The BORSALINO BROTHERHOOD

[Dreispitz]

Thanks I am beginning to get the picture I wear the Como when I perform I have had it for 6 or so years. The Silk Finnish Diamante I have also had for several years wear occasionally. Both have held up fine. I think I deserve a vintage. You know, just to compare lol

In the beginning I found it fuss about new vs. vintage Borsos a somehow mannerist kind of thing. After I recently bought a vintage one, I have a clear position.

The new ones still come in nice shapes, but the felt, leather and quality of overall craftsmanship in not the same. The old ones do have a unique tactile quality and some kind of elegant tension to it.

 

[jamespowers]

The new ones still come in nice shapes, but the felt, leather and quality of overall craftsmanship in not the same. The old ones do have a unique tactile quality and some kind of elegant tension to it.

Ah, another of the converted. Welcome to the fold.
They just don't make them like they used to---especially after the original family sold out to a frachise hungry, accountant rich, bean counter company not interested in anything but capitalizing on the name and getting every dime out of it without any attention to quality. :rage: :eusa_doh:

 

[Dreispitz]

Ah, another of the converted. Welcome to the fold.
They just don't make them like they used to---especially after the original family sold out to a frachise hungry, accountant rich, bean counter company not interested in anything but capitalizing on the name and getting every dime out of it without any attention to quality. :rage: :eusa_doh:

Converted is right! I bought my first Borsalino in a hatshop in Verona, Italy, in 1986. That was a fine little hat and it survived every torture testing by my class mates

I was too small a few years later and I replaced it by an excellent Herbert Johnson. For about twenty years, I did nor buy a new fedora. Last year I came across some Borsalino hats in an outlet shop. Since they were only 50 EURO the piece, I toock three. Good deal, i thought, since they are usually 275 EUROS. Hm, caveat emptor!

However, wearing feeling did not match my old one and I checked Borsalinos on the web, found an occasion to get hold of two vintage ones and .... bang! Those were hats!

So, there we are.

I also went to a hat shop and had a discussion with the staff. They confirmed the diference in quality.

Well, many hats, today, are sold by apearence not by quality. That is also trure for other traditional brands, I regret.

By the way, I have not oficially applied for membership in this brotherhood. May I hubly ask for somebody´s inauguration.

 

[carouselvic]

Those vintage Borsalino hats are just junk, especially the 7 3/8 size. I would sure discourage anyone from buying one. (remember 50% of what I say on the Lounge is being typed with tongue firmly planted in cheek)

 

[gtdean48]

...By the way, I have not oficially applied for membership in this brotherhood. May I hubly ask for somebody´s inauguration.

Post the photo evidence for all to see & you're in...

 

[jamespowers]

Converted is right! I bought my first Borsalino in a hatshop in Verona, Italy, in 1986. That was a fine little hat and it survived every torture testing by my class mates

I was too small a few years later and I replaced it by an excellent Herbert Johnson. For about twenty years, I did nor buy a new fedora. Last year I came across some Borsalino hats in an outlet shop. Since they were only 50 EURO the piece, I toock three. Good deal, i thought, since they are usually 275 EUROS. Hm, caveat emptor!

However, wearing feeling did not match my old one and I checked Borsalinos on the web, found an occasion to get hold of two vintage ones and .... bang! Those were hats!

So, there we are.

I also went to a hat shop and had a discussion with the staff. They confirmed the diference in quality.

Well, many hats, today, are sold by apearence not by quality. That is also trure for other traditional brands, I regret.

By the way, I have not oficially applied for membership in this brotherhood. May I hubly ask for somebody´s inauguration.

That 1986 hat you bought was just under the wire of when the quality started to go down. It was about that time that the original family was bought out. Quality had been slipping slightly before that but it was not slipping like it did after. :eusa_doh:
Soon Borsalinos name was on umbrellas, cologne, gloves, licensed to Toyo in Japan and a dozen other indignities to the name and their hats.
You are right. Borsalinos are now sold just by name. Quality that was Borsalino no longer exists.
Oh, and I will sponsor your membership here. You have learned enough the hard way.

 

[jamespowers]

Those vintage Borsalino hats are just junk, especially the 7 3/8 size. I would sure discourage anyone from buying one. (remember 50% of what I say on the Lounge is being typed with tongue firmly planted in cheek)

Yes and they should send all the 7 5/8 Borsalinos to me.

 

[Topdog]

Allright guys, I'm looking for a sponsor for entry into this elite club.

My credentials are below;

the Tan Allesandria bashed up much nicer than this ebay picture. I'll have to take a better one with it on my head.

<a href="http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/mflugel/?action=view&current=TanBorso1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/mflugel/TanBorso1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/mflugel/?action=view&current=tanBorso2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/mflugel/tanBorso2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>


I also just won this baby tonight on ebay. I'm not sure of the model name but based on the liner and sweatband along with the Punti sizing, I think its pretty old. I think I'm gonna like the green felt.

<a href="http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/mflugel/?action=view&current=GreenBorso1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/mflugel/GreenBorso1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/mflugel/?action=view&current=greenborso2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/mflugel/greenborso2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/mflugel/?action=view&current=greenborso3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i125.photobucket.com/albums/p54/mflugel/greenborso3.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

So.... do i get as a foot soldier in the Capo Regime?

 

[Dreispitz]

Post the photo evidence for all to see & you're in...

Here, it is! Borsalino, Qualita Extra Superiore.

<center>
<a href="http://s713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/dreispitz/?action=view&current=Borsalino1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/dreispitz/th_Borsalino1.jpg" border="0" alt="Borsalino1" ></a>
</center>

<center>
<a href="http://s713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/dreispitz/?action=view&current=Borsalino2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i713.photobucket.com/albums/ww136/dreispitz/th_Borsalino2.jpg" border="0" alt="Borsalino2" ></a>
</center>

 

[gtdean48]

Welcome to 2 new brothers to the BB!:eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[billyspew]

Application...

Here's my first Borsalino...

Liner

Tag under the sweat

And on

 

[gtdean48]

Wow, it's like a membership drive for the Brotherhood! Welcome Billy.

 

[ga3ry]

Could someone give me details of deanglen's straw on the first page of this thread? Vintage? New? Name? Style? I want one!

Thanks,

gary

 

[jimmy the lid]

New arrival...

Just received this Borsalino Alessandria, recently fished from the 'Bay...

The color is a beautiful shade of light gray, and the hat is in absolutely pristine condition. Not only is the felt on this one extremely lightweight -- it is also incredibly soft and smooth. Just luxurious...

Cheers,
JtL

 

[gtdean48]

Awesome Jimmy! Great crease as usual...
Oh yea, Brim size?
:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[RBH]

I like it!
The Borsalinos are fantastic hats!

 

[jimmy the lid]

Thanks, guys. What really surprised me about this lid was the incredible softness of the felt -- even compared to my other Borsalinos.

gtd -- the brim on this one is a tad over 2 1/2".


Cheers,
JtL

 

[Boxerken]

Jimmy, very nice. I love the color and of course your crease.

 

[BobC]

Just received this Borsalino Alessandria, recently fished from the 'Bay...

The color is a beautiful shade of light gray, and the hat is in absolutely pristine condition. Not only is the felt on this one extremely lightweight -- it is also incredibly soft and smooth. Just luxurious..

Cheers,
JtL

Another outstanding example of why you are the Chief of the Crease Police. Masterful, Mr. Jim. That Borso is another beauty for your stable. Congratulations!

I'm amazed at how you bay fishermen are able to hook these trophies. I must not be finding the good fishing holes.

 

[gtdean48]

-- the brim on this one is a tad over 2 1/2".
Cheers,
JtL

I thought it was about a 2 5/8 when I saw the shots in the other threads on you. Didn't think it was 2 3/4 tho...again = very nice.