bolthead
My Mail is Forwarded Here
- Messages
- 3,905
- Location
- Pennsylvania, United States
This beauty was on my watch list.....Lefty said:
Although a steal for that price, it was a little out of my budget at this time.
This beauty was on my watch list.....Lefty said:
BobC said:did anyone snag this Borso? I was in on it, but not enough in.
http://www.geocities.com/spw1965/pic14110.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/spw1965/pic14115.jpg
http://www.geocities.com/spw1965/pic14111.jpg
Bob Smalser said:Dobbs 20. Probably excellent. $11.93
Tango Yankee said:Probably is, Bob.
Listed in category: Clothing, Shoes & Accessories > Men's Accessories > Hats > Top Hat
Bob Smalser said:And another seller playing a fine game of Let's Hide the Hat from Bidders.
Listed in category: Clothing, Shoes & Accessories > Men's Accessories > Hats > Top Hat
Baron Kurtz said:What's the word on the crown discolouration on that Whippet?
bk
Bob Smalser said:Dobbs 20. Probably excellent. $11.93
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=220394480546
ScottF said:Yes, I won it. It's my first dark non-brown hat, so I'm looking forward to it.
Bob, I also think that short-brim hat looks great on you. I was already thinking of sending a couple of hats to Optimo, but now it's a certainty.
BobC said:Congrats, Scott. I was a little concerned about the lining, but it sure looks like a nice, old Borso. I have yet to add a Borso to my hat clan, and I'm hesitant to buy a new one. Let us know what you think when you have it in hand.
I was hesitant to send the Stetson to Optimo because I knew they would have to replace the sweat, lining and ribbon which destroys then authenticity of the hat in my mind, but there really wasn't another option in this case. At least the felt is the same and still has a thick, soft vintage feel. I'm a bit annoyed that they didn't return the original parts along with the refurbed hat, but I didn't specifically ask them to. I also detected what I thought was a bit of snobbery when I spoke with them.
ScottF said:Thanks Bob, another lounger recommended including a note to Optimo to call first to discuss details of work, and also to save parts. I'm sending two to them 'soon' and have no doubt the results will be great. I appreciate all the information here about their work.
Regarding Borso's, I don't have many hats, but the old Borsalinos are my favorites because they are amazingly soft and just feel great and have fabulous lines. As floppy as they are, after steaming and creasing you would never know it. My understanding is that the ones made since the factory move (in the '70s or '80s?) are not as good, but a friend has one of their top of line new hats, and it sure is beautiful.
I also had questions about the interior of this one, but another lounger has a 'Mascotte' that has the exact same interior, including sweat and liner, right down to the taped sweatband and perforations, which makes me think those perforations were done at the factory, not at the hat shops. I think it is a circa 1950 hat, based on his comments.
I was watching that one. But when they say "Never Worn"Lefty said:
Bob Smalser said:And another seller playing a fine game of Let's Hide the Hat from Bidders.
Listed in category: Clothing, Shoes & Accessories > Men's Accessories > Hats > Top Hat.
feltfan said:I was watching that one. But when they say "Never Worn"
and you can see the sweatband is all but shot and there are
indentations in the crown... I run away. Probably a great hat,
but I am more risk averse these days.
jimmy the lid said:This was exactly my reaction, as well.
Cheers,
JtL