what is it so hard to find vintage in 7 1/2 ?

[tropicalbob]

I often wonder if it's an ethnic thing: if you look at the Irish hatmakers (Hannah, Jonathan Richard, etc.), they all carry sizes up to or over an 8. Having a size 7 7/8 myself, I noticed many of my brothers and sisters of the larger dimensions when I was living there. Considering myself and some of my friends, the "greater brain capacity" theory might come into serious trouble.

 

[moontheloon]

I think if you're not willing to shell out $200-500 for the more sought after size 7 1/2 vintage hats you'd best get used to disappointment. You can certainly get lucky once in a while, it's happened to me a few times but it's getting more rare all the time. There is just a lot of competition for these right now.
If you develop a taste for the stingy brim hats of the late 50's and 60's there are many more bargains to be found. If you're looking for 40's Stratoliners, Whippets and Playboys you'll probably have to pay the piper or buy hats in very distressed shape and get skilled at rehabing them.

I have no problem spending the money on say something like a nice piece from timothiescloset if it seems fairly priced to me.... to me being the key words... I can only speak for myself obviously
.... and dropping $500-$700 on a hat just because it is sought after and desired by collectors is silly to me.... I say that because I know guys who do this.... they buy these hats to show other collectors that they have them and never wear them.... thats not my style

I spend upwards of $300 and $400 on brand new hats so absolutely I am prepared to drop that on a gem from the 1940s.... but you best believe I wearing that sucker

 

[tommyK]

Me too, my friend. I don't own a hat I don't wear rain or shine.
I bought a hat from timethiescloset once when he had a 50% off sale.

Got this Stetson Twenty from him a while back. At $400 I wasn't buying it. At $200 I was in.
Be ready to act fast!

 

[moontheloon]

Me too, my friend. I don't own a hat I don't wear rain or shine.
I bought a hat from timethiescloset once when he had a 50% off sale.
View attachment 28607
Got this Stetson Twenty from him a while back. At $400 I wasn't buying it. At $200 I was in.
Be ready to act fast!

damn that sucker's nice

for two bills you stole it

awesome