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jeffgarf

One Too Many
Messages
1,158
Location
Jerusalem, Israel
Marcel, I don't have much information about the Swiss manufacturer Botta, but the hats of his that I see are very, very similar to the Panizza ones, made a few kilometers away ;-)
For what it is worth, here is an AI generated answer (using information from FL, among other sources) about Botta Hats

Botta Hat Makers was a notable hat manufacturing company based in Salorino, which is situated near the Swiss-Italian border in Switzerland. The company operated from 1902 until 1998. Botta hats have become collectible items and are recognized for their resemblance to popular Italian hat brands like Barbisio, Borsalino, and Panizza, particularly in styles prominent from the mid-20th century1.

Historical Background​

  • Founded: 1902, in Salorino, Switzerland (near Como, Italy).
  • Operated until: 1998.
  • Product Range: Botta produced various styles, including stingy brim fedoras and other felt hats that share design characteristics with classic Italian brands.
  • Quality & Collectibility: Vintage Botta hats, especially those from the 1930s to the 1970s, are sought after by collectors due to their fine European craftsmanship and classic styles1.

Distinguishing Features​

  • Stylistic Influences: Botta hats often mirrored trends found in Italian luxury hat making, blending Swiss attention to detail with Italian design sensibilities.
  • Materials: The hats were typically made from high-quality felt and, in some cases, long hair felts—materials valued for both comfort and durability.

Legacy in Swiss Hat Making​

Botta Hat Makers contributed to Switzerland's rich tradition of hat manufacturing, a field which saw many family-run companies flourish during the 20th century. Although Botta ceased operations in the late 1990s, their hats remain a testament to a distinctive era in European millinery.

Additional Context​

  • Vintage Botta hats occasionally appear for sale in specialist vintage shops and online market platforms, reflecting persistent interest among hat enthusiasts and collectors.
  • Botta hats can be compared favorably with products from other renowned European hat makers, both for their style and craftsmanship.
In summary: Botta Hat Makers was an influential Swiss hat company known for its quality felt hats and distinct blend of Swiss and Italian design, operating from 1902 to 1998 in Salorino, Switzerland.
 

vincent stuart

One of the Regulars
Messages
170
Location
vancouver bc canada
I'll start this off. Not exactly new as I got it for myself for Christmas, but it's likely to be the last new hat I get for a while.

2155525448_d94fb4d708.jpg

The Dusty Rose. By Art Fawcett.
Another masterpiece by Art . Nobel prize material for sure
 

KILO NOVEMBER

One Too Many
Messages
1,098
Location
Hurricane Coast Florida
Since moving to the Gulf Coast of Florida in 2022 my extensive collection of really nice felt fedoras just don't get out of the closet very often. It's just too hot here most of the year. Consequently, my go-to hat was a pinch-crown Panama and after a few years, it became a real beater. Worn through in two places with ragged holes.

So I dipped into the savings and ordered a new daily hat. This one, a mid-grade, but high quality Optimo from Panama Hats Direct. It came earlier this week.
PHD_optimo_2.jpg
PHD_optiomo_1.jpg
 
Messages
13,373
My second Wolfbrae arrived today. Once again, we provided the ribbon material (kimono silk) to make it a one of a kind hat. The head shots get closest to the colour. Initially Robert felt the colour was a little bland, and suggested the strip of plain green fabric in the middle. Etsuko suggested the accent on the bow keep using another piece of kimono fabric we’d sent. Great calls, both of them. Thrilled with the hat.
IMG_4600.jpeg


IMG_4604.jpeg


IMG_4612.jpeg


IMG_4613.jpeg


IMG_4614.jpeg
This really came out beautifully, Gary. Wonderful collaboration with Robert.
 

Daniele Tanto

I'll Lock Up
Messages
4,574
Location
Verona - Italia
For what it is worth, here is an AI generated answer (using information from FL, among other sources) about Botta Hats

Botta Hat Makers was a notable hat manufacturing company based in Salorino, which is situated near the Swiss-Italian border in Switzerland. The company operated from 1902 until 1998. Botta hats have become collectible items and are recognized for their resemblance to popular Italian hat brands like Barbisio, Borsalino, and Panizza, particularly in styles prominent from the mid-20th century1.

Historical Background​

  • Founded: 1902, in Salorino, Switzerland (near Como, Italy).
  • Operated until: 1998.
  • Product Range: Botta produced various styles, including stingy brim fedoras and other felt hats that share design characteristics with classic Italian brands.
  • Quality & Collectibility: Vintage Botta hats, especially those from the 1930s to the 1970s, are sought after by collectors due to their fine European craftsmanship and classic styles1.

Distinguishing Features​

  • Stylistic Influences: Botta hats often mirrored trends found in Italian luxury hat making, blending Swiss attention to detail with Italian design sensibilities.
  • Materials: The hats were typically made from high-quality felt and, in some cases, long hair felts—materials valued for both comfort and durability.

Legacy in Swiss Hat Making​

Botta Hat Makers contributed to Switzerland's rich tradition of hat manufacturing, a field which saw many family-run companies flourish during the 20th century. Although Botta ceased operations in the late 1990s, their hats remain a testament to a distinctive era in European millinery.

Additional Context​

  • Vintage Botta hats occasionally appear for sale in specialist vintage shops and online market platforms, reflecting persistent interest among hat enthusiasts and collectors.
  • Botta hats can be compared favorably with products from other renowned European hat makers, both for their style and craftsmanship.
In summary: Botta Hat Makers was an influential Swiss hat company known for its quality felt hats and distinct blend of Swiss and Italian design, operating from 1902 to 1998 in Salorino, Switzerland.
AI-generated historical accounts are often flawed due to a lack of reliable data and, therefore, aren't particularly convincing. Almost all the hats produced by Botta that I've seen are of Italian origin. The felts, designs, and finishes are typically Italian, and to expert eyes, they can be attributed, at first glance, to Italian origins. Salorino had access, probably at some point in their company's history, to the immense production area of Monza, and Panizza and Cervo weren't far behind. This isn't to diminish the quality of Botta hats, but rather based on what I've seen.
 

jeffgarf

One Too Many
Messages
1,158
Location
Jerusalem, Israel
Borsalino black homburg 'Impermeabile'. Seller sold it as a dark grey and on the pictures it also looked as a dark grey, but it turned out to be a "Nero". Nevertheless a great hat in very good condition! Glad i "saved" it ;-)
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@Pellie when it comes to Borsalinos, I think I must be subconsciously following you. First on the one I just got from @belfastboy that I had only seen on one you had posted and now this homburg that I just purchased right before seeing this post. I must say, "I like your style!"
 

jeffgarf

One Too Many
Messages
1,158
Location
Jerusalem, Israel

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