Borsalino Hat Tag

[barrowjh]

I acquired a grey Borsalino Savoy recently, and this is the paper tag behind the sweatband and just under the lining:

COD. space COL. space 902544
1983 space 68 space space 6

Simple read - it was made in 1983, color 68, size (French) 6, ser#902544. Is this correct?

also - searched the internet and these threads, could find no mention of a 'Savoy' model from Borsalino, but that is the model of the hat, in gold letters, on the black sweatband. Anyone else familiar with it? I know their factory is in the heart of the old 'savoy' area that medieval and later armies fought over many times - an important crossroads.

The size data, 7 1/4, 6, 59 , is on a little black sticker applied to the sweatband - indicating a 'recent' production hat. The felt, on the other hand, is very soft, supple - I can reshape the crown at will. From what I have read in other posts here, supple felt is a sign of quality, and none of my other felt hats are this supple (a new custom BB, vintage Dobbs, Cav, Mallory). So - did Borsalino continue making high quality felt through 1983? Are the current production Borsalinos also supple? Maybe 'supple' alone defines nothing but stiffness? curious - if you can help me figure it out, please give me a clue.

 

[barrowjh]

 

[barrowjh]

Ok, got a couple of pics so you can see the tag. I hope someone will eventually help me understand it, and maybe someone has some advertising copy regarding the 'Savoy' model.

 

[Dinerman]

'83 sounds about right.
I know there's been a lot of discussion about the borsalino codes, and I think the consensus is that the older ones don't mean anything, but ones of your era do. I pretty sure Besdor is the expert on this, though.

 

[barrowjh]

Thank you - maybe he'll help out.