The BORSALINO BROTHERHOOD

steur said:

I have very few green hats in my collection. It's just a difficult colour for me. This one I could not pass up. Borsalino in green (can't make out the name on the label properly for its Italian name). Lovely proportions and nice ribbon. Overwelt brim at 5,5cm and crown 10 cm at the pinch. The shop it came from still exists in The Hague. The felt is lovely on this one; not exactly a longhair but not standard. It does have corrugated cardboard in front which is unusual for European market Borsalinos.

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Stefan, as always, wow, what a find! Love the light green olive colour. Congrats.
It's not a difficult colour if you wear what passes. Enjoy!

Sent from my HUAWEI VNS-L31 using Tapatalk

Steve, thanks. I have a coat or two lying around that go well with it, so I'm not worried.

Borsalino for Oviatt's...

So I arrived back to my folks’ home in Alabama yesterday and the modern Borsalino I’d purchased was waiting for me. Not at all what I expected and to be honest I was rather disappointed, even if my expectations weren’t high to start with. It certainly isn’t worth much more to me than the 45 USD I paid for it, but it’s funny - the thing’s starting to grow on me.

First the good:
- I look great in black!

-The felt is super soft. Maybe too soft, it wouldn’t hold a cattleman’s crease until I steamed it. The brim won’t hold much of anything but what it’s been programmed to do.

-I like the shark gill thin ribbon.

-It’s super light weight.

-I especially like the profile on it.

Now the bad:
-The satin lining is itchy is hell. It must be the black die. Plus the thing is glued in - at least that means I can take it out without much argument.

-The wind cord is made of elastic. Really? I mean, it’s attached but this can’t be more than
aesthetics.

- The hat is much smaller than I had expected, but again it’s kind of growing on me. Anyway, that’s my fault for having expectations off a few photos on eBay!

-This hat feels extremely fragile. I suppose it’s meant to be something like a prom queen, all dressed up in sequins and make up but to me it feels more like a drama queen, ready to fall apart at the seams at the slightest instigation.

- I won’t ever need to purchase another modern Borsalino, although if this fellow survives a good rainshower its stock will rise dramatically in my estimation.

——
Here are some photos, along with a free shot of a portrait done in Gaeta, Italy 35 years ago of my mother and baby sister. Appropriate for the Borsalino - if this hat lasts as long as the portrait has I’ll be overchuffed.




One day I’ll get a vintage Borso. But for today I’m satisfied and that’s good enough for me for now. It’s all a learning game at this point in my collection.

Cheers,
Nathan

Nathaniel Finley said:

So I arrived back to my folks’ home in Alabama yesterday and the modern Borsalino I’d purchased was waiting for me. Not at all what I expected and to be honest I was rather disappointed, even if my expectations weren’t high to start with. It certainly isn’t worth much more to me than the 45 USD I paid for it, but it’s funny - the thing’s starting to grow on me.

First the good:
- I look great in black!

-The felt is super soft. Maybe too soft, it wouldn’t hold a cattleman’s crease until I steamed it. The brim won’t hold much of anything but what it’s been programmed to do.

-I like the shark gill thin ribbon.

-It’s super light weight.

-I especially like the profile on it.

Now the bad:
-The satin lining is itchy is hell. It must be the black die. Plus the thing is glued in - at least that means I can take it out without much argument.

-The wind cord is made of elastic. Really? I mean, it’s attached but this can’t be more than
aesthetics.

- The hat is much smaller than I had expected, but again it’s kind of growing on me. Anyway, that’s my fault for having expectations off a few photos on eBay!

-This hat feels extremely fragile. I suppose it’s meant to be something like a prom queen, all dressed up in sequins and make up but to me it feels more like a drama queen, ready to fall apart at the seams at the slightest instigation.

- I won’t ever need to purchase another modern Borsalino, although if this fellow survives a good rainshower its stock will rise dramatically in my estimation.

——
Here are some photos, along with a free shot of a portrait done in Gaeta, Italy 35 years ago of my mother and baby sister. Appropriate for the Borsalino - if this hat lasts as long as the portrait has I’ll be overchuffed.


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One day I’ll get a vintage Borso. But for today I’m satisfied and that’s good enough for me for now. It’s all a learning game at this point in my collection.

Cheers,
Nathan

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Greetings Nathan et al:
Welcome back man. Love that review...Prom Queen...priceless. Yeah, that’s a new Borsa alright, ok but??? Sounds like you’re ready for a vintage Borsa to me. Maybe something along the lines of your 3x?? Might look for a darker color, less worry. Shouldn’t be hard to find if you are patient.
Be well my friend. The black Borsa looks good on you. Wear it out. Bowen

AbbaDatDeHat said:

Greetings Nathan et al:
Welcome back man. Love that review...Prom Queen...priceless. Yeah, that’s a new Borsa alright, ok but??? Sounds like you’re ready for a vintage Borsa to me. Maybe something along the lines of your 3x?? Might look for a darker color, less worry. Shouldn’t be hard to find if you are patient.
Be well my friend. The black Borsa looks good on you. Wear it out. Bowen

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“Wear it out” = excellent advice, Bowen. Indeed it is on my head as I type!

Yes, I hope to get a vintage Borso one day. Right now the cost is prohibitive but I’m keeping my eyes open. I did just pick up a very nice looking 50s Stetson 3X wide-brimmed for 20 USD. That’s about my speed at the moment and I’m kind of enjoying exploring with limited funds. I’ll post photos when the new-to-me Stetson arrives.

Cheers,
Nathan

Nathaniel Finley said:

“Wear it out” = excellent advice, Bowen. Indeed it is on my head as I type!

Yes, I hope to get a vintage Borso one day. Right now the cost is prohibitive but I’m keeping my eyes open. I did just pick up a very nice looking 50s Stetson 3X wide-brimmed for 20 USD. That’s about my speed at the moment and I’m kind of enjoying exploring with limited funds. I’ll post photos when the new-to-me Stetson arrives.

Cheers,
Nathan

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$20......... that's a great deal. Congrats!

Cornshucker77 said:

$20......... that's a great deal. Congrats!

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I know, right? It’s a one dropper too. I hope I don’t get lynched for posting Stetson photos on the Brotherhood page, but here it is (20 bucks, plus 13 shipping - here’s hoping it fits!):

Nathaniel Finley said:

I know, right? It’s a one dropper too. I hope I don’t get lynched for posting Stetson photos on the Brotherhood page, but here it is (20 bucks, plus 13 shipping - here’s hoping it fits!):

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Very nice! The portrait of your mother is beautiful. She's a beautiful woman, respectfully.

Nathaniel Finley said:

So I arrived back to my folks’ home in Alabama yesterday and the modern Borsalino I’d purchased was waiting for me. Not at all what I expected and to be honest I was rather disappointed, even if my expectations weren’t high to start with. It certainly isn’t worth much more to me than the 45 USD I paid for it, but it’s funny - the thing’s starting to grow on me.

First the good:
- I look great in black!

-The felt is super soft. Maybe too soft, it wouldn’t hold a cattleman’s crease until I steamed it. The brim won’t hold much of anything but what it’s been programmed to do.

-I like the shark gill thin ribbon.

-It’s super light weight.

-I especially like the profile on it.

Now the bad:
-The satin lining is itchy is hell. It must be the black die. Plus the thing is glued in - at least that means I can take it out without much argument.

-The wind cord is made of elastic. Really? I mean, it’s attached but this can’t be more than
aesthetics.

- The hat is much smaller than I had expected, but again it’s kind of growing on me. Anyway, that’s my fault for having expectations off a few photos on eBay!

-This hat feels extremely fragile. I suppose it’s meant to be something like a prom queen, all dressed up in sequins and make up but to me it feels more like a drama queen, ready to fall apart at the seams at the slightest instigation.

- I won’t ever need to purchase another modern Borsalino, although if this fellow survives a good rainshower its stock will rise dramatically in my estimation.

——
Here are some photos, along with a free shot of a portrait done in Gaeta, Italy 35 years ago of my mother and baby sister. Appropriate for the Borsalino - if this hat lasts as long as the portrait has I’ll be overchuffed.


View attachment 110416 View attachment 110417 View attachment 110418 View attachment 110419 View attachment 110420 View attachment 110421 View attachment 110422 View attachment 110423

One day I’ll get a vintage Borso. But for today I’m satisfied and that’s good enough for me for now. It’s all a learning game at this point in my collection.

Cheers,
Nathan

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Looks great, perhaps one angle out of the pile that ain't great.

Here's a rarity I recently received from a gentleman knowledgeable in Italian militaria.

1935-1940 Borsalino Alessandria MVSN (Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza) medical officer's bustina cap.

Borsalino did not seem to have military caps in their standard production. I suspect that they were made to order for very rich people. This belonged to a doctor of the voluntary national security MVSN militia during the Italian war in Africa orientale 1935/1940.

Bill Hughes said:

The rust color is what grabbed me on this Borsalino. It's another eBay pickup. The only thing I think that is lacking is the sweatband. It is a replacement. The seller has it listed as 1960s but I'm thinking 1950s?

It's tagged;
Bruciato = Burnt
Feltro = Felt
Dellasgo = Dellasgo

https://www.ebay.com/itm/GORGEOUS-Vintage-60-s-BORSALINO-THIRTY-EXTRA-SUPERIORE-Rust-7-1-8th-/332521809806?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&nma=true&si=F2YF9u%2BFsJJbj8LIqJdIxU9syxc%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

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I finally got around to cleaning and shaping this rust colored Pesca. Had a hard time getting the dent centered. Then realized the sweatband was not centered. Adjusted for that but it still didn't look right. Finally figured out the brim on the right side was 1/8" wider than on the left. After a bit of playing I was able to come up with this which I believe is pretty good.

I am just crazy about this color!

Bill Hughes said:

I finally got around to cleaning and shaping this rust colored Pesca. Had a hard time getting the dent centered. Then realized the sweatband was not centered. Adjusted for that but it still didn't look right. Finally figured out the brim on the right side was 1/8" wider than on the left. After a bit of playing I was able to come up with this which I believe is pretty good.

I am just crazy about this color!

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Great color.

alanfgag said:

Borsalino for Oviatt's...

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Didn't see this one before, but it is a wonderful one. I really like the colour.

Tonio said:

Here's a rarity I recently received from a gentleman knowledgeable in Italian militaria.

1935-1940 Borsalino Alessandria MVSN (Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza) medical officer's bustina cap.

Borsalino did not seem to have military caps in their standard production. I suspect that they were made to order for very rich people. This belonged to a doctor of the voluntary national security MVSN militia during the Italian war in Africa orientale 1935/1940.

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Unique find. Love these really special items you keep showing us, Tonio!

Bill Hughes said:

I finally got around to cleaning and shaping this rust colored Pesca. Had a hard time getting the dent centered. Then realized the sweatband was not centered. Adjusted for that but it still didn't look right. Finally figured out the brim on the right side was 1/8" wider than on the left. After a bit of playing I was able to come up with this which I believe is pretty good.

I am just crazy about this color!

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Wow, now there's a colour that catches the eye. Never seen anything like it.

Promised to post this one yesterday, so here it is. Borsalino Misto in topo colour. Size 7 1/8 (made for the American market) but it fits me near enough. Model is called Landasti. It had a few spots when I bought it on the bay, which is probably why i got it cheap. Fantastic soft and light heather felt. The hat weighs only 80 grams. Brim 5,7cm and crown 11 cm at the pinch. Quite an early one; my guess is thirties.

Tonio said:

Here's a rarity I recently received from a gentleman knowledgeable in Italian militaria.

1935-1940 Borsalino Alessandria MVSN (Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza) medical officer's bustina cap.

Borsalino did not seem to have military caps in their standard production. I suspect that they were made to order for very rich people. This belonged to a doctor of the voluntary national security MVSN militia during the Italian war in Africa orientale 1935/1940.

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This is incredibly cool Tonio. Truly an interesting piece of Italian history.

Bill Hughes said:

I finally got around to cleaning and shaping this rust colored Pesca. Had a hard time getting the dent centered. Then realized the sweatband was not centered. Adjusted for that but it still didn't look right. Finally figured out the brim on the right side was 1/8" wider than on the left. After a bit of playing I was able to come up with this which I believe is pretty good.

I am just crazy about this color!

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Wow! Interesting dimensions, factory?

steur said:

Promised to post this one yesterday, so here it is. Borsalino Misto in topo colour. Size 7 1/8 (made for the American market) but it fits me near enough. Model is called Landasti. It had a few spots when I bought it on the bay, which is probably why i got it cheap. Fantastic soft and light heather felt. The hat weighs only 80 grams. Brim 5,7cm and crown 11 cm at the pinch. Quite an early one; my guess is thirties.

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This one turned out quite nice. It looks better all Euopeanized with a classic crease. What did you use to get the stains out?