What Hat Are You Wearing Today ?

[drmaxtejeda]

All vintage hats should be like that one. What a thing!

Thank you, Stefan!

 

[steur]

G.B. Borsalino FU Lazzaro & C
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Gorgeous hat, Joe.

View attachment 338858 Since, for now, it’s a size 7 1/8 I’m not able to wear it yet, but Definitely will after a small sweatband stretch and hat body re-block. At this point l can say with complete confidence that no harm will come to its beautiful integrity or wonderful condition.
Late 40s/early 50s Imperial Stetson.
The brown color has a much more luxurious, muted hue than the typical brown, don’t know if you can tell in these pics.
The dress weight felt is super smooth and obedient. I’ll leave the diamond crease close to as it arrived.
Got this crazy nice hat for $51 and a rare Demon-Hanover hat box for $33 shipped.
The binding on top is 3/4” and on bottom 5/16” the brim width 2 13/16”
1 1/2” hat band. A serious beauty!
The eBay listing didn’t include any pics of the inside and only said it was an Imperial in the title description.
Took a slight chance(ha!)and bought it anyway. Bad pics, but could tell it was an awesome deal.
Was expecting the hat to show up with a crispy, cracked sweatband, but was surprised by its new condition. Thickest leather I’ve ever seen in a Stetson! Thing might even fit if it had a thin sweat!
Might should’ve waited till I fixed her up before posting, but wanted to share this one with y’all and couldn’t wait.
Included some photos of my late 40s Imperial “Fifteen” summer weight for comparison.
It was a size 7, but made the stretch with absolutely no stretching symptoms.
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Forgive me, but I probably should have posted this in the eBay victories thread. Howbeit, I had said that I’d share my new hats with folks here.

Certainly a winner. I wondered who won that one. I know someone around here who would be interested in that box (no, it's not me).

 

[Randall Renshaw]

Two hat day, since you all likely know that I’m not gadding about in this top hat without a suitable suit. Just got her today. A very early 40s model is my guess since there is a gold edged key hole size tag. 7 1/4, my size, for $20! It’s one of those all grosgrain ones. Don’t have a clue to it’s market value, but it’s not going anywhere for a long time. I suppose every serious collector needs a topper. Only flaw is the sweatband needing to be resewn, which’ll be done right after I post this.

This Collins-Fairbanks is one sweet, rare, high quality fedora. A definite fav. I like it with the brim up most times, but today it’s snapped down.

 

[steur]

View attachment 338932

Knox Twenty with Custom Edge and Comfit

Dark Brown Felt
5 1/2 Crown Open (approx 4 3/4 as shaped)
1 7/8 brown grosgrain ribbon
2 1/2 brim with Custom Edge
130g
Wind Trolley cord with Black Knox Logo Lapel Button

Brent @deadlyhandsome said when I posted this hat was on it’s way...

“I bet this will become a favorite. They just did everything right when they made these hats.”

I agree 100% on both accounts! This Knox Twenty arrived today. It needed a good brushing and a little bit of steam to bring it back to life... but boy did it! Was able to get out most of the “puckering” around the base of the crown and smooth out the ribbon some. A little more steam would probably get it almost perfect. The well finished felt is fairly dense with a luxurious feel to it. A nice full 5 1/2 crown. I love the proportions with the brim at 2 1/2 inches and a nice custom (Cavanagh) edge. The oilskin liner cover is in just about pristine condition. It includes the Comfit sweat cushion system Patent 2632175. I love the little detail of the Knox logo on the wind trolley lapel button. I’d have bet dollars to donuts if I was going to find one of these it would be grey before one in this beautiful brown... but I am sure not complaining.

A big thank you to @DaveProc for the heads up on this one... very much appreciated.

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Knox always seemed to get it right. I find their hats very appealing; grand hats.

1950s Stetson St Regis
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Perfect. Great homburg, Fabio.

View attachment 339022 View attachment 339023 View attachment 339024 View attachment 339025 View attachment 339026 View attachment 339027 Monday was a three hat day. Cool morning in my Greeley Hat Works western homburg,
Dobbs Milan for some errands, and hot enough for the Montecristi ultrafino for a cookout.

Nice parade of hats, Jeff. I'm jealous of that panama though.

Royal Stetson Vita Felt

A beauty, Alan. Love the finishing of the sweatband reed.

 

[steur]

Hairy hump day!
40s Stetson. View attachment 339134 View attachment 339135
50s Knox Twenty. View attachment 339136
And the rest of my melusines
View attachment 339137 View attachment 339138 short hair Stephen L. Stetson
1940 Stetson
50s Borsalino Gorusgu
Early 60s Kevin McAndrew

Magnificent, Randall. A sight to see.

Borsalino “Martora”. The year 1951 and the previous owner’s name is written inside.

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Fantastic, we don't see these enough (mainly because there aren't many around).

Wegener "Em / 7", NOS condition, possibly late 1930s early 1940s. Only 85 grams so a very light weight especially considering the a heavier leather Sweatband.

Beautiful, Steve. Lightweight and unlined; always nice to find those.

 

[WonkyBloke]

Flat cap for today's second covid jab.

 

[steur]

Headed out for daily escapades in a vintage Stetson Beachcomer.

Cheers, Eric -

Fabulous in every way, Eric. It's been too long since we've seen it.

Here is the otter. Pics are a few months old.

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Lontra and Castoro are still high on my list of "wants". Beautiful hat, Bill.

O’Farrell

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Very nice, Bob.

Kickin' it with the kiddos in the backyard this afternoon. Since they're busy in the sandbox and climbing trees I figured I'd check in. A cheap Adam 101 Corral straw serves its purpose well around the grounds:
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Still working on that "Authentic Style" though:
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@TheGuitarFairy, to rip off it's a Stetson + Vanson

@BobHufford, since I got a haircut you're going to need to find a new Kashetsky woodcut

Summer heat returns starting tomorrow, so the straws will be getting more love. I'm especially looking forward to be able to wear my additions for this year, a late 1800s boater and an unofficial Panama courtesy of a trade with the gentleman of Verona, @Daniele Tanto.

Hope all are doing well!

That is a great look, Jonathan!

 

[steur]

View attachment 339384 View attachment 339385 View attachment 339386 View attachment 339387 Greetings All:
Today...welcoming my new neighbors.
Seems my daughter and Willow moved in across the street. They may be sorry!!
Wearing the Super Barbisio Chamois. Forgot how nice this hat is.
Be well
Bowen

How could you forget. As soon as I saw the gills I knew it was a Barbisio. Superb.

 

[steur]

View attachment 339559 Two hat day, since you all likely know that I’m not gadding about in this top hat without a suitable suit. Just got her today. A very early 40s model is my guess since there is a gold edged key hole size tag. 7 1/4, my size, for $20! It’s one of those all grosgrain ones. Don’t have a clue to it’s market value, but it’s not going anywhere for a long time. I suppose every serious collector needs a topper. Only flaw is the sweatband needing to be resewn, which’ll be done right after I post this.
View attachment 339555 View attachment 339556 View attachment 339557
This Collins-Fairbanks is one sweet, rare, high quality fedora. A definite fav. I like it with the brim up most times, but today it’s snapped down. View attachment 339560 View attachment 339558

Wonderful hats, Randall.

 

[mayserwegener]

Beautiful, Steve. Lightweight and unlined; always nice to find those.

Stefan, Thank you! Yes I was very surprised by the felt. Also NOS so considering its possible age definitely a lucky find.

 

[Blare]

Gorgeous hat, Joe.

Knox always seemed to get it right. I find their hats very appealing; grand hats.

thanks on both accounts Stefan

 

[Blare]

View attachment 339559 Two hat day, since you all likely know that I’m not gadding about in this top hat without a suitable suit. Just got her today. A very early 40s model is my guess since there is a gold edged key hole size tag. 7 1/4, my size, for $20! It’s one of those all grosgrain ones. Don’t have a clue to it’s market value, but it’s not going anywhere for a long time. I suppose every serious collector needs a topper. Only flaw is the sweatband needing to be resewn, which’ll be done right after I post this.
View attachment 339555 View attachment 339556 View attachment 339557
This Collins-Fairbanks is one sweet, rare, high quality fedora. A definite fav. I like it with the brim up most times, but today it’s snapped down. View attachment 339560 View attachment 339558

Quite grand both.

 

[Randall Renshaw]

Wonderful hats, Randall.

Thanks, Stefan and Joe! @Blare

 

[alanfgag]

View attachment 339559 Two hat day, since you all likely know that I’m not gadding about in this top hat without a suitable suit. Just got her today. A very early 40s model is my guess since there is a gold edged key hole size tag. 7 1/4, my size, for $20! It’s one of those all grosgrain ones. Don’t have a clue to it’s market value, but it’s not going anywhere for a long time. I suppose every serious collector needs a topper. Only flaw is the sweatband needing to be resewn, which’ll be done right after I post this.

Great Stetson collapsible opera hat... first I've seen marked as a Stetson Special. I think you're right at early 1940s or perhaps late 1930s. Have you tried collapsing the gibus frame? Is the sweatband attached to the liner where they meet? Here's how that works with another Stetson Opera Hat:

 

[alanfgag]

A mint green felt is not the easiest color to wear... unless you go all out 1980s. 8^o

 

[Randall Renshaw]

View attachment 339384 View attachment 339385 View attachment 339386 View attachment 339387 Greetings All:
Today...welcoming my new neighbors.
Seems my daughter and Willow moved in across the street. They may be sorry!!
Wearing the Super Barbisio Chamois. Forgot how nice this hat is.
Be well
Bowen

Super nice, Bowen! Awesome color.

Saw your stove pipe last night. Nice. Now that I’ve got me a formal wear lid maybe us old cats could go uptown top hat scattin’.
I once went to a formal black tie and gown affair in Jacksonville, Fla. to watch Chet Adkins doing a show with the J-ville symphony playing behind him while showcasing Beatle tunes.
A friend and I showed up holding free tickets given to us by a friend who forgot to mention the dress code.
Stuck out like sore thumbs in our western hats, rodeo buckles and boots. We finally left during intermission.

 

[Randall Renshaw]

Great Stetson collapsible opera hat... first I've seen marked as a Stetson Special. I think you're right at early 1940s or perhaps late 1930s. Have you tried collapsing the gibus frame? Is the sweatband attached to the liner where they meet? Here's how that works with another Stetson Opera Hat:

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I guessed it might be a collapsible hat, but didn’t want to try forcing it.
Yes, the sweat is sewn directly to the liner. It has 4 wire supports behind it.
How does it operate? Simply by pushing down from the top?
I know nothing about top hats...or a tux.
Well if YOU have never seen one, then I suppose this one is—Special!

 

[Randall Renshaw]

The only other hat I’ve gifted away, Stetson 15 OR from the 60’s and sold @ Young’s Hats in NY. First hat was a modern OR to a good friend, not worthy of posting.

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About a month overdue for my sisters bday, but she was grateful for an accompanying hat stand too. She’s in Long Beach and I’m in the Valley, so we met half way at Three Weavers in Inglewood, a stone throw away from the famous Randy’s donuts. No donuts yesterday, just libations.

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Awesome gift, Ross!
Ahem, this my birthday month, too, BTW.

Sharp hat, yours, too.

 

[Randall Renshaw]

Gorgeous hat, Joe.


Certainly a winner. I wondered who won that one. I know someone around here who would be interested in that box (no, it's not me).

Hard to keep up with the hats I’ve won or the buy it nows. This Imperial may’ve been a won hat.
I even forgot that I actually have 3 Imperials until last night. Don’t know how in the world you, Alan, Eric, Max and others keep track. I’ve only got around 55 in my collection and another 50 sitting around waiting to be refurbished, or reborn and it drives me crazy trying to wear, maintain and store them.

The Demon hat box will likely sit around awhile waiting for a proper miracle hat to fill it.
Hey, it could happen. Never thought I’d own a mint Vita-felt, either.

 

[alanfgag]

I guessed it might be a collapsible hat, but didn’t want to try forcing it.
Yes, the sweat is sewn directly to the liner. It has 4 wire supports behind it.
How does it operate? Simply by pushing down from the top?
I know nothing about top hats...or a tux.
Well if YOU have never seen one, then I suppose this one is—Special!

Yes, lay it brim down on a table and press down from the top of the crown. It is spring loaded but should collapse with not too much pressure. The catch to hold it in the collapsed position engages as it reaches the end of its travel. It should pop open with a rap on your thigh. Never owned one that didn’t operate well, but obviously take it slow and easy.