Bianchi by Adam Hats

[TheBeak]

OK, so I know its a hat... Grandma found this and brought it for a gift, it fits, and I think its cool, but what is it:

inside reads:
Genuine imported velour

Bianchi
imported from Italy
by
Adam hat Mfg. Co.

Is this felt? special care for "velour"? any thought on age? basically - what is it?

 

[mayserwegener]

It has an Alpine look to it and my guess late 50s to mid 60s. Appears Adam imported the Velour body or complete hat from Italy. Is it possible to take close up photos of the labeling on the sweat and a close up of the liner logo? I would also post this and any additional photos on the Adam Alley thread.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?18380-ADAM-ALLEY/page37

 

[TheBeak]

here's what else I have...

 

[billyspew]

Probably late 50's based on the fact Adam Hat Manufacturers was only around as an active subsiduary of Miller Bros for that time period, think it had gone away by around 60 or so (i.e. 1955-1960).

 

[TheBeak]

Thank you!

Now what is Velour in the hat world? Is this a surface treatment for some sort of felt or is this altogether something new to me?

 

[rlk]

Thank you!

Now what is Velour in the hat world? Is this a surface treatment for some sort of felt or is this altogether something new to me?

Some of the ends of the felt fibers are loosened, raised and trimmed to a uniform length with the assistance of specialty machinery(brush and clipper at its simplest). This is to create a "velvet" like texture. Length of fibers and finishing creates a number of distinct velour types from near smooth(suede) to peluche and shag.

example: http://www.google.com/patents?id=zn...ed=0CC4Q6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=velour hat&f=false

 

[TheBeak]

and that is THE answer to that. thanks rlk!

 

[Johnnie]

I have a couple of questions about my hat. This is my first hat and it is a "Bianchi" i believe. It says Bianchi by Adam Hats on the inside. Also It says "ITALIAN WEIGHT 20 Percent Genuine Beaver Fur" on the inner headband. I am unsure of what "kind" of hat it is, and would like to also know an estimated value. I love hats and can't wait until my next find... I have pictures of it, but i guess my account is too new to post them. It is a circular hat, without any creasing on the crown (basic dome shape). The brim is round and very short, roughly 2" or so, all the way around and slightly turned up. It has what i believe to be a quail feather in the hat's band. Thanks for any help you can give!

Johnnie

 

[rcfko]

I don't know much about hat brands and don't know much about fur felts as I only wear wool felts (no kill vegetarianism thing).
But according to your description, I'd say that you have a Bowler/Derby on your hand depending on where you're from. US Derby or UK Bowler.

 

[jlee562]

Pictures would help. It's almost impossible to say anything with regards to value without a picture.

 

[job]

Johnnie, There is a questions sections for this. I'm sure someone will help you shortly. Welcome to the forum. To post pics you need to place your pics on photobucket, shutterfly, etc. first.

 

[Johnnie]

I do believe it is that type of hat, doing a google search of "Bowler Hat" came up with lots that look very similar to mine. It is a dark greenish-brown color and has a green/brown band around the hat, which is were the feather is... Other than that i'm having a hard time finding info on this thing. I would like to find out its age as well... I was told it was from the early 1900s, possibly the 20's or 30's... would this seem right for the style?

 

[jlee562]

Again, impossible to say without pictures. Bowlers were popular during that particular time frame, but have never stopped being made in the time between now and then.

 

[Yeps]

Is the crown really stiff or is it soft and maleable? That is the biggest indication of what kind of hat it is.

 

[zetwal]

Welcome to the Lounge, Johnnie.

 

[Johnnie]

photo bucket link............ http://s1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd434/johnniejohnston/

not sure if that works, but it should

 

[zetwal]

Yes, it works. By clicking link, we can see the photo album. If you copy and past the individual IMG codes into your post, your pics will appear here in the thread.

 

[Johnnie]

 

[zetwal]

That's it ... well done!

 

[Johnnie]

Thank you very much zetwal!!! I really appreciate it! Now maybe I can figure out a little history about this thing. I love this hat and since purchasing it I have had my eye open for more... I'm already catching it from the Misses lol