Ebay Hats: Victories, Defeats, Gripes & Items of Interest

[Mobile Vulgus]

I just saw an ebay auction for a Stetson Straw. The description said that it was "straw like." Straw like? It is either straw or it isn't (and it is a straw). LOL

 

[Lefty]

Well, which do you want, precise descriptions that you find inaccurate, or vague descriptions that make no promises? I saw that Stetson yesterday and, if I'm remembering it correctly, it's a milan - and may or may not be real milan (paper,palm,etc.) To me, straw-like is more accurate than not.

edit: Just looking at it again, it's a new one, which makes it paper and plastic, which almost no seller could ever know.

 

[Lefty]

great, old, black 6 7/8 Stetson doesn't hit the reserve

 

[BanjoMerlin]

I just saw an ebay auction for a Stetson Straw. The description said that it was "straw like." Straw like? It is either straw or it isn't (and it is a straw). LOL

"Real" Panama hats aren't straw. "Shantung" isn't straw. A whole lot of hats marked "Milan" aren't straw.

"Straw like" is probably safer and possibly more accurate.

 

[RBH]

And at size 6 7\8 no wonder.

 

[RBH]

"Real" Panama hats aren't straw. "Shantung" isn't straw. A whole lot of hats marked "Milan" aren't straw.

"Straw like" is probably safer and possibly more accurate.

you and Lefty are right, much more accurate.

 

[Rodkins]

I thought this was a cool grab Hat Block and Mold

 

[Brad Bowers]

I thought this was a cool grab Hat Block and Mold

That's a great price on a 7 1/2 block, even if you don't include the flange stand. You'll have to drill out the remains of the old dowels on the stand and replace them, but it's still a bargain. Great catch!

Brad

 

[Rodkins]

That's a great price on a 7 1/2 block, even if you don't include the flange stand. You'll have to drill out the remains of the old dowels on the stand and replace them, but it's still a bargain. Great catch!

Brad

Thanks. I can't wait to check it out!

 

[Ephraim Tutt]

Stratoliner goes cheap

Any idea why I was able to pick this one up so cheap? Even at 6 7/8 it's a steal.
Can't quite make out how old it is - Is that the 50's logo?

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220684943585&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[carouselvic]

1940's...It should have a date stamp on the backside of the sweat.

 

[Ephraim Tutt]

1940's...It should have a date stamp on the backside of the sweat.

Thanks CV - you must have better eyes than me. A 1940's Stratoliner for $23.71 + postage ($39.56 all up in Aussie $$ incl postage) was quite a bargain then. Sweet.

 

[Mobile Vulgus]

OK, call me an addict. Even tho I lost my job I am still buying hats on ebay! It was pretty cheap, though.

I just "won" this one tonight… Blue Black Vintage Stetson Hat

 

[hatophile]

Very nice hats MV and Ephraim. Sorry you lost your job, MV.

Ephraim, I saw that Strat, but I already have one in similar color, dark grey/charcoal. Although the contrasting piping is cool. Enjoy the hat!

 

[mayserwegener]

Some of my best hats started as bad pictures and descriptions. Some of my worst deals
from clear, if inadequate, pictures and listings. I second that the lister in the overwhelming
majority of hat auctions has no idea what he or she has and must be lead by questions.
Heck, most vintage dealers I have talked to don't know anything useful about hats.
Happily there are plenty of eBay sellers who are willing to accept their mistake and refund your money.

For me, the key to success in online auctions is to win more than you lose. There will be debacles,
there will be amazing finds, and there will be times when you break even. Some people are jerks.
In those cases, I try to focus on how well I have done in other deals...

Also remember that you learn from your mistakes and you can learn from the mistakes
and problems posted here.

Very sage advice!

 

[barrowjh]

MV, the seller's presentation revealed it as modern instead of vintage, and the bound brim (instead of cav edge) is a negative. If that hat had sported the older roan leather sweatband and other vintage markings there would have been a lot more interest in it.

OK, call me an addict. Even tho I lost my job I am still buying hats on ebay! It was pretty cheap, though.

I just "won" this one tonight… Blue Black Vintage Stetson Hat

 

[danofarlington]

OK, call me an addict. Even tho I lost my job I am still buying hats on ebay! It was pretty cheap, though.

I just "won" this one tonight… Blue Black Vintage Stetson Hat

Fantastic. Let me know if you ever want to sell it.

 

[Mobile Vulgus]

MV, the seller's presentation revealed it as modern instead of vintage, and the bound brim (instead of cav edge) is a negative. If that hat had sported the older roan leather sweatband and other vintage markings there would have been a lot more interest in it.

Agreed. It for SURE isn't "vintage." As to the bound edge, I am actually a fan of bound edge hats. I like welted edges, too, but not a big fan of raw edge fedoras (tho I have a few).

 

[Mobile Vulgus]

Fantastic. Let me know if you ever want to sell it.

Well, I gotta wait until I actually get it in my hands to say for sure.

 

[Lefty]

NOT MINE

size is a question but, if it fits, someone got a great deal on this unlined Stetson Bantam