The Bowler or Derby Hat

[Mean Eyed Matt]

Here again the "structure" of the sweatband - as with Steur's bowler.
And also the embossing of the edge with the "small strokes" is the same...
But that's more common, isn't it?
My Seidl doesn't have the slits and the ribbon, though.

 

[steur]

Stefan, Super! Haven't seen that type of sweatband before on an old Mayser Stiff Felt. Thank you for taking photos.

Stefan, super find this Mayser!
The whole design of the interior and especially the structure of the sweatband
(apart from the outer reed) reminds me very much of my bowler from Hut Seidl.
This leads me to the assumption that my bowler may also have been made by Mayser.
Steve has already exposed the link between Mayser and Seidl on his side:
https://germanaustrianhats.invisionzone.com/topic/244-hutfabrik-j-a-seidl-münchen/

My pleasure taking these shots. Never seen this type of sweat on a Mayser either. I'll try to take pictures of the interesting hats I don't buy more often. The similarities with the Seidl are striking.

 

[Edward]

I've always shyed away from the bowler, partly to do with them having very specific political connotations where I come from originally (a strong part of my desperately petit-bourgeousie upbringing was never to adorn onesself in anything making tribal political statements; sometimes old habits die hard. It's probably why I've never been much of a flag waver...). I have a couple of (vented-top, unlined, I think softer Summer version) black ones that I got for various costumes over the years, but the seeming cancellation of the brown one in Christys' wool felt range and the chance to pick up one at half price seemed too good to miss. Arrived today, and while I think I might need to steam it and give it a very tiny tweak 'in' at the sides to give it a fractionally better fit on my head (which a week or two of wear would doubtless achieve anyhow...), it's very nice. I did consider a size up, but I know that would in the long run be too large. Photos at some point, but it's interesting to me how a hat I have long avoided (though I think looks great on others) is transformed by a colour change. Halfway have my eye on a deep green one now, but let's see.

Only snag is I have to find some way of admitting to having bought itg at home before I cna wear it outside the office....

 

[Steve1857]

I've always shyed away from the bowler, partly to do with them having very specific political connotations where I come from originally (a strong part of my desperately petit-bourgeousie upbringing was never to adorn onesself in anything making tribal political statements; sometimes old habits die hard. It's probably why I've never been much of a flag waver...). I have a couple of (vented-top, unlined, I think softer Summer version) black ones that I got for various costumes over the years, but the seeming cancellation of the brown one in Christys' wool felt range and the chance to pick up one at half price seemed too good to miss. Arrived today, and while I think I might need to steam it and give it a very tiny tweak 'in' at the sides to give it a fractionally better fit on my head (which a week or two of wear would doubtless achieve anyhow...), it's very nice. I did consider a size up, but I know that would in the long run be too large. Photos at some point, but it's interesting to me how a hat I have long avoided (though I think looks great on others) is transformed by a colour change. Halfway have my eye on a deep green one now, but let's see.

Only snag is I have to find some way of admitting to having bought itg at home before I cna wear it outside the office....

Edward, looking forward to seeing your recent purchase. Let's reclaim the bowler for the people [emoji4]

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[mayserwegener]

Rehfus & Cie. "Zephyr" "Extra Extra Qualität", French Point 5 1/2. The condition is excellent so probably seldom worn. It came with an original shop Hat Case and Hat Brush. I am thinking post WWII but still uses Rehfus & Cie. and the 1950s Soft Felts used Rehfus Hutfabrikaten. Also the factory was heavily damaged + looted after WWII and didn't go back into production until 1951.

Original Hat Case from Hut Höfer Hagen Westfalen.

Hat Brush from Hut Höfer Hagen Westfalen.

 

[Steve1857]

Rehfus & Cie. "Zephyr" "Extra Extra Qualität", French Point 5 1/2. The condition is excellent so probably seldom worn. It came with an original shop Hat Case and Hat Brush. I am thinking post WWII but still uses Rehfus & Cie. and the 1950s Soft Felts used Rehfus Hutfabrikaten. Also the factory was heavily damaged + looted after WWII and didn't go back into production until 1951.

Original Hat Case from Hut Höfer Hagen Westfalen.

Hat Brush from Hut Höfer Hagen Westfalen.

That is a beauty, Steve. Pristine looking indeed. The case and brush are an excellent added plus.

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[mayserwegener]

That is a beauty, Steve. Pristine looking indeed. The case and brush are an excellent added plus.

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Steve, Thanks!

 

[Rmccamey]

A Kaller derby. As I recall from my mentor, Stefan, this is probably a 50's model from Kaller, a Swiss manufacturer. Please update and/or correct me if anyone has additional information. Thanks.

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[M Hatman]

A Kaller derby. As I recall from my mentor, Stefan, this is probably a 50's model from Kaller, a Swiss manufacturer. Please update and/or correct me if anyone has additional information. Thanks.

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You pull that hat off nicely sir!
Reminds me of these guys from my collection.....

M

 

[Rmccamey]

Great photos, thanks for sharing.

You pull that hat off nicely sir!
Reminds me of these guys from my collection.....
View attachment 194380
M

 

[Steve1857]

A Kaller derby. As I recall from my mentor, Stefan, this is probably a 50's model from Kaller, a Swiss manufacturer. Please update and/or correct me if anyone has additional information. Thanks.

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You're rocking the Bowler look again, Randy. Looks super on you.

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[Rmccamey]

I like it, Steve, and I've had more complements on it in two or three outings than with any of my other hats.

 

[Steve1857]

I bet, Randy. 70+ years back Bowlers were ubiquitous. That's why Magritte believed he could be invisible in one. Today, they're so unusual to see that they and the wearer stand out in a crowd. You wear yours with great aplomb my friend and deserve all the compliments you and your Kaller get [emoji145]

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[Rmccamey]

You are too kind, Steve. Thanks.

I bet, Randy. 70+ years back Bowlers were ubiquitous. That's why Magritte believed he could be invisible in one. Today, they're so unusual to see that they and the wearer stand out in a crowd. You wear yours with great aplomb my friend and deserve all the compliments you and your Kaller get [emoji145]

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[hatsRme]

I like it, Steve, and I've had more complements on it in two or three outings than with any of my other hats.

Understandable! You have one of the most fitting looks for a derby today, IMO. Some guys look like a cartoon in them, but you can wear one with authority. Seriously. Well done!!!

 

[Rmccamey]

Oh my, thank you for the kind words! I'm encouraged to wear it even more now.

Understandable! You have one of the most fitting looks for a derby today, IMO. Some guys look like a cartoon in them, but you can wear one with authority. Seriously. Well done!!!

 

[mayserwegener]

Ludwig Skrivanek Graz, Hutfabrikation, no paper label, measures 58 cm, Wool or Wool - Fur, possibly early to 1930s. I had no idea from the photos that the felt was a melange of colors. Also that it had an intact wind cord. I do not have any information on the production capabilities of Ludwig Skrivanek Graz Hutfabrikation. Anton and Josef Pichler were the famous Graz Hat companies but I was very happy to find this less known company. I have to say this Stiff Felt is already one of my favorites.

Typical Loop Wind Cord

 

[Rmccamey]

Cool liner. Are wind cords rare on derbys?

Ludwig Skrivanek Graz, Hutfabrikation, no paper label, measures 58 cm, Wool or Wool - Fur, possibly early to 1930s. I had no idea from the photos that the felt was a melange of colors. Also that it had an intact wind cord. I do not have any information on the production capabilities of Ludwig Skrivanek Graz Hutfabrikation. Anton and Josef Pichler were the famous Graz Hat companies but I was very happy to find this less known company. I have to say this Stiff Felt is already one of my favorites.

Typical Loop Wind Cord

 

[mayserwegener]

Cool liner. Are wind cords rare on derbys?

Randy, Thank you! I have a few old German and Austrian Stiff Felts with wind cords (some damaged). They all have loops without buttons that are similar to the one on this hat. I don't believe I have encountered a pre WWII European Stiff or Soft Felt Hat with a button + loop wind cord (only loops).

 

[M Hatman]

Ludwig Skrivanek Graz, Hutfabrikation, no paper label, measures 58 cm, Wool or Wool - Fur, possibly early to 1930s. I had no idea from the photos that the felt was a melange of colors. Also that it had an intact wind cord. I do not have any information on the production capabilities of Ludwig Skrivanek Graz Hutfabrikation. Anton and Josef Pichler were the famous Graz Hat companies but I was very happy to find this less known company. I have to say this Stiff Felt is already one of my favorites.

Typical Loop Wind Cord

Can I like this one twice???? Really good find!!!! You really stay on that roll!!!!!!