Vintage straws as viable as vintage felts?

[Davidson]

I've been gunshy about buying vintage straws. I just figured they don't age as well, and I'll end up disappointed. But is this just ignorance, and if you know what to look for there are bargains to be found with some confidence? Where are the "sweet spots" in vintage straws? Thanks!

 

[Tango Yankee]

Hi, Davidson,

I can't really address all your questions, but I can tell you I've bought a number of vintage straws on eBay and haven't been disappointed yet! Most were very close to like-new condition. I've got Stetsons, Dobbs, Mallory, to name a few.

Hope this helps!

Tom

 

[art92101]

Give it a whirl

I have gone 50/50 on vintage straw. my first was a killer resistol stingy brim that was like new and i got for about 10 bucks. It was dark with a very interesting wide ribbon that that has color combinations that you just don't see anymore. it has to be from the 50s or 60s. the other one was Pilgrim semi- calado in decent shape, one dirt spot that won't come out and is still decent enough shape to wear.
i'd study the seller photos.
Also might want to consider doing an advanced search on "closed transactions" in your hat size. You will get a feel for the demand on your hat size. Good luck.

 

[Snrbfshn]

About the same as felts, maybe better...

You don't have to worry about moth damage, for one thing. I've bought maybe 30 or so vintage straws and have been disappointed in only a couple of them. I've never really had issues with straw being too brittle, and the sweatbands seem to hold up about as well as in old felts.

Here's a few of my favorites:
Adam:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/jtban1/album/576460762401118011

Dobbs Milan:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/jtban1/album/576460762394648225

Penny's Marathon Panama:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/jtban1/album/576460762401130910

Resistol Milan:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/jtban1/album/576460762329106443

Resistol Venetian:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/jtban1/album/576460762329106481

Stevens Porkpie:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/jtban1/album/576460762329106748

 

[Twitch]

I have bought a few vintage straws on Ebay too and agree that they are a good bargain.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Vintage straws can get very dry and crack. Make sure that the seller has gone over the hat with a fine tooth comb.


Here's a vintage straw from about 1910. This is how I received it:

 

[bolthead]

You don't have to worry about moth damage, for one thing. I've bought maybe 30 or so vintage straws and have been disappointed in only a couple of them. I've never really had issues with straw being too brittle, and the sweatbands seem to hold up about as well as in old felts.

Here's a few of my favorites:
Adam:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/jtban1/album/576460762401118011

Dobbs Milan:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/jtban1/album/576460762394648225

Penny's Marathon Panama:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/jtban1/album/576460762401130910

Resistol Milan:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/jtban1/album/576460762329106443

Resistol Venetian:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/jtban1/album/576460762329106481

Stevens Porkpie:
http://new.photos.yahoo.com/jtban1/album/576460762329106748

Dude, that PorkPie Rocks.....:eusa_clap .....nice collection