This one was relatively modern, and definitely cheap to begin with. The auction started appropriately low, and then a bidding war started, sending the end price skyrocketing. I like making money, but it always makes me nervous when people over pay.
This boater has seen better days. The suspended bon ton ivy style sweatband is long since rotted away from the hat body. The hard straw is chipped.
I have much worse luck buying vintage panamas than I do vintage felt. Felt holds up better. I frequently get lied to about condition when it comes to older panama hats. Excellent condition says the ad, then it shows up cracked and torn. I can’t wear it, and I can’t resell it for anywhere near as much in that kind of condition. *Sigh*
This one was originally sold by St. Louis, MO by the Levine Hat shop.
This 1920s Optimo Crowned panama was originally sold in St. Petersburg, Florida. It has a nice tight weave and great patina.
A stratton made summer straw police hat. If you’re looking for an inexpensive, and utterly indestructible summer hat, look no further than one of these.
It’s rock hard like a boater, the same weave as a boater, but blocked and flanged like a ’50s or ’60s pork pie. The brim is fixed down.
This Stetson boater dates from the 1940s.
This boater was made in the 1930s by Harvard Club.
Straw treated with waterproofing. Drilled vents. Despite their tight weaves, these were inexpensive hats, with cheap trimmings.
This straw was made by dobbs. It’s “Imported Venetian”, one of those many many names for different kinds of milan.
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