The Bowler or Derby Hat

[The Hatted Professor]

I haven’t bought hats off the ‘Bay for a while but decided to go for this one. I have Cavanagh Derbies but only one in my size, so now I have two. Both are from the ‘40s.

However, this one is rather musty and looks like mold or something on the sweatband. The photos didn’t really show this or the foxing on the liner. But the felt and silk ribbon and binding and pristine. The leather is dry so will not survive my sweaty head long. I’ll end up having to replace it.

 

[Rmccamey]

A real beauty, Brad.

I haven’t bought hats off the ‘Bay for a while but decided to go for this one. I have Cavanagh Derbies but only one in my size, so now I have two. Both are from the ‘40s. View attachment 616037 View attachment 616038 View attachment 616039 View attachment 616040 View attachment 616041 View attachment 616042 View attachment 616043 However, this one is rather musty and looks like mold or something on the sweatband. The photos didn’t really show this or the foxing on the liner. But the felt and silk ribbon and binding and pristine. The leather is dry so will not survive my sweaty head long. I’ll end up having to replace it.

 

[Daniele Tanto]

My problematic relationship with bowler hats continues.

I honestly have to say that when I saw it on sale I had no doubts despite the size and my little love for this type of hat.

I have some doubts about its origin because it is a masterfully made bowler hat despite having the lining with the "Cabella" brand, a well-known shop in Milan that still exists at the same address.

The lining is held in place by old pieces of ribbon and I found the word "Stylish" on other Italian hats from the 1920s and 1930s.

My questions about its origins aside, it is one of the best bowler hats I have found in my search for elegant or distinctive hats. It is light and beautifully built.

The cambered brims are perfect and curled with perfection and are 5 centimeters, the crown is 11 centimeters at its maximum.

Felt is a mixture of wool and fur, this makes me think it is "ancient".

The size as specified is 5 or 57 centimetres.

One of the best bowlers I've had in my hands.

 

[Rmccamey]

Bravo, Daniele!

My problematic relationship with bowler hats continues.

I honestly have to say that when I saw it on sale I had no doubts despite the size and my little love for this type of hat.

I have some doubts about its origin because it is a masterfully made bowler hat despite having the lining with the "Cabella" brand, a well-known shop in Milan that still exists at the same address.

The lining is held in place by old pieces of ribbon and I found the word "Stylish" on other Italian hats from the 1920s and 1930s.

My questions about its origins aside, it is one of the best bowler hats I have found in my search for elegant or distinctive hats. It is light and beautifully built.

The cambered brims are perfect and curled with perfection and are 5 centimeters, the crown is 11 centimeters at its maximum.

Felt is a mixture of wool and fur, this makes me think it is "ancient".

The size as specified is 5 or 57 centimetres.

One of the best bowlers I've had in my hands.

 

[Steve1857]

My problematic relationship with bowler hats continues.

I honestly have to say that when I saw it on sale I had no doubts despite the size and my little love for this type of hat.

I have some doubts about its origin because it is a masterfully made bowler hat despite having the lining with the "Cabella" brand, a well-known shop in Milan that still exists at the same address.

The lining is held in place by old pieces of ribbon and I found the word "Stylish" on other Italian hats from the 1920s and 1930s.

My questions about its origins aside, it is one of the best bowler hats I have found in my search for elegant or distinctive hats. It is light and beautifully built.

The cambered brims are perfect and curled with perfection and are 5 centimeters, the crown is 11 centimeters at its maximum.

Felt is a mixture of wool and fur, this makes me think it is "ancient".

The size as specified is 5 or 57 centimetres.

One of the best bowlers I've had in my hands.

A lovely find, Daniele. I can understand why you just couldn't resist buying that one.

 

[TimmyV]

This beauty just arrived at my doorstep this afternoon. Knox Super Fine Derby in Brown. Like both my other hats from Knox, this one seems well made, with attention to detail. The fit is just right for my old head too !

 

[Rmccamey]

Nice to see another brown derby.

This beauty just arrived at my doorstep this afternoon. Knox Super Fine Derby in Brown. Like both my other hats from Knox, this one seems well made, with attention to detail. The fit is just right for my old head too ! View attachment 617201 View attachment 617202 View attachment 617203 View attachment 617204

 

[M Hatman]

Sometimes a 50's Cavanagh "A Posse Ad Esse" box (Latin: "From possibility to actuality"), has a wonderful additional meaning of the possible, especially when it contains 1930's Stetson.

And it is a nice, super clean example, which importantly for me, is in my size.

Wonderful rolled edge supple sweat:

Sold in Chicago:

Sold for $7.50

Cannot make out the Lot Number......

Does have a nice clean duplication number stamped on the sweat. Matches the orange tag number.

Bow detail:

This one fits well.....and dare I say don't come much cleaner or nicer than this one.

This hat was found fairly locally in the wild! Those Marketplace/Classified apps/listings can be a good friend sometimes....

 

[Steve1857]

Sometimes a 50's Cavanagh "A Posse Ad Esse" box (Latin: "From possibility to actuality"), has a wonderful additional meaning of the possible, especially when it contains 1930's Stetson.

And it is a nice, super clean example, which importantly for me, is in my size.

View attachment 617712 View attachment 617714
Wonderful rolled edge supple sweat:
View attachment 617717
Sold in Chicago:
View attachment 617716
Sold for $7.50
View attachment 617718
Cannot make out the Lot Number......
View attachment 617719
Does have a nice clean duplication number stamped on the sweat. Matches the orange tag number.
View attachment 617721
Bow detail:
View attachment 617722
This one fits well.....and dare I say don't come much cleaner or nicer than this one.

View attachment 617723
This hat was found fairly locally in the wild! Those Marketplace/Classified apps/listings can be a good friend sometimes....

Wow! Fantastic find, Mark. Congrats!

 

[GLewis]

Here are a few new pics of the brown Dorfman-Pacific Derby. This morning I gave it my best shot at reshaping the brim with a little steam . Looks better to my untrained eye already ! View attachment 615910 View attachment 615911 View attachment 615912

That’s really nice! How high is the crown?

 

[CRH]

Sometimes a 50's Cavanagh "A Posse Ad Esse" box (Latin: "From possibility to actuality"), has a wonderful additional meaning of the possible, especially when it contains 1930's Stetson.

And it is a nice, super clean example, which importantly for me, is in my size.

View attachment 617712 View attachment 617714
Wonderful rolled edge supple sweat:
View attachment 617717
Sold in Chicago:
View attachment 617716
Sold for $7.50
View attachment 617718
Cannot make out the Lot Number......
View attachment 617719
Does have a nice clean duplication number stamped on the sweat. Matches the orange tag number.
View attachment 617721
Bow detail:
View attachment 617722
This one fits well.....and dare I say don't come much cleaner or nicer than this one.

View attachment 617723
This hat was found fairly locally in the wild! Those Marketplace/Classified apps/listings can be a good friend sometimes....

Oh my gosh! I feel faint and weak and excited and strong as hell!

Definitely Derby fever!

 

[TimmyV]

That’s really nice! How high is the crown?

Thank you. It measures 5 inches tall

 

[GLewis]

Thank you. It measures 5 inches tall

Thank you!

 

[Rmccamey]

That is a very nice bowler. I'm glad it fell into good hands!

Sometimes a 50's Cavanagh "A Posse Ad Esse" box (Latin: "From possibility to actuality"), has a wonderful additional meaning of the possible, especially when it contains 1930's Stetson.

And it is a nice, super clean example, which importantly for me, is in my size.

View attachment 617712 View attachment 617714
Wonderful rolled edge supple sweat:
View attachment 617717
Sold in Chicago:
View attachment 617716
Sold for $7.50
View attachment 617718
Cannot make out the Lot Number......
View attachment 617719
Does have a nice clean duplication number stamped on the sweat. Matches the orange tag number.
View attachment 617721
Bow detail:
View attachment 617722
This one fits well.....and dare I say don't come much cleaner or nicer than this one.

View attachment 617723
This hat was found fairly locally in the wild! Those Marketplace/Classified apps/listings can be a good friend sometimes....

 

[CRH]

That is a very nice bowler. I'm glad it fell into good hands!

I'm looking forward to this sort of hard hat community.

 

[Rmccamey]

I'm looking forward to this sort of hard hat community.

Jump in, the water is just fine!

 

[vstmn]

Hello fellow hat enthusiasts!

I hope you don't mind a newcomer joining your ranks. This is my first post here, and as proud owner of a modest cap collection, I never imagined I'd find myself captivated by the allure of a true gentleman's headwear and I'm excited to share a recent experience that has sparked my interest in the world of proper hats.

Picture this: a bustling local flea market, filled with the chatter of bargain hunters and the musty scent of forgotten treasures. As I wandered through the crowded aisles, something caught my eye from across the room. There, sitting alone on a table about 15 meters away, was a hat that seemed to call out to me.

In that instant, time stood still. I felt a connection I couldn't explain, an inexplicable urge to make that hat mine. Without hesitation, I turned to my wife and declared, "I'm going to buy that hat.", who merely raised an eyebrow in response.

As we approached the lonely headpiece, I marveled at its exquisite craftsmanship. The smooth lines, the perfect curves – it was a work of art, at least compared to my cap collection of cheap caps made in some factory somewhere in China. To my surprise, the hat was in remarkably good condition, as if it had weathered the years with grace. Only a few scuff marks on the bottom side of the brim hinted at its journey, likely from being pushed around on countless tables and shelves throughout its lifetime.

Inside, a label proudly proclaimed: "Lincoln & Co Hatters, London." For £20, the hat became mine.

It was only when I got home and tried it on that I realized it was a tad too small. But it didn't matter. This hat had opened my eyes to a whole new world. It has found a new home on my cap shelf, where it outshines its simpler cousins. And who knows? This newfound passion might just transform my humble cap collection into a grand display of proper hats.

I must admit, the hat could use a bit of TLC after sitting for what seems like ages. I'm thinking I might need to give it a gentle cleaning to restore some of its former glory. Any advice on how to properly clean a vintage hat would be greatly appreciated!

Now, I turn to you, my fellow hat enthusiasts. Does anyone know the story behind Lincoln & Co? Is it a mere imitator of the renowned Lincoln Bennett & Co? I'm eager to unravel the mystery of my new hat.

 

[Steve1857]

Hello fellow hat enthusiasts!

I hope you don't mind a newcomer joining your ranks. This is my first post here, and as proud owner of a modest cap collection, I never imagined I'd find myself captivated by the allure of a true gentleman's headwear and I'm excited to share a recent experience that has sparked my interest in the world of proper hats.

Picture this: a bustling local flea market, filled with the chatter of bargain hunters and the musty scent of forgotten treasures. As I wandered through the crowded aisles, something caught my eye from across the room. There, sitting alone on a table about 15 meters away, was a hat that seemed to call out to me.

In that instant, time stood still. I felt a connection I couldn't explain, an inexplicable urge to make that hat mine. Without hesitation, I turned to my wife and declared, "I'm going to buy that hat.", who merely raised an eyebrow in response.

As we approached the lonely headpiece, I marveled at its exquisite craftsmanship. The smooth lines, the perfect curves – it was a work of art, at least compared to my cap collection of cheap caps made in some factory somewhere in China. To my surprise, the hat was in remarkably good condition, as if it had weathered the years with grace. Only a few scuff marks on the bottom side of the brim hinted at its journey, likely from being pushed around on countless tables and shelves throughout its lifetime.

Inside, a label proudly proclaimed: "Lincoln & Co Hatters, London." For £20, the hat became mine.

It was only when I got home and tried it on that I realized it was a tad too small. But it didn't matter. This hat had opened my eyes to a whole new world. It has found a new home on my cap shelf, where it outshines its simpler cousins. And who knows? This newfound passion might just transform my humble cap collection into a grand display of proper hats.

I must admit, the hat could use a bit of TLC after sitting for what seems like ages. I'm thinking I might need to give it a gentle cleaning to restore some of its former glory. Any advice on how to properly clean a vintage hat would be greatly appreciated!

Now, I turn to you, my fellow hat enthusiasts. Does anyone know the story behind Lincoln & Co? Is it a mere imitator of the renowned Lincoln Bennett & Co? I'm eager to unravel the mystery of my new hat.

Welcome to the Fedora Lounge.

You're entry hat is a very nice find. I suspect Lincoln & Co did not make hats themselves, but were, in fact, hat sellers.

Please post any labels under the sweatband.

 

[Blare]

Hello fellow hat enthusiasts!

I hope you don't mind a newcomer joining your ranks. This is my first post here, and as proud owner of a modest cap collection, I never imagined I'd find myself captivated by the allure of a true gentleman's headwear and I'm excited to share a recent experience that has sparked my interest in the world of proper hats.

Picture this: a bustling local flea market, filled with the chatter of bargain hunters and the musty scent of forgotten treasures. As I wandered through the crowded aisles, something caught my eye from across the room. There, sitting alone on a table about 15 meters away, was a hat that seemed to call out to me.

In that instant, time stood still. I felt a connection I couldn't explain, an inexplicable urge to make that hat mine. Without hesitation, I turned to my wife and declared, "I'm going to buy that hat.", who merely raised an eyebrow in response.

As we approached the lonely headpiece, I marveled at its exquisite craftsmanship. The smooth lines, the perfect curves – it was a work of art, at least compared to my cap collection of cheap caps made in some factory somewhere in China. To my surprise, the hat was in remarkably good condition, as if it had weathered the years with grace. Only a few scuff marks on the bottom side of the brim hinted at its journey, likely from being pushed around on countless tables and shelves throughout its lifetime.

Inside, a label proudly proclaimed: "Lincoln & Co Hatters, London." For £20, the hat became mine.

It was only when I got home and tried it on that I realized it was a tad too small. But it didn't matter. This hat had opened my eyes to a whole new world. It has found a new home on my cap shelf, where it outshines its simpler cousins. And who knows? This newfound passion might just transform my humble cap collection into a grand display of proper hats.

I must admit, the hat could use a bit of TLC after sitting for what seems like ages. I'm thinking I might need to give it a gentle cleaning to restore some of its former glory. Any advice on how to properly clean a vintage hat would be greatly appreciated!

Now, I turn to you, my fellow hat enthusiasts. Does anyone know the story behind Lincoln & Co? Is it a mere imitator of the renowned Lincoln Bennett & Co? I'm eager to unravel the mystery of my new hat.

Love your ”Origins” story. Welcome to the lounge.

 

[Rmccamey]

Great bowler! Looks to be in excellent condition. And, it's hard to beat a pleated liner.

Hello fellow hat enthusiasts!

I hope you don't mind a newcomer joining your ranks. This is my first post here, and as proud owner of a modest cap collection, I never imagined I'd find myself captivated by the allure of a true gentleman's headwear and I'm excited to share a recent experience that has sparked my interest in the world of proper hats.

Picture this: a bustling local flea market, filled with the chatter of bargain hunters and the musty scent of forgotten treasures. As I wandered through the crowded aisles, something caught my eye from across the room. There, sitting alone on a table about 15 meters away, was a hat that seemed to call out to me.

In that instant, time stood still. I felt a connection I couldn't explain, an inexplicable urge to make that hat mine. Without hesitation, I turned to my wife and declared, "I'm going to buy that hat.", who merely raised an eyebrow in response.

As we approached the lonely headpiece, I marveled at its exquisite craftsmanship. The smooth lines, the perfect curves – it was a work of art, at least compared to my cap collection of cheap caps made in some factory somewhere in China. To my surprise, the hat was in remarkably good condition, as if it had weathered the years with grace. Only a few scuff marks on the bottom side of the brim hinted at its journey, likely from being pushed around on countless tables and shelves throughout its lifetime.

Inside, a label proudly proclaimed: "Lincoln & Co Hatters, London." For £20, the hat became mine.

It was only when I got home and tried it on that I realized it was a tad too small. But it didn't matter. This hat had opened my eyes to a whole new world. It has found a new home on my cap shelf, where it outshines its simpler cousins. And who knows? This newfound passion might just transform my humble cap collection into a grand display of proper hats.

I must admit, the hat could use a bit of TLC after sitting for what seems like ages. I'm thinking I might need to give it a gentle cleaning to restore some of its former glory. Any advice on how to properly clean a vintage hat would be greatly appreciated!

Now, I turn to you, my fellow hat enthusiasts. Does anyone know the story behind Lincoln & Co? Is it a mere imitator of the renowned Lincoln Bennett & Co? I'm eager to unravel the mystery of my new hat.