Fs: Vintage g r dunn & co ltd london black bowler hat in herbert johnson bond st box

[fatsgt]

So I bought this hat on e-bay from England, paid $38 for shipping and waited almost a month for it to make through customs and to my house. Alas, it's too small. Love the hat and it's in excellent shape, it was listed as "Large" but the tag inside says "7" and I believe thats the UK size. I can submit more photos if needed. I'm far from a hat expert but would have thought it was brand new if I didn't know the history.


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321321244818?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

I'm just looking to recoup my costs so I can buy another similar hat of larger size, $150.

Found it interesting that this hat belonged to an gentleman that served in the Queen's regiment during the 60's and 70's.

 

[Picard1138]

Beautiful, same thing happened to me recently. Seller said it was a 7 1/2, took 3 weeks to arrive, alas a 7 1/8, but in perfect condition. I gave it to one of my groomsmen.

-Max

 

[fatsgt]

I was thinking I may be able to steam and stretch it a bit but it seems pretty rigid with a hard top so I think i'm stuck. Sad, it's exactly what I was looking for.

 

[LoveMyHats2]

That is one beautiful hat and in such fantastic condition! I am not sure if you could stretch it but if you ask some of the more experienced loungers they should be able to inform you of what is possible? A hat jack may do something with the steam, I would be very careful however, and I think the condition of the leather sweatband comes into a concern. If it is not really dry, maybe the steam and hat jack can give you some extra size, But if you do that with the hat, the sides of the brim are going to go wonky and curl/curve upward, which then you will have to iron the brim flat and reshape it. I know this as I just had to do it for one of my Husband's new hats, had to make the hat a bit more long oval.

 

[fatsgt]

Thanks for the input. I don't think I'll risk it.