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Italian brands hats

Daniele Tanto

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,095
Location
Verona - Italia
St. George Cappellificio Monzese fedora in a blue grey. Size 57 with the bound brim at 6,5cm and the crown 10cm at the pinch. Woolfelt hat that is not in a great condition, but the colour is nice and I got it cheap. Interesting enough to bring it along. I put a new ribbon on it and I may change the liner too. The hatters from Monza were known for their woolfelt hats.

st-george_01-jpg.199890
I am always happy to see the hats produced in Monza, rare to find in Italy, more common abroad where the Monza hat factories had a huge market. The color is beautiful and so is the shape, the St. George has many battles and some tweaking is a must. I can object to the color of the ribbon, but it's done now :)
After my joy to see a Monza hat I say: remember, dear loungers, they have been the biggest hat producers in the world.
A praise to Stefan who took it home home despite its condition
 

Steve1857

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,308
Location
Denmark
I am always happy to see the hats produced in Monza, rare to find in Italy, more common abroad where the Monza hat factories had a huge market. The color is beautiful and so is the shape, the St. George has many battles and some tweaking is a must. I can object to the color of the ribbon, but it's done now :)
After my joy to see a Monza hat I say: remember, dear loungers, they have been the biggest hat producers in the world.
A praise to Stefan who took it home home despite its condition
Praise indeed to Stefan, Daniele. I have had a great deal of joy out of some of his take homes.

Sent from my HUAWEI VNS-L31 using Tapatalk
 
Messages
17,856
Location
Nederland
I am always happy to see the hats produced in Monza, rare to find in Italy, more common abroad where the Monza hat factories had a huge market. The color is beautiful and so is the shape, the St. George has many battles and some tweaking is a must. I can object to the color of the ribbon, but it's done now :)
After my joy to see a Monza hat I say: remember, dear loungers, they have been the biggest hat producers in the world.
A praise to Stefan who took it home home despite its condition
Praise indeed to Stefan, Daniele. I have had a great deal of joy out of some of his take homes.

Sent from my HUAWEI VNS-L31 using Tapatalk
Daniele, Steve, thank you. It was the colour and the fact that, despite the Monza hatters being big producers, I don't see them very often, that won me over. I'll admit the ribbon colour is a bit different, but that was the point of it. It can't compete with the other grey on grey hats so it has to be different.;)
 

Tomasz Zieniewicz

New in Town
Messages
11
Location
Poland
Hello, as one of the lounge members has suggested, Im forwarding my post from the other topic here in seek of knowledge and wisdom.

I tired to identify one of the hats I got, but it has proven rather difficult.
Before posting on the Lounge i thought its an Italian 60s Homburg style hat made by Vanzina Pavia Qualita Extra, but actually it is not.

It reasambles in its shape and style the Borsalino Mirtillo Homburg i found in the Lounge, but its not quite the same, and as
@Steve1857 (thanks for information) pointed out it is actually not a Homburg hat, nor a Fedora, and not a Trilby, but rather a mix of three or a style of it's own. Also Vanzina was bought by Borsalino in 1956, so the hat must have been made pre 1960, or does it now work this way?

If anyone can correct me or provide more background to this particular hat, I would be really greatful.
 

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Steve1857

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,308
Location
Denmark
Hello, as one of the lounge members has suggested, Im forwarding my post from the other topic here in seek of knowledge and wisdom.

I tired to identify one of the hats I got, but it has proven rather difficult.
Before posting on the Lounge i thought its an Italian 60s Homburg style hat made by Vanzina Pavia Qualita Extra, but actually it is not.

It reasambles in its shape and style the Borsalino Mirtillo Homburg i found in the Lounge, but its not quite the same, and as
@Steve1857 (thanks for information) pointed out it is actually not a Homburg hat, nor a Fedora, and not a Trilby, but rather a mix of three or a style of it's own. Also Vanzina was bought by Borsalino in 1956, so the hat must have been made pre 1960, or does it now work this way?

If anyone can correct me or provide more background to this particular hat, I would be really greatful.
Tomasz, Steve was right to ask you to post here, too. It's a wonderful example of pre-Borsalino Vanzina quality and deserves its place on this thread. One can understand why Borsalino wanted Vanzina as part of their brand.
I'm not quite sure though what more you'd like to know. Daniele can supply a very authoritative history of the company if that's what you're looking for, but you seem to have found some of that out for yourself. Age wise, you seem to be in the ballpark, too.
If it's the style of the hat you're looking for answers to, in my opinion, it's a short brimmed hat that can be worn brim down to look like a short brimmed Fedora, or brim up to make it a short brimmed Fedora with brim up. You could equally exchange the term Trilby for Fedora in the above. It is, however, not a Homburg.
What ever one calls it, it's a super example of a long time gone hat maker. Congrats it's in your collection [emoji145]

Sent from my HUAWEI VNS-L31 using Tapatalk
 

Daniele Tanto

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,095
Location
Verona - Italia
It reasambles in its shape and style the Borsalino Mirtillo Homburg i found in the Lounge, but its not quite the same, and as
@Steve1857 (thanks for information) pointed out it is actually not a Homburg hat, nor a Fedora, and not a Trilby, but rather a mix of three or a style of it's own. Also Vanzina was bought by Borsalino in 1956, so the hat must have been made pre 1960, or does it now work this way?

If anyone can correct me or provide more background to this particular hat, I would be really greatful.
The dilemma is whether it is a Vanzina or a Borsalino? The paper label leads one to think, for the type of hat "Nadir" and for the color of the felt "Mirtillo", it is a hat produced under the supervision of Borsalino. Hardly in Pavia, home of the Vanzina, were used two names so identifiable of color and product used by Borsalino. The hat is very beautiful and you have been lucky. The shape came undoubtedly from the sixties and if it does not have the requisites you were looking for, remember that on the European market, there are many hats size 56 cm. waiting for a landlord.
 
Messages
17,218
Location
Maryland
The dilemma is whether it is a Vanzina or a Borsalino? The paper label leads one to think, for the type of hat "Nadir" and for the color of the felt "Mirtillo", it is a hat produced under the supervision of Borsalino. Hardly in Pavia, home of the Vanzina, were used two names so identifiable of color and product used by Borsalino. The hat is very beautiful and you have been lucky. The shape came undoubtedly from the sixties and if it does not have the requisites you were looking for, remember that on the European market, there are many hats size 56 cm. waiting for a landlord.
Spot on!
 

Tomasz Zieniewicz

New in Town
Messages
11
Location
Poland
Tomasz, Steve was right to ask you to post here, too. It's a wonderful example of pre-Borsalino Vanzina quality and deserves its place on this thread. One can understand why Borsalino wanted Vanzina as part of their brand.
I'm not quite sure though what more you'd like to know. Daniele can supply a very authoritative history of the company if that's what you're looking for, but you seem to have found some of that out for yourself. Age wise, you seem to be in the ballpark, too.
If it's the style of the hat you're looking for answers to, in my opinion, it's a short brimmed hat that can be worn brim down to look like a short brimmed Fedora, or brim up to make it a short brimmed Fedora with brim up. You could equally exchange the term Trilby for Fedora in the above. It is, however, not a Homburg.
What ever one calls it, it's a super example of a long time gone hat maker. Congrats it's in your collection [emoji145]

Sent from my HUAWEI VNS-L31 using Tapatalk

Well, the hat style is rather uncommon, so the information on how to wear it proves very useful :)
The age of the hat, and its origin (Vanzina pre Borsalino or Vanzina labeled after Borsalino take over) was my biggest concern here that could effect the hat age and its history in a big way.

Before I came here I was not really a hat person, but the more time I spend here the more it starts to grow on me. That said, I want to get the most details and information possible :)
Even before I registred on the Lounge I was a type of tresure hunter and hoarder who kept or sold his findings depending on how they look or history behind them.
From what I red during my leisure time, Fedora Lounge has many members with vast knowledge who can share and help with the identification and uncovering the history behind some of the things I often run into not even realizing what they are like this Vanzina hat I bought for 50 cents, or the unique 60s west germany bundesmarine upper uniform part I finished identifying couple days ago.
Some of the things I like to keep, and the others... well if they can make someone else happy, Im down with that!
Like they say, one man's trash is another man's treasure.
 
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Tomasz Zieniewicz

New in Town
Messages
11
Location
Poland
The dilemma is whether it is a Vanzina or a Borsalino? The paper label leads one to think, for the type of hat "Nadir" and for the color of the felt "Mirtillo", it is a hat produced under the supervision of Borsalino. Hardly in Pavia, home of the Vanzina, were used two names so identifiable of color and product used by Borsalino. The hat is very beautiful and you have been lucky. The shape came undoubtedly from the sixties and if it does not have the requisites you were looking for, remember that on the European market, there are many hats size 56 cm. waiting for a landlord.

Yes, the biggest dilemma for me was whatever this hat is a pre Borsalino, Vanzina Pavia 30s/40s hat, or was it made not long before Borsalino take over, or was it done by Vanzina Pavia after the take over, with Borsalino supervision, but still under Vanzina markings.
Depending on that, the hat could range from 30s to even 60s, which is a rather large time gap, and this would had a big impact on the hat history.
I know for certain, at one point of its journey from Italy it came into Hute Max Voigt (hat shop in Berlin), where it was resold, and then after some years thrown away, only to end up in my hands :)
But if all the signs point out to it being Borsalino supervised Vanzina from the 60s, so be it.

This one will definitely stay in my treasure pile for some time, as Im new to this, right now it is the only one that actually fits :)
I feel complete now, thank you!
 
Last edited:

Daniele Tanto

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,095
Location
Verona - Italia
Yes, the biggest dilemma for me was whatever this hat is a pre Borsalino, Vanzina Pavia 30s/40s hat, or was it made not long before Borsalino take over, or was it done by Vanzina Pavia after the take over, with Borsalino supervision, but still under Vanzina markings.
Depending on that, the hat could range from 30s to even 60s, which is a rather large time gap, and this would had a big impact on the hat history.
I know for certain, at one point of its journey from Italy it came into Hute Max Voigt (hat shop in Berlin), where it was resold, and then after some years thrown away, only to end up in my hands :)
But if all the signs point out to it being Borsalino supervised Vanzina from the 60s, so be it.

This one will definitely stay in my treasure pile for some time, as Im new to this, right now it is the only one that actually fits :)
I feel complete now, thank you!
Tomasz, it is not so simple to find ancient hats, pre World War II, in Europe for various reasons, the main one I have just named. A war that devastated many countries has left little in many areas. Furthermore, it is simpler, relatively, to find hats in the countries where hats were produced. I often have doubts about the dating of some hats that are located before the Second World War here in Europe, but it is only my way of understanding history and time
 
Messages
17,856
Location
Nederland
I think I posted this one in the new hats thread, but not over here. Shame on me.
Cappellificio Cervo perugia made for Tenisci. The wide overwelt had me puzzling and Daniele suggested this was a curled brim before, which was flattened. I gave it a go myself bringing it back to the original shape. I put in a new liner over the old one, which I think wasn't original to the hat.
The size is a probably 57, no matter what the label says, with the overwelt brim at 6cm and the crown 11,5cm at the center dent.
The old shape and liner:
cervo tenisci_06.jpg
cervo tenisci_07.jpg


And in its new (old?) shape, with the new liner. Nothing radical, but the way it was intended I think.
cervo perug2_1.jpg
cervo perug2_2.jpg
cervo perug2_3.jpg
cervo perug2_4.jpg
cervo perug2_5.jpg
cervo perug2_6.jpg
cervo perug2_7.jpg
 
Messages
17,856
Location
Nederland
Another cool find, but unfortunately not in my size.
Vanzina Extra in Amarena colour. Size 58, but it has shrunk over time, because it doesn't feel like it now. Overwelt brim at 5,5cm with decorative stitching and the crown at 10cm at the center dent. Something between a chamois and a velour finish. Wonderful felt. I don't find Vanzina all that often and this is the best one I've found yet.

vanzina amarena_01.jpg
vanzina amarena_02.jpg
vanzina amarena_03.jpg
vanzina amarena_04.jpg
vanzina amarena_05.jpg
vanzina amarena_06.jpg
vanzina amarena_07.jpg
vanzina amarena_09.jpg
vanzina amarena_10.jpg
vanzina amarena_11.jpg
 

Daniele Tanto

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,095
Location
Verona - Italia
Another cool find, but unfortunately not in my size.
Vanzina Extra in Amarena colour. Size 58, but it has shrunk over time, because it doesn't feel like it now. Overwelt brim at 5,5cm with decorative stitching and the crown at 10cm at the center dent. Something between a chamois and a velour finish. Wonderful felt. I don't find Vanzina all that often and this is the best one I've found yet.

vanzina-amarena_01-jpg.208601
The Vanzina has classic and nice shape and proportions, but the color is outstanding and the finish of the felt magnificient.
It is the same of the Borsalino Cola color I've posted some days ago.
Now we can ask the question: is it a Vanzina felt taken from Borsalino or is it the other way round? However it is a rare finish.
 
Messages
17,856
Location
Nederland
The Vanzina has classic and nice shape and proportions, but the color is outstanding and the finish of the felt magnificient.
It is the same of the Borsalino Cola color I've posted some days ago.
Now we can ask the question: is it a Vanzina felt taken from Borsalino or is it the other way round? However it is a rare finish.
Thanks, Daniele. Whatever the answer, it's still nice to find surprises like this now and again.
 
Messages
17,856
Location
Nederland
Baronet homburg in black nutria. Size 55 with the brim at 5,5cm and the crown at 10cm at the center dent. Like I need another black homburg that isn't even my size, but it was the nutria felt that attracted me to it anyway. First time I've seen a black nutria homburg. And it doesn't disappoint; great hand to the felt. Actually Italian made and judging by liner, size tag and label I would guess it was made by Cervo.
baronet-nutria_01-jpg.235256
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baronet-nutria_11-jpg.235265
 
Messages
17,856
Location
Nederland
This is a brand that doesn't show up much (or so I say), which is why I bought it even though it's another black homburg (and a bit roomy for me).
Vanzina Extra in black. Qualitá Extra according to the liner and sweatband, but label says "nadir" as the quality. Great hand to the felt and shapes easily. Brim sits at a good 5,5cm and the crown is quite tall at a good 11,5 cm at the center dent.

vanzina-extra_01-jpg.262403
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