The Bowler or Derby Hat

[Shane Fraser]

Definitely need photos (front and side view, liner logo, sweatband logo, paper label behind sweatband).

Hello I love your beaver skin bowler hat. Do you want to sell it?








So this one is a bit odd. It doesn't appear to have been converted from a top hat to bowler. But its very clearly two different colors of silk plush or beaver fur. the bottom is a dark brown, the top is more often seen black. It looks like it was repaired at some point by someone other than Dunlap.

Whats also strange is that the construction seems far more delicate than what would be needed for an equestrian derby. This would provide very little head protection.

Aside from that it's in wonderful condition considering its age. It is a small size, but after wearing it out and about I feel like this was meant to be worn on the very top of the head. I don't think i've gotten more compliments on a hat than this one.[/QUOTE]

How was I supposed to resist this?











How was I supposed to resist this?

 

[mayserwegener]

This one belongs to ofcoursemyhorse. It's definitely Silk Plush and appears to made for some kind of equestrian purpose. I would suggest sending ofcoursemyhorse a PM.

 

[ofcoursemyhorse]

Its incredibly small in size, unless you're a 6 5/8 it probably wouldnt fit you, beyond that its one of the highlights of my collection. Just keep your eyes peeled on ebay and another may just pop up sometime.

 

[Shane Fraser]

How was I supposed to resist this?
Love your beaver skin bowler hat. Do you want to sell it? If so, how much? Kind regards Shane











How was I supposed to resist this?

 

[Shane Fraser]

Hello Love the beaver skin bowler hat. Do you want to sell it? If so how much? Kind regards Shane







So this one is a bit odd. It doesn't appear to have been converted from a top hat to bowler. But its very clearly two different colors of silk plush or beaver fur. the bottom is a dark brown, the top is more often seen black. It looks like it was repaired at some point by someone other than Dunlap.

Whats also strange is that the construction seems far more delicate than what would be needed for an equestrian derby. This would provide very little head protection.

Aside from that it's in wonderful condition considering its age. It is a small size, but after wearing it out and about I feel like this was meant to be worn on the very top of the head. I don't think i've gotten more compliments on a hat than this one.

 

[1mach1]

The first, second and third rows were added since my last update on 02/15/2015.

Now that is a collection of bowler and derby hats! Nice!

 

[mayserwegener]

Harv, Thanks! I still have most of them.

 

[TheManInTheHat]

I have a bunch of Bowlers of different weight, height and color. Most are British brands like Lock, Tress, Dunn, Telford. I don't own any US or European examples yet, which is why I find this thread so intriguing.

I often wear them in cooler weather here in Hong Kong. Some are vintage and others brand new, including a beautiful, grey Lock & Co which I bought last year in London, fulfilling a long-held ambition. One particular favorite is a Dunn & Co Perfectus, which is super lightweight and has excellent venting all around. I will post pics of some of these.

I find the first moment I put on the Bowler each year is the only time I feel self-conscious. They are fantastic, practical hats, always look cool and never blow off the head even in a typhoon! I tend to wear them with jeans and pullovers, I don't go so much for the dandy look. And at every opportunity, I encourage other guys to wear them!

 

[TheManInTheHat]

Bowlers. It's complicated...

 

[TheManInTheHat]

Visiting Lock Hatters. The last pic here is the Cambridge, as worn by Churchill and Oddjob (I didn't buy one though).

 

[mayserwegener]

Super!

By the way what did Locke do with the Formillon? Did they steam the outer edge (around the band) or was the hat not very stiff so it self conformed?

 

[TheManInTheHat]

The hat is very stiff! So it had to be conformed. They use the conformateur for every hard hat sale ie bowlers and toppers, which they still manufacture (although probably not all in uk). It's their "thing". So they go through the ritual of measuring your head and then take your chosen hat to their workroom and steam the crown. When it comes back, it's yours!

Having said this, I actually found it fitted me too perfectly, so I eventually reshaped it myself. Needs a lot of steam.

 

[TheManInTheHat]

The brilliant Dunn & Co 'Perfectus'. It weighs just 45 grams!

 

[TheManInTheHat]

I mistyped the weight! It's 145grams. Still significantly lighter than any other Bowler I've ever seen.

 

[mayserwegener]

The hat is very stiff! So it had to be conformed. They use the conformateur for every hard hat sale ie bowlers and toppers, which they still manufacture (although probably not all in uk). It's their "thing". So they go through the ritual of measuring your head and then take your chosen hat to their workroom and steam the crown. When it comes back, it's yours!

Having said this, I actually found it fitted me too perfectly, so I eventually reshaped it myself. Needs a lot of steam.

Thank you for the calcification regarding the stiffness. Historically Formillion were used for Stiff Felts (and Top Hats) and not Soft Felts (because in most cases they lack the stiffness). I just received a good example of a conformed C.G. Wilke Stiff Felt that I will post shortly.

 

[mayserwegener]

The brilliant Dunn & Co 'Perfectus'. It weighs just 45 grams!

Fantastic! Lot of vents!

 

[TheManInTheHat]

Dunn & Co brownish black Bowler with a rather low crown. Split sweatband otherwise great condition. I wear this one a lot.

 

[TheManInTheHat]

Vintage Lock & Co Equestrian Bowler. Hot and heavy. Could probably take the weight of Edward Coke himself

 

[TheManInTheHat]

Vintage Thomas Townend. There is something extraordinary about the way this hat fits. Instantly becomes your best friend. If you see one, please try it!

 

[TheManInTheHat]

My new Lock & Co high-end gray Bowler, plus complimentary gold lettering - is that to prove it's mine amid an imagined sea of Bowlers covering every head in England? Maybe...

It's a cool hat. I love it.