Huge Borsalino on eBay, advice needed.

[frussell]

Hey Borsalino experts, there's a "vintage" Alessandria in a size 8 on eBay right now. I've owned one or two, but I'm not great at telling how old one is by the liner or sweat. The BIN is $250, but I don't know if it's worth the dough. I do know the seller is not accepting any offers under $190, even though the "make an offer" option is available. Take a look and let me know what you think. 250909635742 is the item #.
My apologies, but I'm a caveman when it comes to posting links to live auctions. Thanks, Frank

 

[Dinerman]

I wonder if it's a 7-3/4 (punti 8) or a US 8.

 

[carouselvic]

I have never seen a Alessandria with a three-cord ribbon.

 

[Terry "The Hat"]

That is a beautiful hat and the exact style I'd want to by in a Borsalino. I'd send a question to make sure that it's punti or US.

 

[alanfgag]

I have an Alessandria with a reeded sweat like this one. It is most likely 1970s vintage, but the felt and construction are excellent, giving away little to older hats in my opinion.

This one is a little different in the ribbon, but I would think the time period is 70s - 80s. It's very easy for me to spend your money, but I think in your size, if you can get it at $190 it would be a fair deal. You might query the seller on Dinerman's question to be sure.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

It looks like a Borsalino made for the U.S. market. If so, then the labeled "8" would indicate that it's a U.S. size 8.


Borsalinos were great up until the early 1980s, when they moved the factory and lowered the quality a bit.

 

[DJH]

Frank, if it fits that's a great hat.
I'd pay that amount for a similar hat in my size.

 

[randooch]

Damn, that thing's in mint condition. I'll throw 5 bucks into the "Frank Needs This Hat" fund. Twelve more such minor philanthropic gestures, and it'll be down to that 190!

 

[frussell]

Seller replied that she measured it out at 22 1/4". That does not sound much like an 8 to me. Thanks for the advice gentlemen, maybe someone else can grab it that actually wears that size. Frank

 

[Marc Chevalier]

That does not sound much like an 8 to me.

Nope. Sounds more like a "5" punti. The seller's weak eyes somehow closed the 5's loops, and it magically became an "8".

 

[frussell]

You may be right Marc. Seems like a nice lady. Bit high on the price for a smaller hat. I would've paid her asking price of $250 if it had been an actual U.S. "8." Thanks guys. Frank

 

[randooch]

You may be right Marc. Seems like a nice lady. Bit high on the price for a smaller hat. I would've paid her asking price of $250 if it had been an actual U.S. "8." Thanks guys. Frank

I wonder if Borsalino ever even made an 8 U.S . . .

 

[Marc Chevalier]

I wonder if Borsalino ever even made an 8 U.S . . .

They might have. I've got a Borsalino fedora from around 1980; made for the U.S. market, it's a size 7 7/8. Looks exactly like the white one that Al Capone wore in his famous mug shot.

 

[carldelo]

Hey Frank - did you see this one? I think it's in your size:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?59053-7-7-8-HUGE-Resistol-3x-Kitten-Finish