'm guilty of this from time to time but if you want to say Ebay just say Ebay.

 

[ScottF]

I've had no luck landing a nice (vintage) black fedora, so I wound up ordering one from Art Fawcett (Vintage Silhouettes):
...
No problem landing nice hombergs and bowlers in black, but a fedora with a 2 1/2 in felted edge brim? don't see many of them, and they fetch a good price.

Same experience here - just a homburg that was one size short. But I do have a carbon Borsalino that I LOVE

I've got this wide-brim Stetson arriving tomorrow and I'm really really hoping my karma's been good enough that it's black and not dark-grey:

 

[Dreispitz]

In contrast to the US, black was very common for hats in Europe. Silverbelly and other light tones were and still are quite uncommon, over here.

The downside of vintage black fedoras, one comes across, is, they are usually well worn.

 

[Jauntyone]

In contrast to the US, black was very common for hats in Europe. Silverbelly and other light tones were and still are quite uncommon, over here.

Interesting observation, Dreispitz. Why do you think this is; is it just fashion, or is there some other reason?
When I wear my silver mist or smoke blue VS hats here in France, people tell me they find it strange or unusual to see a light-colored hat. They also find wide ribbons strange[huh] .

 

[Dreispitz]

Interesting observation, Dreispitz. Why do you think this is; is it just fashion, or is there some other reason?
When I wear my silver mist or smoke blue VS hats here in France, people tell me they find it strange or unusual to see a light-colored hat. They also find wide ribbons strange[huh] .

Historically, it certinly has got a lot to do with Spanish ranaissance court fashion. The black-white colour scheme replaced the coulourful mediaeval court fashion in many places in Europe. Well, America had just been discovered at that time and local hat fashion was more a feather thingy Talking of which, the feather thingy is still reminiscent in the little feathers, one can find attached to sweatbands in the US. Not in Europe, nota bene, if not in falkner´s or Italian mountain trouper´hats.

Yes, when I am looking for a stylish light coloured Golden Aera hat with a broad ribbon, I have to look at US sources.

Back to black. Indeed the color scheme for civilian town hats in Europe from the 16th century to the present day is black, dark gray, sometimes brown. For hunting, sports, leisure: green, brown, natural wool loden gray. In summer light natural colour straw or caps.

The lighter colors in terms of felt fedoras were only to be found as either spring fashion or in warmer climate areas, like southern France ot Italy. In the northern hemisphere it would be considerd bohemien. Black or dark gray suit and white or silverbelly hat: definitely a no go!

I actually went into a hatter´s asking for a light gray hat, this year. She said, such a thing would not sell and she has not had a demand for such in decades. In the 20ies to the mid 40ies, it would have been diferent.

So, there you are: its is mainly a psychosocial reason, geography and temporary fashion and: availability

 

[Viper Man]

Here is a Disney "Mr. Disney" that I recently sold to a member here...

Here is a Cavnagh stingy that I have creased as a porkpie...

And my absolute favorite vintage hat, a Cavanagh with a 5 1/2" crown and 2 3/8" brim. It has a fantastic purple ribbon...