The BORSALINO BROTHERHOOD

[deadlyhandsome]

Marque Grand Luxe XXXXX in punti size 4 1/2 or US size 7. The open crown and raw edge measure approximately 5 1/4 and 1 3/4 inches respectively. The hand is just incredible as I knew it would be. Unfortunately, there is also some light moth damage. It can probably all be pounced out. The darker photos are more accurate to the true colors.

Send me a PM if you’re interested, it’s never going to fit me.

 

[Blare]

View attachment 299902 View attachment 299903 View attachment 299904 View attachment 299905 View attachment 299906 View attachment 299907 View attachment 299908 View attachment 299909 View attachment 299910 View attachment 299911 Marque Grand Luxe XXXXX in punti size 4 1/2 or US size 7. The open crown and raw edge measure approximately 5 1/4 and 1 3/4 inches respectively. The hand is just incredible as I knew it would be. Unfortunately, there is also some light moth damage. It can probably all be pounced out. The darker photos are more accurate to the true colors.

Send me a PM if you’re interested, it’s never going to fit me.

A beauty Brent

 

[Daniele Tanto]

Ladies and Gentleman: The Rolling Stones
Two hats that rolled in life and now bear the marks.

Borsalino Qualità Extra Superiore size 4 or 55 centimeters.

It is relatively modern, you can see from the paper label, but it has lived so long that the lining, in bad condition, is completely detached.

The felt is "Sebino" color, one of Borsalino's not too seen grays, quite rare.

The felt has areas to be cleaned with care, while the ribbon is intact.
These are the measurements: the raw brims are 6 cm. and the crown at the lowest point is 11cm, the ribbon is 3.5cm.

A nice hat to restore.
The second is a rarity for all Borsalino lovers because it is one of those who arrived on the market in disguise.
These are the measurements: the raw brims are 6.5 cm. and the crown at the lowest point is 11cm, the ribbon is 3 cm.

The hat is finished in an impeccable way and has been sold in one of the most famous hat shops in Turin with the evident inscription "Worked by hand" on the sweatband.

Its condition testifies to its excessive use.

The lining is almost completely detached and the ribbon shows obvious signs of wear.

The label tells us that the felt is "Ossido" and the combination with the ribbon is fantastic.

The size is 5 therefore a 57 centimeters or 7 in the States.
To see them again on the stage of life they need care

 

[steur]

View attachment 299902 View attachment 299903 View attachment 299904 View attachment 299905 View attachment 299906 View attachment 299907 View attachment 299908 View attachment 299909 View attachment 299910 View attachment 299911 Marque Grand Luxe XXXXX in punti size 4 1/2 or US size 7. The open crown and raw edge measure approximately 5 1/4 and 1 3/4 inches respectively. The hand is just incredible as I knew it would be. Unfortunately, there is also some light moth damage. It can probably all be pounced out. The darker photos are more accurate to the true colors.

Send me a PM if you’re interested, it’s never going to fit me.

Nice find, Brent. These MGL hats do have wonderful felts.

 

[steur]

Ladies and Gentleman: The Rolling Stones
Two hats that rolled in life and now bear the marks.

Borsalino Qualità Extra Superiore size 4 or 55 centimeters.

It is relatively modern, you can see from the paper label, but it has lived so long that the lining, in bad condition, is completely detached.

The felt is "Sebino" color, one of Borsalino's not too seen grays, quite rare.

The felt has areas to be cleaned with care, while the ribbon is intact.
These are the measurements: the raw brims are 6 cm. and the crown at the lowest point is 11cm, the ribbon is 3.5cm.

A nice hat to restore.
The second is a rarity for all Borsalino lovers because it is one of those who arrived on the market in disguise.
These are the measurements: the raw brims are 6.5 cm. and the crown at the lowest point is 11cm, the ribbon is 3 cm.

The hat is finished in an impeccable way and has been sold in one of the most famous hat shops in Turin with the evident inscription "Worked by hand" on the sweatband.

Its condition testifies to its excessive use.

The lining is almost completely detached and the ribbon shows obvious signs of wear.

The label tells us that the felt is "Ossido" and the combination with the ribbon is fantastic.

The size is 5 therefore a 57 centimeters or 7 in the States.
To see them again on the stage of life they need care

The Borsalino is the quality you'd expect from the masters from Alessandria, but the Ursus is very interesting indeed. Save the bear!

 

[steur]

Borsalino Lunasca Amarena nutria. Size 56 with the brim at 7cm and the crown at 11 at the center dent. Liner went missing and there are some small holes in the felt. Sweatband is not in the best condition either (despite it having slurped up about a gallon of mink oil).
It is a bit of a beater and I might give it a naphta bath. Nice as a grab and go hat for now though.

 

[Daniele Tanto]

Wonderful Borsalino, Daniele. The Alessandrians didn't like to take second place to anyone.

I'm certainly enjoying this series of homburgs. lobbias and diplomatiques, Daniele. Keep them coming.

A fantastic find, Daniele, especially in this condition. Pity it's not your size, but still: it will make someone very happy I'm sure

Another superb find; what are the odds? The one even has the fighting dogs on the liner. Doesn't get much better than that, Daniele (or it would be that they were your size).

Incredible finds, Daniele. A rare treat to see the other Borsalino hats and such a stroke of luck finding these in such a nice condition as well

The Borsalino is the quality you'd expect from the masters from Alessandria, but the Ursus is very interesting indeed. Save the bear!

Given and considered that most of the quotes concern Borsalino, I group them all here in the thread dedicated to the Alessandria family. A few thoughts on G.B. Borsalino fu Lazzaro's bowler hats: I have been paying attention to the Italian hat market for some time because lately many Italian and English bowler hats have appeared. Some very interesting, but at crazy prices (we know something together ) and others much more common, all small, 57 cm maximum. Uncovering in one fell swoop in two different lots two gems both of medium size and in superb condition was a fantastic shot
However, I do not want to forget the two French, Berteil and Mossant, both of medium size, or rather large, the Mossant and both in an altering splendid condition, and to think that bowler hats aren't my favorite hats
The other arrivals are curiosities, some magnificent, others very normal.
That said, thank you Steve for your appreciation and attention. The parade of homburgs will goes on

 

[TheOldFashioned]

A hat of modest proportions but with some interesting details, a Zeffiro in Amiata:

Specs:

5" Crown (open)
2-1/4" Brim
1/8" Binding (symmetric)
1-1/4" Ribbon
96g Weight
​

Regarding the details, first the mid-ribbon with the box pleated bow, which anecdotally seems to be somewhat uncommon for Borsalino. Second, the sunbathed burnished thin brim binding. Originally it matched the felt and ribbon color but as can be seen from the closeup photo it has developed a nice contrasting patina over time.

Next, the shop of Shiappelli & Benetti of Ferraro. I have other Borsalino's from some of the more prominent tourist driven shops such as Lambardi of Roma, Balbi of Napoli, and Casiraghi of Milano. Perhaps our gentleman from Verona, @Daniele Tanto, could provide some further insight on this Ferraro shop.

Finally, and what caught my attention initially, the Zeffiro designation. At 96g it is a lighter hat but by no means lightweight. Rather just middle of the road when compared to other hats. I wouldn't say I am disappointed but it wasn't as light as I was expecting given the name. Based on searching through this thread and other TFL archives this is a new, undocumented designation used by Borsalino. The only other examples I have found are from Panizza (most recently posted by Stefan).

The felt itself is wonderfully thin and easy to manipulate. There is some serious flange to the brim but it can be shaped in almost any direction. After the pictures I wore it around the house and I am actually thinking this will be worn brim up more often than not.

While somewhat smaller in dimensions than most of my other Borsalino's, the proportions work well in my opinion. This will make for an interesting change up from the commanding presence of a Gorasgu or Gorasti.

​

 

[Blare]

A hat of modest proportions but with some interesting details, a Zeffiro in Amiata:
View attachment 302962 View attachment 302963 View attachment 302965 View attachment 302964 View attachment 302966

Specs:

5" Crown (open)
2-1/4" Brim
1/8" Binding (symmetric)
1-1/4" Ribbon
96g Weight
​

Regarding the details, first the mid-ribbon with the box pleated bow, which anecdotally seems to be somewhat uncommon for Borsalino. Second, the sunbathed burnished thin brim binding. Originally it matched the felt and ribbon color but as can be seen from the closeup photo it has developed a nice contrasting patina over time.

Next, the shop of Shiappelli & Benetti of Ferraro. I have other Borsalino's from some of the more prominent tourist driven shops such as Lambardi of Roma, Balbi of Napoli, and Casiraghi of Milano. Perhaps our gentleman from Verona, @Daniele Tanto, could provide some further insight on this Ferraro shop.

Finally, and what caught my attention initially, the Zeffiro designation. At 96g it is a lighter hat but by no means lightweight. Rather just middle of the road when compared to other hats. I wouldn't say I am disappointed but it wasn't as light as I was expecting given the name. Based on searching through this thread and other TFL archives this is a new, undocumented designation used by Borsalino. The only other examples I have found are from Panizza (most recently posted by Stefan).

The felt itself is wonderfully thin and easy to manipulate. There is some serious flange to the brim but it can be shaped in almost any direction. After the pictures I wore it around the house and I am actually thinking this will be worn brim up more often than not.

While somewhat smaller in dimensions than most of my other Borsalino's, the proportions work well in my opinion. This will make for an interesting change up from the commanding presence of a Gorasgu or Gorasti.

​

Wonderful new addition Jonathan. Very nice.

 

[Daniele Tanto]

Perhaps our gentleman from Verona, @Daniele Tanto, could provide some further insight on this Ferraro shop.

Jonathan, I try to summarize in a few words what you are asking about the Borsalino "Amiata"
A) The shop that sold it Schiappelli & Benetti, probably in the seventies, is located in Ferrara, a splendid little Italian town in the Po Valley. Now the name of the shop is Teresa Schiappelli and sells high-class hats and dresses, it is in the center and is still a Borsalino shop. B) The name "Zeffiro" which is a wind, has been used by almost all the Italian producers of hats. Borsalino (both producers) used it in the twenties and thirties, perhaps they have not registered it as a trademark and therefore it has been used again. The deonomination Zeffiro seems to have been in great demand by the Schiappelli & Benetti shop because I have found others, in very bad condition, with this wording. One of Borsalino's many tricks to differentiate his products C) The low pleated ribbon was used quite a lot after World War II, I have a couple of hats from the same period, with the same paper label, found in Merano in the Matthias Hutter field . D) The weight of the light Borsalinos, denominated in various ways, varies between sixty grams and an abundant ninety, depending on the felt and the other components of the hat. I have one that is a feather, but it is unlined, however it is not that Zeffiro is a brand of lightness.
Hope this helps.

 

[TheOldFashioned]

Jonathan, I try to summarize in a few words what you are asking about the Borsalino "Amiata"
A) The shop that sold it Schiappelli & Benetti, probably in the seventies, is located in Ferrara, a splendid little Italian town in the Po Valley. Now the name of the shop is Teresa Schiappelli and sells high-class hats and dresses, it is in the center and is still a Borsalino shop. B) The name "Zeffiro" which is a wind, has been used by almost all the Italian producers of hats. Borsalino (both producers) used it in the twenties and thirties, perhaps they have not registered it as a trademark and therefore it has been used again. The deonomination Zeffiro seems to have been in great demand by the Schiappelli & Benetti shop because I have found others, in very bad condition, with this wording. One of Borsalino's many tricks to differentiate his products C) The low pleated ribbon was used quite a lot after World War II, I have a couple of hats from the same period, with the same paper label, found in Merano in the Matthias Hutter field . D) The weight of the light Borsalinos, denominated in various ways, varies between sixty grams and an abundant ninety, depending on the felt and the other components of the hat. I have one that is a feather, but it is unlined, however it is not that Zeffiro is a brand of lightness.
Hope this helps.

Thank you, Daniele, for the insightful response. Your knowledge of these Old World hats truly is a great asset to the community.

 

[Mean Eyed Matt]

Jonathan, I try to summarize in a few words what you are asking about the Borsalino "Amiata"
A) The shop that sold it Schiappelli & Benetti, probably in the seventies, is located in Ferrara, a splendid little Italian town in the Po Valley. Now the name of the shop is Teresa Schiappelli and sells high-class hats and dresses, it is in the center and is still a Borsalino shop. B) The name "Zeffiro" which is a wind, has been used by almost all the Italian producers of hats. Borsalino (both producers) used it in the twenties and thirties, perhaps they have not registered it as a trademark and therefore it has been used again. The deonomination Zeffiro seems to have been in great demand by the Schiappelli & Benetti shop because I have found others, in very bad condition, with this wording. One of Borsalino's many tricks to differentiate his products C) The low pleated ribbon was used quite a lot after World War II, I have a couple of hats from the same period, with the same paper label, found in Merano in the Matthias Hutter field . D) The weight of the light Borsalinos, denominated in various ways, varies between sixty grams and an abundant ninety, depending on the felt and the other components of the hat. I have one that is a feather, but it is unlined, however it is not that Zeffiro is a brand of lightness.
Hope this helps.

Daniele, you wrote about the "Matthias Hutter field, Merano":
I saw many of these hats in the bay and was thinking, what's that all about?
Was this a traditional hat shop that still had an old warehouse that has now been sold?
There are also some of these hats here in the lounge, but is there a separate link?
I haven't found one...

 

[Daniele Tanto]

Daniele, you wrote about the "Matthias Hutter field, Merano":
I saw many of these hats in the bay and was thinking, what's that all about?
Was this a traditional hat shop that still had an old warehouse that has now been sold?
There are also some of these hats here in the lounge, but is there a separate link?
I haven't found one...

The "Matthias Hutter" shop in Merano closed its business about seven years ago. Everything that was left on the premises was bought, except the machines for making hats, an unknown destination for them, by a local entrepreneur who started selling online and in a warehouse. Three years ago I bought some hats via bay and from there I began my collaboration with the owners to make an inventory of the hats and an estimate of their value. Since then they have been on sale on the German bay and there are several of them, some very interesting. Also from the summer-first autumn 2018 I posted here a part of those I had, wearing them, without ever presenting them in the special "new hats" thread.
The story is richer in details, but I think this is what interests you

 

[Mean Eyed Matt]

Thanks for the quick reply and the info, Daniele:
I already thought it's the sale of a hat shop and I was thrilled that such a thing actually still exists -
and at the same time I regret that such a traditional shop had to close!
Actually, your infos were what I wanted to know, but with the story that you are involved
and have insights into a quasi even bigger story about it, makes me eager for more!
And I'm also very envious that you certainly have a lot of great hats in your hands
in the course of your "work" or shall I say "pleasure"!?

 

[steur]

A hat of modest proportions but with some interesting details, a Zeffiro in Amiata:
View attachment 302962 View attachment 302963 View attachment 302965 View attachment 302964 View attachment 302966

Specs:

5" Crown (open)
2-1/4" Brim
1/8" Binding (symmetric)
1-1/4" Ribbon
96g Weight
​

Regarding the details, first the mid-ribbon with the box pleated bow, which anecdotally seems to be somewhat uncommon for Borsalino. Second, the sunbathed burnished thin brim binding. Originally it matched the felt and ribbon color but as can be seen from the closeup photo it has developed a nice contrasting patina over time.

Next, the shop of Shiappelli & Benetti of Ferraro. I have other Borsalino's from some of the more prominent tourist driven shops such as Lambardi of Roma, Balbi of Napoli, and Casiraghi of Milano. Perhaps our gentleman from Verona, @Daniele Tanto, could provide some further insight on this Ferraro shop.

Finally, and what caught my attention initially, the Zeffiro designation. At 96g it is a lighter hat but by no means lightweight. Rather just middle of the road when compared to other hats. I wouldn't say I am disappointed but it wasn't as light as I was expecting given the name. Based on searching through this thread and other TFL archives this is a new, undocumented designation used by Borsalino. The only other examples I have found are from Panizza (most recently posted by Stefan).

The felt itself is wonderfully thin and easy to manipulate. There is some serious flange to the brim but it can be shaped in almost any direction. After the pictures I wore it around the house and I am actually thinking this will be worn brim up more often than not.

While somewhat smaller in dimensions than most of my other Borsalino's, the proportions work well in my opinion. This will make for an interesting change up from the commanding presence of a Gorasgu or Gorasti.

​

Very nice find, Jonathan. I think we could start a separate thread with hats by different manufacturers that have the "zephyr" name on them. I must admit this is the first time for me I see it on a Borsalino though.

 

[steur]

Borsalino Gulaela in Lupo colour or "wolf". Not a very common colour. This homburg is one of Borsalino's most common models and rightly so. Brim at 6cm and crown at 11cm. Weighs 128 grams. Mid to late fifties. Thanks to @Daniele Tanto for making it possible.

 

[mayserwegener]

Echter Borsilino "Qualità Superiore", French Point 5 1/2, possibly late 1930s early 1940s. Unfortunately the Borsalino Paper Label is missing but the separate Size Stamp is present. The Felt Finish is similar to Velour Soleil so shows a high amount of gloss and is very pliable so easily dry creases. There is a mix of colors (you can see better in the Open Crown photos) that from a distance looks Stone Gray like. The Form and Dimensions fit the time period and place. This is a great start to 2021.

Paper Label missing but it has the separate Size stamp.

Specialhaus Globus Stamp

Open Crown

 

[TheOldFashioned]

Echter Borsilino "Qualità Superiore", French Point 5 1/2, possibly late 1930s early 1940s. Unfortunately the Borsalino Paper Label is missing but the separate Size Stamp is present. The Felt Finish is similar to Velour Soleil so shows a high amount of gloss and is very pliable so easily dry creases. There is a mix of colors (you can see better in the Open Crown photos) that from a distance looks Stone Gray like. The Form and Dimensions fit the time period and place. This is a great start to 2021.

Paper Label missing but it has the separate Size stamp.

Specialhaus Globus Stamp

Open Crown

Congrats on another wonderful find. You sure have a knack for finding these specialty finished felts.

 

[mayserwegener]

Congrats on another wonderful find. You sure have a knack for finding these specialty finished felts.

Thanks! I was surprised when I came across it.

 

[Mean Eyed Matt]

Echter Borsilino "Qualità Superiore", French Point 5 1/2, possibly late 1930s early 1940s. Unfortunately the Borsalino Paper Label is missing but the separate Size Stamp is present. The Felt Finish is similar to Velour Soleil so shows a high amount of gloss and is very pliable so easily dry creases. There is a mix of colors (you can see better in the Open Crown photos) that from a distance looks Stone Gray like. The Form and Dimensions fit the time period and place. This is a great start to 2021.

Paper Label missing but it has the separate Size stamp.

Specialhaus Globus Stamp

Open Crown

Bellissimo cappello!