OTHER THAN eBAY Hats: Victories, Defeats, Gripes & Items of Interest

[randooch]

Here's a link to the auction. Anyone corroborate the size discrepancy?

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=8666952

 

[alanfgag]

Here's a link to the auction. Anyone corroborate the size discrepancy?

http://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=8666952

With a little forensic work in Photoshop, it does appear to show 7 3/8 on the tag.

 

[randooch]

You're such the tech whiz, Alan. Thanks!

 

[HatsEnough]

I agree. In photoshop, if you pull down the contrast, it def. looks like 7-3/8.

 

[randooch]

Someone else noticed, too, apparently, as the price tripled in the last 6 or 8 seconds. I'm hoping it fits me. Love that style.

 

[randooch]

I won this Dobbs shantung for a song. Thought I'd join the list of you folks who have tried to reshape these hats. Also, I'm hoping it has snugged up a bit; a 7 5/8 might be too loose on me.

 

[randooch]

I agree. In photoshop, if you pull down the contrast, it def. looks like 7-3/8.

Rats! Turns out it's a 7 1/8 after all. I'll toss it into the bay as soon as I either get rid of the green stain or give up trying.

 

[Cashmere]

Non-eBay Hunting Grounds

Hi Guys,

Has anyone had decent luck finding decent hats at Goodwill, estate sales, etc.? Are there any good hat hunting grounds other than eBay and retail?

And... anyone got any good stories to tell, like scoring a Borsalino for $5 from some kid who thought it looked old and dorky?

 

[Michaelshane]

I did buy a vintage unworn Borsalino for five bucks,at a yard sale.

It was in this box.....

 

[DJH]

Wow - can't beat that. That's a beautiful Borsalino!!

 

[Cicero]

Wow, what a lucky find. :eusa_clap
Congrats.

 

[Joshbru3]

I did buy a vintage unworn Borsalino for five bucks,at a yard sale.

It was in this box.....

WOW, Michaelshane. Thats an amazing find at any price, but especially 5 bucks!! :eusa_clap:eusa_clap

 

[hatophile]

Unbelievable!

 

[Chepstow]

I did buy a vintage unworn Borsalino for five bucks,at a yard sale.

It was in this box.....

you must be a lucky man to find this Borsalino
this is how 6 right numbers in German Lotterie
beautyfull Hat congratulation

 

[bowlerman]

That's remarkable!

I find some sweet deals every so often, but lately it takes travelling to the smaller towns' antique stores. People in town are "wising up," that is to say many of them literally look to Ebay when I ask them what they want for this or that untagged hat, etc.

Recently I found two mint hats in a small neighboring town (proudly posted previously) for $20 each: the silver belly Resistol "wide country" and a silver belly OR royal deluxe. It's not five bucks, but still more my speed.

On the other hand, this week I saw a beat up old derby with a sweatband barely hanging on for $50 next to a stained and crumpled heathered Borsalino stingy for $65. Sorry-- that's way overpriced for me to have to send it somewhere and get repaired, etc.

A different shopowner keeps quoting me higher and higher prices for a derby and top hat that he calls "perfect condition" where the top hat has holes, dents, creases, and a disintegrated sweatband that he assures me "can be easily steamed out by our local western retailer..." The derby's binding is majorly fraying and the sweatband is also tearing. To his credit, the derby felt is rather nice.
Still, he won't take less than $75 for it, but offered both for $100. Frankly, that's still out of my league for a rescue mission.
I've gone back to his store every so often for about 2 years, just to see how high the price quotes climb-- it's just a game for me now!

 

[Joshbru3]

I bought this great lot of Vintage Grosgrain ribbon. It appears to be from the 40's or 50's. Whats nice is that I believe its the "good" ribbon with the correct make up of cotton and "natural fiber" rayon. The ribbon doesn't appear to have that shinny synthetic appearence, so it should mold and act like ribbon that was used in the 20's/30's. Thats some great stuff.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/84454954/vintage-lot-50s-grosgrain-ribbon

 

[rrd]

Bought this off etsy. Based on my research looks to be from the 50s but could be wrong. Figured it was a good starter hat.

http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.275291015.jpg

 

[SteveAS]

Bought this off etsy. Based on my research looks to be from the 50s but could be wrong. Figured it was a good starter hat.

http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_fullxfull.275291015.jpg

From its proportions (short crown and brim), I'd guess it's from the 60s. It's hard to be sure from just the one picture (and without seeing the inside), but it looks like a well-made hat with nice felt. Congratulations!

 

[rrd]

Sorry about that. Here are some more pictures. http://www.etsy.com/transaction/67885413

I believe you may be right. It appears that the sweatband is black fabric and not leather. I thought 50s because it is hard to tell if there is plastic over the lining.

 

[SteveAS]

Biltmores are good hats. It's hard to tell in the photos, but I'd bet the sweat is leather, rather than fabric.