Money well spent, Joe. It wears its scars with pride I'd say.
Mallory Century Derby/Bowler
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Mallory Century Derby/Bowler
5 inch crown
1 1/8 grosgrain ribbon
2 1/8 front 1 7/8 side bound brim to curl
140 grams
This may be about the most well spent $3.95 I have made. This Mallory Century Derby I am estimating to be from about 1929 to 1934 based on its logo design and United Hatters of North America tag. If anyone has any more insight let me know. The sellers photos clear showed it a bit worse the wear, being quite dirty and it’s sweat band half way torn out and frayed brim binding... so as expected... that was how it arrived. A very heavy brushing, tape patting, finger nail scratching and serious lint rollering cleaned the felt up nicely. For now I reattached the sweatband using some gorilla tape and it seems to be working nicely. It actually fits like a glove... as long as it’s perfectly straight. Which I imagine is the case with most firm felts like these. I was surprised to see it weighs in at 140 grams... as when it came out of the box... the first thing I noticed is it felt light as air in my hands. So I guess it’s a fit trim 140 grams. In comparison my other bowler is a Cavanagh equestrian bowler which tips the scales at about 280g twice the weight of this one. I really love the shape and profile as well as it’s nice tight brim curl. The frayed brim binding to me gives it some character and I’m keen to leave it as is. I believe I’ll be wearing this as a casual grab a beer derby in honor @Hurricane Jack style... if he doesn’t mind.
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