Lincoln Bennett Homburg approx 7 1/8 or 7 1/4 US

[Baron Kurtz]

There's a late 20s or early 30s Lincoln Bennett homburg in Cancer Research UK shop at the top of Walthamstow High Street, London E17.

Fits like a 7 1/8, small 7 1/4 (US sizes). Price was £50 so I didn't pick it up. Sweatband was a bit detached at the front. Lovely old liner and deep, very light brown calfskin sweatband.

It should be there for a few days at that price should someone want to go pick it up.

bk

 

[Two Types]

How come I never spot anything that old in charity shops? (And believe me, it isn't for want of looking).

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Walthamstow's quite unpicked, and one of the last bastions of the poor inner Londoner. I find quite a lot out here.

bk

 

[Two Types]

You are not supposed to say that sort of thing. You might find poachers on your patch!

I had always expected that Reigate, being a relatively affluent place, might be good for suits. But nothing ever turns up when I check. However, Redhill (just down the road and with much less money) is a better hunting ground. The Salvation Amy shop has always got a few good ties and cravats.
Bromley and Beckenham are the worst of all. Nothing, absolutely zero, ever turns up. The nearest i came to being tempted was a modern three piece suit in lightweight scarlet wool. it was awful. But i was tempted to buy it just to sell onto someone who wanted a laugh (it was only £9 after all).

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Chingford - another enclave of traditional London - is equally good, and unpicked. I find Stoke Newington to be quite productive also. Maybe all the Jewish families hold on to grandad's things?

bk

 

[Baron Kurtz]

In other words: lots of black Borsalinos in Stokey.

 

[Ben Stephens]

I find Aldershot/North Camp quite good. Lots of Army officers with large houses around there. A few goodies have come from the local charity shops

 

[Two Types]

Army officers' old clothes? So you buy all the good ones, leaving 'Hogspear' to pick up the ones that have been moth eaten?

 

[Ben Stephens]

I can't comment;-)