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What makes an 1800s Derby Hat?

Xopher

A-List Customer
Messages
434
Location
Pennsylvania
I’m looking for an 1800s style derby hat for old west re-enactments.

My question to those know specialize in this stuff. What key factors denote 1800s derby hats vs 1930s or modern hats.

Is there a good company who makes modern hats in the 1800s styling or what is a good vintage manufacturer to keep an eye out for?

Thank you
 
Messages
18,215
I’m looking for an 1800s style derby hat for old west re-enactments.

My question to those know specialize in this stuff. What key factors denote 1800s derby hats vs 1930s or modern hats.

Is there a good company who makes modern hats in the 1800s styling or what is a good vintage manufacturer to keep an eye out for?

Thank you
When I wanted to clone an example of the Territorial Governor‘s derby worn in the mini series Hell On Wheels I looked for crown height & crown shoulder.

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There is a difference in the ribbon but I’m not concerned with changing mine Or with rolling the sides higher. As you look for a suitable candidate pay attention to height & crown shoulder.

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Rmccamey

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,866
Location
Central Texas
I don't know there is a lot of difference in the old derby's regarding the look although there is some difference in construction techniques. Here is a link to a 1901 Stetson catalog. As you can see, there are several different derby configurations but there is much similarity as well. Mike Miller at Northwest Hats makes a great modern derby that is about as close to the old derby's as you can get. Here are a few from Mike. The last one is a flat top Cambridge bowler.

https://digital.hagley.org/Stetson_1901_Catalogue#page/1/mode/1up


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