Borsalino (German Market)

[habigman]

These Borsalinos were made specifically for the German market.

[habigman]

Pre WWII Borsalino made for the German market. It is a size 6 Punti but the sweatband is marked 6 1/2. This hat is really fantastic!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My (Frau Gerda Max Müller) father´s (Herr Karl Max) Borsalino

History

 

Kurzfassung:

Gekauft vermutlich zwischen 1921 und 1929 in Karlsruhe,

getragen bis 1948,

im Schrank gelagert bis 2010,

wieder entdeckt im Februar 2010,

bei ebay versteigert Ende März 2010

an den neuen Besitzer in USA.

 

 

Über den Hut selbst kann ich nicht viel erzählen, denn ich habe die Zeit, als er gekauft wurde und auch die Jahre später nicht selbt erlebt. Meine Mutter lebt nicht mehr und kann mir keine Auskunft geben.

 

Deshalb muß ich zuerst von meinem Vater erzählen.

 

Er war von Beruf Elektromeister und Rundfunktechniker. Zur Ausbildung lebte von 1921 bis 1929 in Karlsruhe. Er war ein Fan von Richard Tauber, der in dieser Zeit hin und wieder an der Karlsruher Oper gesungen hat und sehr populär war.Wir hatten einige Schallplattenaufnahmen von ihm, die durch die Kriegswirren verlorengegangen sind. In Wikipedia ist der Tenor mit einem Hut abgebildet, den ich für einen Borsalino halte. http://en.wikipedia..../Richard_Tauber. Ich denke, mein Vater kaufte sich in dieser Zeit den Borsalino in Karlsruhe. In den 20er Jahren nach dem ersten Weltkrieg waren die jungen Menschen in Deutschland sehr modebewußt.

 

Nach seiner Ausbildung eröffnete mein Vater in einem kleinen Ort in der Nähe von Heidelberg ein Rundfunkgeschäft und übernahm die Betriebsleitung eines privaten Kraf twerkes. Er war oft auf Geschäftsreise in seinem eigenen Auto. Er war immer korrekt und sorgfältig gekleidet und trug dazu den Borsalino.

Ab 1939 konnte man in Deutschland keine schicken Kleider mehr kaufen. Deshalb ging mein Vater sorgfältig mit dem Borsalino um und pflegte ihn.

Durch einen Berufsunfall hatte mein Vater ein steifes Bein und musste nicht Soldat werden. Er durfte wegen des Kraftwerkes und der Energieversorgung des Ortes sein Auto behalten und den Krieg über fahren.

 

Jetzt erst setzt meine Erinnerung ein, denn ich war in dieser Zeit noch ein Kind. Wenn mein Vater geschäftlich unterwegs war, trug er den Borsalino.

 

Nach Kriegsende wurden wir amerikanische Besatzungszone. Mein Vater organisierte zusammen mit dem Ortskommandanten der amerikanischen Besatzungssoldaten den Wiederaufbau des Stromnetzes. Die Energieversorgung mußte schnell wieder hergestellt werden. In den letzten Kriegstagen wurde das Elektrizitätsnetz noch zerstört. Dafür wurde mein Vater jeden Morgen mit einem Militärfahrzeug abgeholt (kein Jeep wegen des steifen Beines). Und er trug den Borsalino. Die Soldaten und auch der Kommandant waren gut zu uns Kindern und unserer Familie. Das Kraftwerk war "Off Limits". Der Kommandant, Hinkel aus NewYork, freundete sich mit meinem Vater an. Er schickte uns nach seiner Rückkehr in die USA regelmäßig Päckchen.

 

Im Februar 1948 erkrankte mein Vater an einer schweren Lungenentzündung. Antibiotika konnte man nur auf dem schwarzen Markt bekommen. Er verstarb innerhalb einer Woche an seinem 44. Geburtstag. Die Familie war wie betäubt. Seine Kleider schenkten wir den Flüchtlingen aus dem Osten. Den Borsalino aber verwahrten wir sorgfältig in einem Schrank. Kürzlich machte ich den Schrank leer und entdeckte den Borsalino. Ich hatte ihn vergessen. Er war noch makellos und unversehrt. Ich bot ihn bei ebay zum Verkauf an und er landete in den USA. Mein Vater würde sich darüber freuen.

 

Google transaltion.

 

My (Mrs. Gerda Max Müller) father's (Mr. Karl Max) Borsalino

History

 

Abstract:

Probably bought in 1921-1929 Karlsruhe,

worn until 1948,

stored in the closet until 2010,

rediscovered in February 2010,

auctioned on ebay in late March 2010

to the new owner in USA.

 

 

About the hat itself, I can not tell you much, because I have the time, when he was bought and not experienced the selbt years later. My mother is not alive and can give me any information.

 

Therefore, I must first tell you of my father.

 

He was a professional electrician and radio technician. To form lived from 1921 to 1929 in Karlsruhe. He was a fan of Richard Tauber, who at this time every now and again sang at the Karlsruhe Opera, and very popular war.Wir had some recordings of him that have been lost through the ravages of war. Wikipedia in the tenor is shown with a hat, which I think is a Borsalino. http://en.wikipedia..../Richard_Tauber. I think my father bought in this time the Borsalino in Karlsruhe. In the 20 years after World War II, the young people in Germany were very fashion conscious.

 

After his training, my father opened in a small town near Heidelberg, a broadcasting business and took over the management of a private Kraf twerk. He was often on business in his own car. He was always dressed properly and carefully and contributed to the Borsalino.

From 1939 you could buy in Germany do not send any more clothes. That's why my father was careful with the Borsalino and nursed him.

By an occupational accident my father had a stiff leg and did not have to be a soldier. He was allowed to keep because of the power plant and the energy of the place his car and go to war over.

 

Now only uses my memory because I was at this time still a child. When my father was away on business, he wore the Borsalino.

 

After the war we were American occupation zone. My father organized together with the local commander of the American soldiers rebuilding the power grid. The power supply had to be quickly restored. In the last days of the war the electric grid was not destroyed. For my father every morning was met with a military vehicle (not a jeep because of the stiff leg). And he wore the Borsalino. The soldiers and the commander were good to us kids and our family. The power plant was "off limits". The commander, Hinkel from New York became friends, in with my father. He sent us after his return regularly to the U.S. package.

 

In February 1948 my father became ill with severe pneumonia. Antibiotics could only get on the black market. He died within a week of his 44th Birthday. The family was stunned. His clothes we donated to refugees from the East. The Borsalino but we held carefully in a cupboard. Recently I took the empty cupboard and the Borsalino discovered. I had forgotten him. He was still pristine and intact. I offered it for sale on ebay and he landed in the U.S.. My father would be pleased.

[habigman]

Black Borsalino (size 6 1/2 Punti) made for the German market. I am thinking late 60s.

[habigman]

Borsalino Homburg I picked up from Dreispitz on the FL. Very beautiful felt on is one and typical Borsalino style / quality. Made for HutKoenig Regensburg.

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Borsalino made for the German market. This is a new old stock from 1979. The brim is slightly over 2 inches with a 5 1/2 inch open crown. The typical pliable felt is greyish and has some interesting stitching which I find appealing. Also like the liner color.

 

 

 

 

 

[/

[habigman]

This gem belongs to RLK on the FL. Probably late 1950s early 60s.

 

 

Green with 4 rows of edge stitching sampler and unusual plastic nose support.

[habigman]

Very late (1982) original family Borsalino (size 61 cm) made for the German market. Looks gray in photos but casts a olive hue. Missing liner but other wise in good condition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino Homburg, size 6 Punti. I am thinking very early 1950s on this one. The sweatband has some cracking issues and was cut down so might get it replaced and have the trolley cord fixed. Other than that it is in decent shape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Borsalino Export Qualität, black, size 5 1/2 Punti, missing wind trolley button, probably early - mid 1960s. The brim can be worn up or down. I have a Wegener and Mayser of similar style and weight. In hand this would not feel like most Borsalinos people have encountered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino Export Qualität "Cescosca" "Palladio", date stamped 3/19/59.  The "Palladio" Felt color is fantastic.  As usual very pliable Felt with great hand.  Great looking Form and excellent overall condition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino Export Qualität "Gulaela" possibly late 1950s.  The "Export Qualität" designation was added in the mid 1950s.  The medium weight black Felt is very dense and has great smooth finish plus very pliable.  The lower profile Form results in a unique look.  The overall condition is excellent.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Not mine but rare - old (1930s?) - small Echter Borsalino.

 

 

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino, size 5 1/2, probably pre WWII. It's rare to find a older one like this.

 

 

Natural Light

 

 

 

[habigman]

These beauties belong to Manfred (Fritz).

 

"This old Homburger was expressly made for Fritz Reinhardt Frankfurt.

The paper label inside was destroyed. Some stains on the crossgrain band on the brim."

 

 

"This nice Borsalino was also expressly made for Fritz Reinhardt Frankfurt and has

a retailer Sweatband . No paper label inside. The hat was mostly worn with brim up. I will do it also!"

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino, light brown, measures around 59cm, probably late 1950s.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino, size 5 1/2 Point, probably 1930s. This Echter Borsalino was later (1980s?) setup in a military crease. It was sold by Carl Kellner Hamburg (I have a some other hats from this shop). The felt is very thick and stiff which is not usually associated with Borsalinos. I have no idea if this stiffness is a later result of trying to make into a military style hat. Unfortunately the sweatband (a real beauty) is damaged but over all the hat is in good shape. I think the bow is especially nice and also the tip patch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino, date stamped 9/10/38. This great find belongs to Manfred.

 

"Sweatband stitching damaged, ribbon and bow damaged! I knew that before I have commanded."

 

 

"After sewing the sweatband, I gave him a new vintage ribbon and a new flanging.

That is the finished hat! Echter Borsalino Color Mirtillo a dark blue / black."

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino, size 6 1/2 Point, probably mid to late 1950s. This was great flea market find by Manfred!

 

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino, date stamped 09/12/57. Belongs to Paddy on the FL.

 

"So it measures 2 3/4" Brim 4 1/2" Open Crown

 

Punti 5, UK 7, US 7 1/8"

 

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino, very good condition, confirmed 1929. The felt is very soft and light with a unique box bow design for this style hat. It has an fantastic over welt curled brim. There is no tape at the sweatband seam and the non-reed sweatband is very finely stitched to the hat. There is a Point 5 size label at the sweatband seam which I don't believe I have seen before. What is great is it actually fits which is odd because Borsalino hats usually run small. I was afraid to pull back the sweatband but I did take a peak at the paper label and it has the Borsalino name finely printed on the left. The Berlin store / hat company (Max Eckard) that sold it did not survive WWII. The box is from a different Berlin hat store (Wilhelm Gaedke)that also didn't survive WWII. This isn't the hat I bid on but it so fantastic I can't complain. There were (are) a series of hats from an estate sale and the seller was very confusing to say the least.

 

Update: I checked the paper label behind the sweatband and the size is 5 1/2 Point.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Max Eckard Hutfabrik, Friedrichstrasse Ecke Leipzigerstrasse, Berlin (1909)

 

 

Max Eckard Spittelmarkt, Berlin, 1909

 

 

Coup on Spittelmarkt in Berlin - March 1920

 

 

This is the hat store / factory (didn't survive WWII) that sold the above Echter Borsalino.  I couldn't find anything else on Max Eckard.

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino, size Point 6 1/2, Mint condition, date stamped 17.5.29 (May 17, 1929). The felt is very soft / light weight with a unique box bow design for this style hat and also has a wind cord. It has an fantastic over welt curled brim and the non-reed sweatband is very finely stitched to the hat. I was able to take a photo of the paper label which has a hand written Point size and the words "Bismuto" (Bismuth) and "Sanboca"(?). The Berlin store / hat company (Max Eckard) that sold it did not survive WWII. The box is from a Berlin hat store (Philipp Neubauer Berlin)that survived WWII but not the locations listed (I have / had a few hats from this store). This a the same model / seller as the previous Point 5 1/2 size Max Eckard Echter Borsalino.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Continued.

 

I confirmed that the paper label is the same on the size 5 1/2 Point Max Eckard Echter Borsalino

 

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino, Point 5 1/2, 3 inch brim, very good condition, probably early 1950s but could be earlier. Very nice form and I really like the bow design.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino, 5 1/2 inch open crown, 2 1/2 inch brim, size 6 Point, very good condition, date stamped May 18, 1929. The felt is very soft / light weight with a unique very wide ribbon and bow design. It has an fantastic over welt that doesn't allow snapping. The sweatband and silk liner (unique color) are of the highest quality. I was able to take a photo of the paper label which has a hand written Point size and the words "Fico" and "Lama". The Berlin store / hat company (Max Eckard) that sold it did not survive WWII. The box is from a different Berlin hat store (Wilhelm Gaedke) that also didn't survive WWII. This hat is from the same seller as the Point 5 1/2 and Point 6 1/2 Max Eckard "Sanboca" Echter Borsalinos. All three hats are very special / rare finds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Continued.

 

 

 

Here are some photos open crown.

 

 

 

Close-up of the brim stitching. I had to snap the brim down to take the photo. The angled stitching is visible with brim up which causes an unusual effect where the welt edge looks like it has a saw tooth cut.

 

 

Natural Light

 

 

[habigman]

G.B.Borsalino Fu Lazzaro & C., size Point 5 (57cm), probably late 1920s early 30s. This was amazing Flea Market find my Manfred.

 

 

 

[habigman]

G.B.Borsalino Fu Lazzaro & C."ZENIT", from the Gotisches Haus (Gothic House) Bad Homburg

, Germany hat collection, probably late 1920s. It's a Point 5 1/2 / English Size 7 1/8 (58 cm, US Size 7 1/4). This hat was made for the German market and is in super condition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Open Crown

 

 

[habigman]

Continued.

 

Natural Light

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino from the Gotisches Haus (Gothic House) Bad Homburg, Germany hat collection, probably late 1920s early 1930s. It's a Point 5 1/2 size (58 cm, US Size 7 1/4). This hat was made for the German market and is in very good condition.

 

Gotischen Haus Hat Museum, Bad Homburg, Germany

 

https://www.bad-homburg.de/microsite/museum-gotisches-haus/museum_ausstellungen/Hutmuseum.php

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Open Crown

 

 

[habigman]

Continued.

 

Natural Light

 

 

 

 

 

Trying it on.

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino from the Gotisches Haus (Gothic House) Bad Homburg, Germany hat collection, probably late 1920s early 1930s. It's a size Point 6 1/2 size (60 cm, US Size 7 1/2). This hat was made for the German market and is in very good condition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Export Qualität Borsalino, size Point 6 probably late 1950s. Belongs to Anthony on the FL.

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Export Qualität Borsalino from the Gotisches Haus (Gothic House) Bad Homburg, Germany hat collection, probably latter 1950s. This hat was made for the German market and is in good condition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Echter / Export Qualität Borsalino from the Gotisches Haus (Gothic House) Bad Homburg, Germany hat collection, probably mid 1950s. This hat was made for the German market and is in good condition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Echter "Nutria" Borsalino from the Gotisches Haus (Gothic House) Bad Homburg, Germany hat collection, probably early to mid 1950s. This hat was made for the German market and is in very good condition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino, Point 7, probably late 1950s. This one was a Flea Market find by Manfred. Here are his notes.

Here are his notes. "This Export Borsalino in a mid gray - the sweatband was hard and loose on  some

points! The ribbon I create new because the Original ribbon had water Spots! A size 7" 

 

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino, Point 5, probably 1960s. This was a Flea Market find by Manfred.

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino, French Point 6, Date Stamped November 1952. This Homburg belongs to MeanEyeMatt on the FL.

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Deutsche Industrie-Ausstellung Berlin 1952, Haus Italien, Post Card

 

"Echter Borsalino" Exhibition with hats, boxes and medal display. This is a recent arrival I found while doing some random searching.

 

(Click On Photo To Expand)

 

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino "Gorasgu" "Amiata", Point 5, Crown Open 5 1/2 inches, Brim 2 inches, probably late 1930s and made for the German market. The felt is medium weight and very pliable.  There is a wind cord which is uniquely wrapped (see photo) with contrasting band and binding.  There is a separate paper size stamp and the main paper label has "Amiata, C. Nera, Gorasgu".  The hat is in mint condition and was sold by Ferdinand, Klan Hof i / B. (Bavaria).  

 

 

 

Unique wind cord wrapping. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[habigman]

Continued.

 

Open Crown

 

 

 

Natural Light.

 

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino "Gulaela" Export Qualität, French Point Size 6 1/2, Crown Open 5 1/2 inches, Brim 2 3/8 inches probably later 1950s. The overall condition is excellence. The medium weight "Pomice/Pumice" color felt is fantastic. It easily dry creases and has an fine hand. I didn't take a photo of the paper label but it doesn't have the vertical "Borsalino" on the left side. "Export Qualität" was added around the mid to later 1950s and "Echter Borsalino" was dropped in the early 1960s. "Export Qualität" remained in use until the mid 1980s but eventually fell out of use after the original Borsalino factory was closed and the company was sold.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Open Crown

 

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino "mLodola" "Nobelsca", French Point 4 1/2, possible late 1920s.  This amazing hat belongs to Garrett on the FL. 

Now belongs to Stefan on the FL.

[habigman]

Echter Borsilino "Qualità Superiore", French Point 5 1/2, possibly late 1930s early 1940s.  Unfortunately the Borsalino Paper Label is missing but the separate Size Stamp is present.  The Felt Finish is similar to Velour Soleil so shows a high amount of gloss and is very pliable so easily dry creases.  There is a mix of colors (you can see better in the Open Crown photos) that from a distance looks Stone Gray like. The Form and Dimensions fit the time period and place.  This is a great start to 2021. 

Paper Label missing but it has the separate Size stamp.

Specialhaus Globus Stamp

Open Crown

Natural Light

 

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino "Qualità Superiore" "Amiata" "C. Nero" "Gorasti", Size Tag Missing / measures 58cm, possibly late 1930s.  This is the first hat of a 9 hat find that took 2 1/2 months to arrive from Germany.  The Smooth Finish Felt is of a lighter weight and easily dry creases.  There is non elastic Wind Cord which is the type you find in this time period and prior.  The gray sweatband has a specialty finish I do not believe I have encountered before.  This hat was most likely sold in Eger / Cheb Czechoslovakia (prior to WWI Austria Hungary). 

Open Crown

Natural Light

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino "Qualità Superiore" "Caffè" "--" "Dragosti", FP 5, possibly late 1930s.  The smooth coffee colored Felt is of a medium weight and easily dry creases.  Medium width Ribbon with a sporty Bow design.  The condition is excellent and it still has the Eulan paper tag.  This hat was most likely sold in Eger / Cheb Czechoslovakia (prior to WWI Austria Hungary).

Eulan Tag

Open Crown

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino "Qualità Superiore" "Caffè" "--" "Dragosti", FP 5, possibly late 1930s. This is the 5th hat of a 9 hat find and the 2nd "Dragosti" in "Caffè". The smooth coffee colored Felt is of a medium weight and easily dry creases. Medium width Ribbon with a sporty Bow design.  This hat was most likely sold in Eger / Cheb Czechoslovakia (prior to WWI Austria Hungary).

Second Paper Label from the first Echter Borsalino "Qualità Superiore" "Caffè" "--" "Dragosti".

Paper Labels are exactly the same.

Open Crown

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino, "Qualità Superiore" "Idorsca" "Argento" "C. Nero", FP 7, date stamped July 17, 1941.  Has separate size label + date stamp so confirms time period. This great find + rare large size for time period belongs to Matt on the FL.

 

 

[habigman]

Echter Borsalino "Sandurbar", Point 6 1/2, Open Crown 16 cm 6 1/4 inches, Brim 7 cm 2 3/4 inches, possibly late 1920s early 1930s.  The "Ossido" color Felt is of medium weight, has a very soft hand and easily hand creases.  There was a Wind Cord at one time and the Crown Tip Patch is missing but there are some glue remnants. I searched  "Sandurbar" and it appears to be a port in the Western India State of Goa on the Arabian Sea.  I think the name is out dated because there were only a few mentions and they were from the early 1900s. 

Can see faint remnants of the Crown Tip Patch. 

The Paper Label is Type 1  but small in size 5 cm X 1 cm (top chopped off). 

Open Crown

Natural Light

I was able to locate the shop "F. W. Hammer" that sold the hat in the 1928 and 1929 Stuttgarter Adressbücher / Stuttgart Address Books.  There are no prior entries of the shop.  The shop is no longer under F. W. Hammer in 1930 and changes location to Tübingerstr. 1 in 1933.

Franz Hammer, Hat Shop, Stuttgart Tübingerstr. 3

1928  Stuttgarter Adressbuch / Stuttgart Address Book

1929 Adressbuch / Stuttgart Address Book

1930 Adressbuch / Stuttgart Address Book (Shop now under M. Feil)

1933 Adressbuch / Stuttgart Address Book (Now at Stuttgart Tübingerstr. 1)