The Bowler or Derby Hat

[alanfgag]

A private label derby made for Concord, NH clothier Brown & Batchelder. Deeply scooped curl, 4 1/2" crown with very little bell, 1 1/2" ribbon without bow. Maker (union shop) is unknown. Lovely soft peach fuzz finish - 4 oz. weight. The previous owner (label), a lifelong resident of Chichester, NH died in 2012 at 92. 1910 or thereabouts.

 

[bowlerman]

Bravo!!!

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk 2

 

[ManofKent]

That's a stunner - Alan.

 

[TheDane]

That's a stunner - Alan.

:arated: What a brim! I also like the WAR-look - rarely seen on a bowler. Or is it infact a FAR ("F" as in "FAT")?

 

[alanfgag]

Thanks very much! The ribbon does seem unusual in its width, Ole... at least amongst the survivors that we see.

 

[TheDane]

Also a rare binding (as usual, I may be complete wrong!). At least I haven't seen a binding on a bowler or homburg, that was "open" on the upper side of the brim. All, I have seen, have been folded over the seam and (on bowlers) hand-stitched on the underside. In any case ... as beautiful a survivor, as they come!

 

[alanfgag]

Also a rare binding (as usual, I may be complete wrong!).

I think you are right... the only example of this construction that I have handled.

 

[alanfgag]

Link to a comparison of 5 derbies/bowlers in the Side By Side thread.

 

[Garrett]

I think you are right... the only example of this construction that I have handled.

This binding style is commonly found on late 19th century toppers and bowlers. As to the ribbon width - I'm thinking mourning band (not always made of silk) given the width and stitch style (without bow). Having said that, usually the mourning bands are adorned OVER the regular ribbon and bow. So...still a mystery

 

[alanfgag]

This binding style is commonly found on late 19th century toppers and bowlers. As to the ribbon width - I'm thinking mourning band (not always made of silk) given the width and stitch style (without bow). Having said that, usually the mourning bands are adorned OVER the regular ribbon and bow. So...still a mystery

I have definite shortage of late 19th century hats for comparison... note to self to fix that. Concur on the mourning band as a temporary addition and usually covering a large portion of the crown (at least on top hats - less familiar with the use on bowlers).

 

[Brad Bowers]

Garrett beat me to it. We've seen examples of this before, just not very often.

Brad

 

[TheDane]

This binding style is commonly found on late 19th century toppers and bowlers.

Just to be sure: Are we talking about the same thing? This binding is sewn somewhat like "B" in the illustration below. The one I'm used to seeing is sewn like "A":

 

[Denton]

What a sweet hat, Alan! If the ribbon had a bow, no one would be able to see it with the brim so high on the sides. What's most interesting to me is that the proportions seem well balanced even though the crown is short and the brim is folded in. Somehow the design works; the effect isn't overly compact.

 

[Strapped-4-Cache]

I shared this on the "What hat are you wearing" thread, but thought it was worth posting here as well. Our dance instructor posed for a shot last night when we both were wearing bowlers. I don't run into another person wearing a bowler very often (well, at all), so I asked to get a picture.

 

[mrwilmoth]

New Stetson Derby


I was not that happy with the shape of the crown on the derby so I returned it, I wish they would do a traditional style derby!

 

[ManofKent]

Christys are probably your best bet for a current production bowler with a traditional crown: http://www.christys-hats.com/Fur-Standard-Bowler-Derby-p/cst100002.htm

 

[mrwilmoth]

Thanks I have owned a Christys before!

 

[ofcoursemyhorse]

I had a similar bowler in a darker shade of brown that was unfortunately a bit too small for me, which is now in Garret's lovely collection. It's without a doubt one of the more stunning bowlers i've ever had the privilege of seeing in person. When I saw this one pop up in my size I had to go for it.

 

[splintercellsz]

Very nice color on that one! Great find!!!

 

[ofcoursemyhorse]

Very nice color on that one! Great find!!!

Thank you very kindly sir, I almost did a double take when I saw this one show up in the 'bay. Now I just have to keep my fingers crossed it makes its way safe and sound from Italy.