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The Bowler or Derby Hat

Slim Portly

One Too Many
Messages
1,283
Location
Las Vegas
Crane's said:
I wear mine out all the time. It just fits with my lifestyle.
Indeed, I wear my derbies regularly, and I dare say that, in my humble opinion, I resemble neither a comedic actor not a butcher. I'm happy to let others make the final judgment.

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Crane's

Familiar Face
Messages
54
Location
Williamsburg, MO
Slim, you look great. You're the business tycoon and I'm the carpenter. Stark contrasts yet the hat works for both of us just like it did at the turn of the century. So what's really changed when it comes down to it? I say nothing. The derby is the great American hat and will be for some time.
 

Slim Portly

One Too Many
Messages
1,283
Location
Las Vegas
Verily. I am always complimented on mine. And I'm pleased to say that I ordered another derby just yesterday. The derby is not a costume piece or an anachronism. It is a great hat to be worn with pride, and perhaps a bit of attitude.
 

just_me

Practically Family
Messages
723
Location
Florida
Thanks for the welcome Jay. I started reading this board to find out more about some fedoras and newsboy caps my father gave me many years ago. Found the board so interesting I've stuck around.

Just to keep this Derby related, I was in a tack store today and saw a derby on the rack. The outside looked like a derby, but the inside was harder. Closer to a helmet.
 

carter

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,921
Location
Corsicana, TX
just_me said:
Thanks for the welcome Jay. I started reading this board to find out more about some fedoras and newsboy caps my father gave me many years ago. Found the board so interesting I've stuck around.

Just to keep this Derby related, I was in a tack store today and saw a derby on the rack. The outside looked like a derby, but the inside was harder. Closer to a helmet.

just_me, When we consider that the original purpose of the bowler was "... in order to protect the head from low tree branches for gamekeepers while they rode on horseback", the derby you saw in that tack shop may be closer in purpose to the original iterations than many that followed. The derby changed as the needs of the wearers changed. The form may have remained essentially the same but the function changed when the hat became more fashionable than utilitarian in use. A modern derby would not likely be referred to as an "iron hat" unless it was one like you saw in that tack shop.
 

Levallois

Practically Family
Messages
676
Slim,

I love to wear my derby but I can't hold a candle to you when it comes to pure style.

John
 

GWD

One Too Many
Messages
1,642
Location
Evergreen, Co
Just arrived today

The Stetson Standard Quality "Exclusive John Wanamaker " Bowler

Based on the liner I'm guessing this hat was made in the 1930's, but it looks like it just came off the showroom floor.

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Slim Portly

One Too Many
Messages
1,283
Location
Las Vegas
GWD said:
The Stetson Standard Quality "Exclusive John Wanamaker " Bowler

Based on the liner I'm guessing this hat was made in the 1930's, but it looks like it just came off the showroom floor.
Bravo, sir. That hat is exquisite.
 

carter

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,921
Location
Corsicana, TX
WOW!

GWD, That John Wannamaker by Stetson is beautiful! Looks like it just came out of the box. Any chance of seeing it in action?

Slim Portly, You have absolutely nailed the look. Are you certain that you are not an escapee from the Deadwood shooting lot?
:)
 

indycop

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,325
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Slim Portly said:
Indeed, I wear my derbies regularly, and I dare say that, in my humble opinion, I resemble neither a comedic actor not a butcher. I'm happy to let others make the final judgment.

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I agree you need a derringer and a sixgun with this look!:D
 

carter

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,921
Location
Corsicana, TX
A few images from Deadwood

Not exactly svelte but he's wearing a derby
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A long way from Bladerunner
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A daily derby afficinado
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This guy's a ringer! He's not in the series.
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It's the fella on the left.
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carter

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,921
Location
Corsicana, TX
How the West was ...

Two derbys and a nice selection of hats! You just gave me a great idea for Halloween and a photo op! :D
 

Stetsonian

New in Town
Messages
30
Location
Brazil, Indiana
Nice GWD!

GWD said:
The Stetson Standard Quality "Exclusive John Wanamaker " Bowler

Based on the liner I'm guessing this hat was made in the 1930's, but it looks like it just came off the showroom floor.

That bowler looks beautiful and is super clean!.......
 

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