1800's French Straw Hats

[ScottF]

I just received these. They are from a French estate, unused, and supposedly date to the mid to late 1800's. Each has a 1" long cardboard label with a number penciled at the top, and an unreadable word below.

This is my introduction to straw, so any illumination would be greatly appreciated.

http://oldsplice.homestead.com/Hats/FrenchHats/French2.JPG

http://oldsplice.homestead.com/Hats/FrenchHats/French3.JPG

http://oldsplice.homestead.com/Hats/FrenchHats/French4.JPG

[Garrett]

Can't seem to make out the wording but what a great find, Scott! :eusa_clap

[shortbow]

Those are what a straw hat should be. Congratulations.

[ScottF]

Can't seem to make out the wording but what a great find, Scott! :eusa_clap

Thanks. Yes, it's very frustrating not being able to read the tags. I'll take more detailed pics and maybe they'll mean something to someone.

http://oldsplice.homestead.com/Hats/FrenchHats/FrenchWeave.jpg

http://oldsplice.homestead.com/Hats/FrenchHats/FrenchLabels.jpg

[ScottF]

lol - so should I just toss these in the trash? Someone's got to have some idea what I'm looking at. Are they worth anything? Are they worth getting blocked? Are they a total mystery? Should I start collecting cabbage patch dolls?

[HarpPlayerGene]

They've got that shimmery appearance and loose weave of Baku straw in Parabuntal style. They are very interesting. I'm not sure whether to interpret the irregular weave as sloppy or charming. If they were mine I would consider blocking one of them anyway - but if they couldn't tame that wavy brim edge it would really stand out and bug me.

Value? Who knows. For some reason the Baku hats don't seem to excite people like the Toquilla straw hats do.

[ScottF]

They've got that shimmery appearance and loose weave of Baku straw in Parabuntal style. They are very interesting. I'm not sure whether to interpret the irregular weave as sloppy or charming. If they were mine I would consider blocking one of them anyway - but if they couldn't tame that wavy brim edge it would really stand out and bug me.

Value? Who knows. For some reason the Baku hats don't seem to excite people like the Toquilla straw hats do.

Thanks Gene - I know nothing about straw, so picking these up was a lark.

[HarpPlayerGene]

Thanks Gene - I know nothing about straw, so picking these up was a lark.

I'd have done it.

[FlArchaeologist]

Do you mind me asking what the crown height and brim width are on those? I really like the proportions there. While I do not know a lot about straw hats, those are the style I like and wouldn't mind getting my hands on some. They remind me of the straw hats I wore when I was a lot younger, living in the final days of the small town southern life (our population has quadrupled just in my short lifetime, and the town is no longer a small fishing village).

Cheers,
Adam

[ScottF]

Do you mind me asking what the crown height and brim width are on those? I really like the proportions there. While I do not know a lot about straw hats, those are the style I like and wouldn't mind getting my hands on some. They remind me of the straw hats I wore when I was a lot younger, living in the final days of the small town southern life (our population has quadrupled just in my short lifetime, and the town is no longer a small fishing village).

Cheers,
Adam

I have no idea yet what I'm going to do with them - because of their condition and age, I suspect they have some value, but I don't know. Once I have a better idea, I'll trade/sell the ones I don't have blocked for myself.

[FlArchaeologist]

Oh, I wasn't offering to take them off your hands....I'm still trying to find employment now that I've graduated from college....was just wondering what the proportions were so I can try and make a palm frond version for myself, or get one custom made once I can get some more disposable income in. Sorry for the confusion, I was merely interested in the crown/brim ratio.

Being 19th century originals, they obviously have some value....but then again, value is a relative term that is dependent on the individual....easiest way to find out what something is worth is to put it up for auction and see what people are willing to pay for it....

Cheers,
Adam

[ScottF]

Oh, I wasn't offering to take them off your hands....I'm still trying to find employment now that I've graduated from college....was just wondering what the proportions were so I can try and make a palm frond version for myself, or get one custom made once I can get some more disposable income in. Sorry for the confusion, I was merely interested in the crown/brim ratio.

Being 19th century originals, they obviously have some value....but then again, value is a relative term that is dependent on the individual....easiest way to find out what something is worth is to put it up for auction and see what people are willing to pay for it....

Cheers,
Adam

They're about 5.5" tall, with 3.25" brims, but it varies.

[FlArchaeologist]

Merci beaucoup!

Cheers,
Adam

[ScottF]

I'd have done it.

Gene - thanks for your responses. I also posted a question about working that Panama I just acquired, but I'll probably kill that thread (like it's not already dead) and shoot you a P.M.

FlArchaeologist - I have more of these coming and will offer you one at my cost when they arrive - thanks for responding to the thread.

[FlArchaeologist]

Sending you a PM.

Cheers,
Adam