Borsalino, Before and After, Updated with NEW PICS!

[Mr_Misanthropy]

Hello folks

I bought a vintage Borsalino from a fellow lounger a few weeks ago. It was open crowned, and in wonderful condition. I decided I'd attempt to shape the crown myself, having never tried before. I got the teapot rolling and steamed it up and got to work. I failed miserably. Here are some pics of it with it's original, open crown.

I sent it to Duane from The Fedora Store. And after only about four days, I've got my "new" Borsalino, and it looks great!! Here are some pics of me with it on.

 

[Tudor]

Sweet lid!

 

[Magus]

Hiya Mis....well...a errrr.....ummmmmm....horrid job....and great recovery! lol I am very glad you are happy with it and I know it will do well for you. Suuuuuuure wish it was my size!

M

Now all you need is a great hatbox...lol

 

[Mr_Misanthropy]

Yeah it was pretty horrid, I know!! But it was my first time, and I had NO CLUE! Hat box, eh? Sure, let me just grab this $2,233.87 I have laying around....

 

[BellyTank]

Nice Borsalino!

So- did Mr. Fedorastore actually re-block the hat, or just hand shape it?

B
T

 

[rauhfell_kid]

I always wonder how professionals manage to do such great jobs on open crowns. My borsalino looks exactly like M´s because I simply can´t do it. So what´s the trick?

 

[BellyTank]

For a centre dent-
Make a fore-aft Karate-chop in the crown, 'till the dent and the hat look how you want them, regarding crown height and side/front-back perpendicularity, taper or lack there of- maybe a little reverse taper. Then add your front pinches/dents. These dents will also affect crown taper/stovepipe.
A taller crown will allow more room for fun variations.

C-crowns/Teardrops, etc take a bit more tinkering- but you only have as much crown height to play with as allows getting your head into the hat.
A too-deep dent and the inside dent/dome will sit on the head.

Here's my Furry Borsalino-

Open Crown.

Chopped- Ha-yah!

Chopped viewed from front.

Dent pushed in further.

Even deeper, with front dents/pinch- showing more pronounced Reverse Taper.

Front view- Centre crease/dent and front dents/pinch.

A little steam will set the work and the hat will remember this 'trim' when you push it out then push it back in.
Try to use a little æsthetic from your own taste and available photographic resources- of which there is a lot here on the FL.

B
T

 

[Lieutenant]

Grand Hat

Hey Mr M, grand hat and the Fedorastore did a great job with it. Glad to find that your one of many of us that not only collect but also wear them.

 

[Mr_Misanthropy]

The Fedora Store actually re-blocked it. In fact, I think he said he was using a brand new block he had just gotten on my hat (how exciting!). BellyTank pretty much covered how to shape a hat 100%, unfortunately, I guess I'm just not handy at all whatsoever, hence, my horrid results. Plus I was trying to do a teardrop.. HA!

Thanks for all the compliments! This is an astounding hat, it's the only Borsalino I own at the moment, and I'm just shocked at how soft and luxurious it is, especially after 50-60 years!

 

[thefedorastore]

It's a Hand Job!

I have to admit, after seeing the hat and discussing the deterioration of the sweatband stitching with M, he decided he did not want a new sweat, so, I touched up the sweat, and hand shaped the hat with plenty of steam and a tad of stiffener per his request to help it hold the shape. I should mention that this job was "on the house" since no expense was spared, and I got to enjoy giving some love to another old Borsalino. Of course I am obsessed! M, don't asked about the "stiffener".
Duane

 

[Pilgrim]

Duane, that new avatar is too cool for school!

 

[Jake Sullivan]

Applause Gentlemen, for an excellent Borsalino " Resuscitation"! I have heard the Borsalino name frequently in my fedora searches, I will plead ignorance and ask , where does the quality of Borsalina rank amoung other brands i.e Baily? ( call it my quest for hat education)

 

[thefedorastore]

Thanks

Duane, that new avatar is too cool for school!

Thanks Pilgrim. That was my first hat at about age 4.

 

[thefedorastore]

I can help

I always wonder how professionals manage to do such great jobs on open crowns. My borsalino looks exactly like M´s because I simply can´t do it. So what´s the trick?

Sir, as long as you include $8.95 for S&H in the box, I will be happy to do it for you. PM me for the address if you want the help.
Duane

 

[Mr_Misanthropy]

Ah, my mistake, I thought it was blocked. Hand shaped is even better!! More to brag about! Thanks again Duane for a superb job, I hope to be wearing it tomorrow!

 

[besdor]

I see that there are lot of people that care about their hats and take enjoyment out of wearing them instead of just keeping them in boxes .

Good job Duane .

Steven
www.bencrafthats.com

 

[Mr_Misanthropy]

Well I got my "new" Borsalino back from Duane today after it's blocking, it's great! I edited my first post with the new pics, but I decided the thread needed a bump as well, so, here they are again.

Muy debonair.

 

[Magus]

Mr. Mis...its fantastic on you! Very 40's private eye...and I think it really works with the shape of your face...must be the brim.

 

[Magus]

Applause Gentlemen, for an excellent Borsalino " Resuscitation"! I have heard the Borsalino name frequently in my fedora searches, I will plead ignorance and ask , where does the quality of Borsalina rank amoung other brands i.e Baily? ( call it my quest for hat education)

Hi there Jake,

If we are talking vintage hat...hmmm....how to put it. If you compared them to food...if a Bailey is a good juicy hamburger...a Borsalino would be a Porterhouse steak.

M