Wacky Champ Milan Straw!

[Visigoth]

So, I've been meaning to get something in straw, even though it's not "me", really. Couldn't resist this battered monstrosity:

I mean, it may steam into perfect shape, but even if it doesn't, it's well worth it for the bow alone!

 

[jamespowers]

Hey, now! How did I miss that one? that should shape up nicely. Keep us updated about what yuou do with it.

Regards,

J

 

[Visigoth]

Well, the description says "The hat size is not on it, but I believe it is a size 7 1/2." Which would be way large for me. But, frankly, I don't really trust the description. I mean, he also said: "It is lightly used and still in good condition." Ha! (Lightly battered, if not fried...)

So, James, if it turns out to be too big for my melon, maybe I'll trade it to you for something.

 

[Tony in Tarzana]

Wear it as is and you may get some lunch money. lol

I like hats with character, I must admit.

 

[jamespowers]

Well, the description says "The hat size is not on it, but I believe it is a size 7 1/2." Which would be way large for me. But, frankly, I don't really trust the description. I mean, he also said: "It is lightly used and still in good condition." Ha! (Lightly battered, if not fried...)

So, James, if it turns out to be too big for my melon, maybe I'll trade it to you for something.

hahahhaha! You do have to be careful that is for sure. It will probably fit you better--I would be willing to bet.

Regards,

J

 

[jamespowers]

Wear it as is and you may get some lunch money. lol

I like hats with character, I must admit.

Hey! Now there is an idea. I could wear it to Frisco and eat for free. lol

Regards,

J

 

[Visigoth]

Yeah, I may well decide to wear it nicely crumpled. I have this issue with straw hats, and maybe that would get me around it: down here, in Gringolandia (my Mexican town has, perhaps, the highest percentage of wealthy gringos in the whole country), straw hats are ubiquitous, and not exactly the height of fashion. You see Panamas, for instance, on guys whose style you wouldn't really want to emulate. So maybe this hat will be sufficiently different that I can wear it with pride.

 

[Visigoth]

James, do you have any Champ Milans? How do they compare in quality to Dobbs and Knox?

I got outbid on a happening Dobbs Milan, in mint condition -- the price just rose too high for me: http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Straw-F...ryZ52369QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Hoping this will be a worthy substitute...

 

[jamespowers]

The only Champs i have are felts. Finding a Champ straw in my size is pretty hard. The only real milan I have is a wierdly named Equadorian Panama Hat Company Supernatural Milan. I don't come in contact with many Milans. [huh]

Regards,

J

 

[Tony in Tarzana]

Supernatural? Sounds like something George Kerby would wear. lol

 

[Visigoth]

Funny, that rang a bell -- I *knew* I'd recently come across a Supernatural hat. And lo, here it is:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-30s-PAN...ryZ14065QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Marc Chevalier]

It looks old to me. 1920s or '30s? Older? Not from those eras, but definitely looking like it.

.

 

[jamespowers]

Funny, that rang a bell -- I *knew* I'd recently come across a Supernatural hat. And lo, here it is:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-30s-PAN...ryZ14065QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

interesting. It has the same kind of logo as my Milan.

The difference is the word Milan in place of the genuine Panama. i guess they made straw hats for a while then. Mine has a perforated sweatband and a perforated crown under the pugaree. Well, actually it is woven loosely there more than perforated.

Regards,

J

 

[squid]

interesting. It has the same kind of logo as my Milan.

The difference is the word Milan in place of the genuine Panama. i guess they made straw hats for a while then. Mine has a perforated sweatband and a perforated crown under the pugaree. Well, actually it is woven loosely there more than perforated.

Regards,

J

After looking at scores of hat auctions I've come to believe Milan is a type of weave and not a style. The hat in your picture has the same weave as my Monticristi while the hat at the start of this thread is what I've seen described as Milan. Maybe I'm just imagining things again.

 

[Visigoth]

No, you're right: Milan is a particular loose weave.

 

[jamespowers]

After looking at scores of hat auctions I've come to believe Milan is a type of weave and not a style. The hat in your picture has the same weave as my Monticristi while the hat at the start of this thread is what I've seen described as Milan. Maybe I'm just imagining things again.

You are right. I was just showing the logo for comparison not the weave.
Sorry for the confusion. A Milan is a different type of weave entirely.

Regards,

J

 

[Hemingway Jones]

interesting. It has the same kind of logo as my Milan.

The difference is the word Milan in place of the genuine Panama. i guess they made straw hats for a while then. Mine has a perforated sweatband and a perforated crown under the pugaree. Well, actually it is woven loosely there more than perforated.

Regards,

J

That hat was made a few minutes from my house! Copley Plaza Haberdashery; I wish it were still there.

I bought a Dobbs 5th Avenue Milan for $20 in perfect condition, off season. That seams to be the way to go.

 

[jamespowers]

Ok, give us some background on the place. How long was it around and when did it close? That could definitely narrow down a date for mine.

Regards,

J

 

[Hemingway Jones]

Ok, give us some background on the place. How long was it around and when did it close? That could definitely narrow down a date for mine.

Regards,

J

Sorry, no idea. I just know the address! I didn't even know there was a hat shop there. [huh]

 

[jamespowers]

Sorry, no idea. I just know the address! I didn't even know there was a hat shop there. [huh]

Darn, I thought I had a line on the place. Oh well, I am sure someone has the information somewhere.
The other question that comes to mind is---don't you wish you had gotten a chance to see the place before it closed? :eusa_doh:

Regards,

J