Borsalino Martora

[Dinerman]

This ended while I was at my piano lesson, but I stuck a bid in before I left, and ended up winning it for 12 bucks shipped. Of the three from this seller, all of which I bid on, this was my least favorite, but it was the only one that didn't get bid up. Kind of bizarre style, I guess we'll see once it gets here.

According to the net, a Martora is a pine marten. This should be some interesting felt.

 

[bolthead]

I seen all 3 of them DM, something tod me you were gonna grab at least 1 of them.....

 

[Dinerman]

Well- it's not often '20s or '30s borsalinos come up on the market, and that Peschel was gorgeous.

Also says on the net that pine martin fur is some of the finest around. This could be good. Can't make out the brim treatment.

 

[J.T.Marcus]

Dinerman, Now there's something you don't see everyday. If I'm not mistaken, that style was popular with priests. If you decide not to keep it, you might have some interest, here. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[Dinerman]

We'll see, but I have a distinct feeling this one's going to be a keeper.

Doing a little more digging, the pine marten is related/ also known as? the American Sable, which is used in some new cowboy hats, like the Bailey 200x Black Russian

 

[bolthead]

Dinerman, Now there's something you don't see everyday. If I'm not mistaken, that style was popular with priests. If you decide not to keep it, you might have some interest, here. :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

My 1st thought was Father Guido Sarduchi (SNL)

 

[funneman]

My 1st thought was Father Guido Sarduchi (SNL)

Funny, I was thinking "The Godfather." That's an awesome hat.

A great addition to what appears to be an incredible collection.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

It looks to have extremely "odd" dimensions.

Looks like a nice hat, though.

bk

 

[J.B.]

Wow! It's Heavenly!

Definitely looks like a "civilian-style" rendering of the Saturno -- a cleric fave named for that planet's rings appearance... (It seems to be big in red?!) [angel]

BTW, the Saturno was the evolution of an even earlier brimless number known as the Camauro...

...But I would bet that despite its somewhat esoteric appearance -- when you get it, this hat will most likely be one of the most beautiful examples of felting ever to grace this forum! JMHO. Congratulations, Dinerman!!!

 

[hatflick1]

Check out a website called, I believe: Dirtybilly's. They are located in Gettsyburg and make Civil War reenactment uniforms and civilian clothes from the period. Your hat looks rather like what's called a Beehive. Apparently, it was quite popular in the day.

 

[scotrace]

Girl's hat?

 

[Baron Kurtz]

You could be right, Scott.

Pine Martens, by the way, are beautiful animals to watch. Very playful like other weasels/otters/etc, and vicious when after prey.

bk

 

[Dinerman]

The others were shown open crowned. This could just be a low crowned fedora.

 

[DanielJones]

It does look sot of like a Parsons hat. Should be interesting, please post some pics when you get it.

Cheers!

Dan

 

[J.T.Marcus]

I think I know three Loungers who would bid on it!

 

[Dinerman]

It came today. And it's... interesting.

Scotrace- you're half right about it.

It started out as a mens hat. Nice tall crown, the works.

At some point, someone must have taken it to their local hat shop (I say this because the work is very nicely done) and had it converted to a womens hat. They cut the crown and moved the top bit down inside the brim bit, lowering the crown a good inch and a half. They cut the liner (with the zigzag shears they use to cut pants when you get them hemmed) to make it lower so that it conformed to the new lower crown. Sewed the whole thing all the way around. Then, they took the original ribbon and turned it around so it's on the ladies side.
All this brought the size down from a size 6 (7-3/8) to about a 7-1/8.

I may try to pick the stitches out, backpatch the seam, and put the ribbon back on the right way. I figure I have so little invested in it, and it's unwearable as is, I might as well give it a shot to make it something I could wear, even if just as a very nice knockabout hat.

 

[DanielJones]

Well Dman, All you can do is try. Would love to see the pics of your results. Sounds like a small adventure. Hope it works out the way you want it.

Cheers!

Dan

 

[Dinerman]

Yeah- this could go down under the conversions thread.

 

[AlanC]

...with the zigzag shears they use to cut pants when you get them hemmed...

pinking shears.

 

[Dinerman]

I got the stitching out. I now have a beautiful borsalino visor and skullcap. It looks like they cut away a big strip of felt, because the two halves don't line up anywhere, and the crown's still pretty low.