bowler ribbon question...

[Lorne]

Hello All,

I happened into a Bowler hat. It was the right size, the felt was in excellent condition and it was, well, a hat...

The only problem with it is the sweat band needs to be sewn back in (Salmagundi, you reading this?), and the ribbon around the brim could be replaced.

My real questions pertains to the ribbon around the crown of the hat. It looks like the ends of the bow are frayed. I've noticed several vintage bowlers with similarly frayed bows and I'm wonder if they age that way or it was the style at the time?

Anyone know?

 

[TheDane]

Two threads to check out: Derby Deconstruction and Frayed Bows

 

[John Galt]

Yes. This was done intentionally to show the quality of the grosgrain ribbon, which did not fray away to nothing. The 45 degree angle cut was popular through the 20's as far as I can tell.


"Faint hat never won fair lady."