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Ah thank you, I tried to get there myself and I keep getting an error. It looks like it will be going up on ebay later now anyway since the only guy I know who would wear it is my uncle, and he's doesn't want it because he said he's happy with the 2nd hat I bought that day for it's box, an Adam Hat Fedora of the same era, another thing they tossed in the "nobody wants this garbage lot". I had no idea that estate agency and I were in such a fierce race to see who knew less about what they were doing that day.
II I call this a "1930s Stetson Fedora 7 1/8 Optimo Panama Hat" that's accurate right? And I apologize I'm not asking for anyone here to do my work, now that I know a bit more I feel should make sure I don't insult anyone by trying to sell it as a mediocre sedan with a really nice Hat Box restoration project.
It’s hard to accurately assess the condition just through photos. Is the leather sweatband soft and reasonably supple? Are any of the straw fibers broken or creased/bent?
The actual definition of a fedora is a soft felted hat so all straw hats are precluded, but I think you should keep “fedora” in the description. As to the age, I usually just say “vintage” if I’m not sure, but on something like this I would probably say “my best guess is 1930s or 1940s.” For the title you would be safe saying vintage or very old.
The vintage Panama hat market is hard to understand. They originally sold (typically) for a lot less than their felt contemporaries. They also get damaged easier and fewer of them have survived. Size also makes a huge difference on value with the smaller sizes typically selling for a lot less. At 7 1/8 you’re in the middle: not the big money sizes but not the very small sizes either. The market will tell you what it’s worth and if it doesn’t sell after a couple weeks you can lower the price.
Good luck!