The Bowler or Derby Hat

[mayserwegener]

Alois Pichler Wien, measures 58 cm, 143 grams possibly early 1930s. I think it's Fur Felt but might have a small Wool content. I couldn't find a paper label and nothing points to a specific hat company. I am not aware of A.P.W. having a production facility so probably sourced. There is a wide fabric Band behind the main Band that I assume was a later add on that is permanently applied. I am not sure what it is for so I am checking with the seller to see if they have any information. The black Liner with gold A.P.W. mark really stands out.

Alois Pichler Wien waxed Paper Bag "Pichler Hüte Sind Weltbekannt / Pichler Hats Are World Famous" that this Stiff Felt was wrapped so probably original.

 

[Rmccamey]

Another beauty. One picture shows a blue cast to the felt. A deep blue bowler would be something! It is probably just my monitor or visual "distortion" from the blue liner.

Alois Pichler Wien, measures 58 cm, 143 grams possibly early 1930s. I think it's Fur Felt but might have a small Wool content. I couldn't find a paper label and nothing points to a specific hat company. I am not aware of A.P.W. having a production facility so probably sourced. There is a wide fabric Band behind the main Band that I assume was a later add on that is permanently applied. I am not sure what it is for so I am checking with the seller to see if they have any information. The black Liner with gold A.P.W. mark really stands out.

Alois Pichler Wien waxed Paper Bag "Pichler Hüte Sind Weltbekannt / Pichler Hats Are World Famous" that this Stiff Felt was wrapped so probably original.

 

[Steve1857]

Alois Pichler Wien, measures 58 cm, 143 grams possibly early 1930s. I think it's Fur Felt but might have a small Wool content. I couldn't find a paper label and nothing points to a specific hat company. I am not aware of A.P.W. having a production facility so probably sourced. There is a wide fabric Band behind the main Band that I assume was a later add on that is permanently applied. I am not sure what it is for so I am checking with the seller to see if they have any information. The black Liner with gold A.P.W. mark really stands out.

Alois Pichler Wien waxed Paper Bag "Pichler Hüte Sind Weltbekannt / Pichler Hats Are World Famous" that this Stiff Felt was wrapped so probably original.

A wonderful new addition, Steve.

The added band is an oddity. As you mention in another thread, it does look similar to those you see on a Top Hat. Why someone would add one to a Bowler is a mystery.

The paper bag is the icing on the cake. Congrats.

 

[mayserwegener]

Another beauty. One picture shows a blue cast to the felt. A deep blue bowler would be something! It is probably just my monitor or visual "distortion" from the blue liner.

Randy, Thank you! The felt and liner are black so a photo color issue. The close up of the gold A.P.W. mark is the correct color of the liner.

 

[mayserwegener]

A wonderful new addition, Steve.

The added band is an oddity. As you mention in another thread, it does look similar to those you see on a Top Hat. Why someone would add one to a Bowler is a mystery.

The paper bag is the icing on the cake. Congrats.

Steve, Thanks! I agree about the add on Band. The seller is checking with her family to see if they know anything.

 

[steur]

Alois Pichler Wien, measures 58 cm, 143 grams possibly early 1930s. I think it's Fur Felt but might have a small Wool content. I couldn't find a paper label and nothing points to a specific hat company. I am not aware of A.P.W. having a production facility so probably sourced. There is a wide fabric Band behind the main Band that I assume was a later add on that is permanently applied. I am not sure what it is for so I am checking with the seller to see if they have any information. The black Liner with gold A.P.W. mark really stands out.

Alois Pichler Wien waxed Paper Bag "Pichler Hüte Sind Weltbekannt / Pichler Hats Are World Famous" that this Stiff Felt was wrapped so probably original.

Great find, Steve. The liner really stands out. Could it be that the ribbon is a replacement that was sewn over a mourning band by mistake? I have a bowler that has a mourning band, so it isn't something unique to top hats.

 

[mayserwegener]

Great find, Steve. The liner really stands out. Could it be that the ribbon is a replacement that was sewn over a mourning band by mistake? I have a bowler that has a mourning band, so it isn't something unique to top hats.

Stefan, Thanks! I am aware mourning bands are not just on Top Hats. In this case I am certain the wider fabric Band was added later in it's present form. It doesn't go all the way down to the edge of the Brim. Also it's not evenly applied. The main band is professional applied. It's possible the mourning band (assuming that is what it is) was tucked under the main band at a later time. I mentioned this previously in the German - Austrian thread.

 

[PanosChris]

Great find, Steve. The liner really stands out. Could it be that the ribbon is a replacement that was sewn over a mourning band by mistake? I have a bowler that has a mourning band, so it isn't something unique to top hats.

Perhaps even on Homburgs/Lords sometimes? Auction pic

 

[mayserwegener]

Perhaps even on Homburgs/Lords sometimes? Auction pic
View attachment 468567

This is as expected for a mourning band. Mourning bands are placed over the the original Band and not stitched which I mentioned in the German - Austrian thread. In this case the fabric band (could be a mourning band) was placed (in a uneven manner) behind the original band.

 

[mayserwegener]

Max Förster "Marke Förster", Wool, 57 cm, 144 grams possibly 1930s. Max Förster Altenburg (Thüringen) was a major hat factory up to WWII. (Altenburg was a hat making center.) I only have one other Max Förster and it's a Wool Soft Felt so happy to have found this Stiff Felt. The seller of this Stiff Felt is located in Altenburg.

 

[mayserwegener]

Berlin - Gubener Hutfabrik, BGH, "Aquila", Wool, 57 cm possibly WWI era. There is only one other BGH on the FL and it's also an "Aquila" Stiff Felt although I believe it's later. Luckily some of the paper label is still present. It's my feeling that BGH was the source of much of the early 1940s and earlier no company mark Wool Stiff and Soft Felt Hats.

 

[Rmccamey]

You keep teasing me with these great bowlers, Steve. I may have to put you on my vacation schedule this year so I can see your entire collection!

Max Förster "Marke Förster", Wool, 57 cm, 144 grams possibly 1930s. Max Förster Altenburg (Thüringen) was a major hat factory up to WWII. (Altenburg was a hat making center.) I only have one other Max Förster and it's a Wool Soft Felt so happy to have found this Stiff Felt. The seller of this Stiff Felt is located in Altenburg.

Berlin - Gubener Hutfabrik, BGH, "Aquila", Wool, 57 cm possibly WWI era. There is only one other BGH on the FL and it's also an "Aquila" Stiff Felt although I believe it's later. Luckily some of the paper label is still present. It's my feeling that BGH was the source of much of the early 1940s and earlier no company mark Wool Stiff and Soft Felt Hats.

 

[mayserwegener]

You keep teasing me with these great bowlers, Steve. I may have to put you on my vacation schedule this year so I can see your entire collection!

Randy, Thanks! Look forward to your visit.

 

[mayserwegener]

Lital Hutfabrik Wien, "Paris Grand Prix", Wool, 56 cm possibly late 1920s. I found this Stiff Felt for the Great Grand Daughters of the owner of Lital Hutfabrik Wien, Sigmund Lichtenthal. A very pleasing overall Form. The black Liner with Gold print is striking. The light gray Sweatband creates a interesting contrast. Very good condition with the original external size stamp. No paper label present.

There is more info on Lital Hutfabrik Wien on my website.

https://germanaustrianhats.invisionzone.com/topic/261-lital-hute-vienna/#comment-3269

 

[steur]

Lital Hutfabrik Wien, "Paris Grand Prix", Wool, 56 cm possibly late 1920s. I found this Stiff Felt for the Great Grand Daughters of the owner of Lital Hutfabrik Wien, Sigmund Lichtenthal. A very pleasing overall Form. The black Liner with Gold print is striking. The light gray Sweatband creates a interesting contrast. Very good condition with the original external size stamp. No paper label present.

There is more info on Lital Hutfabrik Wien on my website.

https://germanaustrianhats.invisionzone.com/topic/261-lital-hute-vienna/#comment-3269

Great looking hat with an outstanding liner. Super find, Steve.

 

[mayserwegener]

Great looking hat with an outstanding liner. Super find, Steve.

Stefan, Thank you!

 

[Rmccamey]

Another beauty.

Lital Hutfabrik Wien, "Paris Grand Prix", Wool, 56 cm possibly late 1920s. I found this Stiff Felt for the Great Grand Daughters of the owner of Lital Hutfabrik Wien, Sigmund Lichtenthal. A very pleasing overall Form. The black Liner with Gold print is striking. The light gray Sweatband creates a interesting contrast. Very good condition with the original external size stamp. No paper label present.

There is more info on Lital Hutfabrik Wien on my website.

https://germanaustrianhats.invisionzone.com/topic/261-lital-hute-vienna/#comment-3269

 

[mayserwegener]

Another beauty.

Randy, Thank you! First Lital I have touched.

 

[mayserwegener]

Rehfus & Cie. Kehl - Rhein "Paradox", FP 5, possibly late 1930s. I really like the form of this Stiff Felt and it's in great condition. Dense black Felt with a very nice smooth finish. According to the the seller this Stiff Felt belonged to a traveling classical musician that was born in 1882 and it was stored away in his travel trunk.

 

[Steve1857]

Rehfus & Cie. Kehl - Rhein "Paradox", FP 5, possibly late 1930s. I really like the form of this Stiff Felt and it's in great condition. Dense black Felt with a very nice smooth finish. According to the the seller this Stiff Felt belonged to a traveling classical musician that was born in 1882 and it was stored away in his travel trunk.

Super find, Steve.

Flensburg is right on the border between Denmark and Germany. It used to be a part of Denmark and therefore a Danish town, but after the 1864 war between the two countries, it became a part of Germany.

In 1922, it almost became a part of Denmark again, but the citizens of the area Flensburg lies in voted for it to remain in Germany.

Wish I had more on the establishment your Bowler was sold in.