I was in the thrift store today on my base and found this fedora. it was (i thought) a gem.. has a mark on the ribbon around the brim but not horrible and the linning was showing its age but it reads in the inside:
Qualita extra extra superiore
Borsalino Alessandria
Marca Depositata
and on the band:
Borsalino Grand Prix-Paris 1900
Antica Casa 1857
Feather Weight
Salvatore Balbi
260, Via Chiaia Napoli
...size tag reads 4 1/2
it is super super soft and very easy to bash but really doesnt hold a bash.. i think it is rabbit..
That's a beauty. Punti size 4 1/2 = US 7 (56). Having the Feather Weight is nice. If you want it to hold a bash spritz it with a little distilled water, crease and let dry. It might be fun just to let it ride, though.
I'm sure somebody would. The plus is that it's a very nice Borsalino. The smaller size won't be in as much demand, though. Somebody here may see this thread and make you an offer. Somebody sure ought to want it.
It's pretty subjective. Borsalinos tend to go for more than your average fedora, but size 7 is a bit smaller the more wanted sizes these day, although it still has more demand than say for a 6 3/4 or 6 7/8. If you were to post it on ebay, I'd assume you'd probably get back a lot more than you paid for, and probably more than I'd be willing to pay for myself. The lack of a clear plastic liner seems to indicate pre 50s/60s, but you should show people on the Fedora Lounge, they could give you a much more accurate dating of the hat. If it's Pre 60s you can bet you're gonna get a lot for it, especially since it is a Borsalino, and because it is not a stingy brim and as a tall crown. Just from looking at it, I can almost guarantee though that you can probably sell this hat for more than a 100 bucks, and probably more than that.
Definitely check under the sweatband.
Any markings, price tags?
Occasionally you can find and actual dating of the hat.
Another thing to look for is how the liner is attached. Is it sewn in?
If you paid 5 bucks for it, I actually wouldn't be surprised. Most people don't know the actual value of fedoras, especially since back then the price of a really good fedora was anywhere from 10-100 bucks.
i couldnt believe that i paid that much! i had to rethink it and walk away with a smile!
