Louis the Hatter Bowler, 7 3/4, 1950s? Gone to eBay

[frussell]

I was told by the seller of this excellent bowler that it was from her grandfather's estate, I believe from the Detroit area, purchased in the 1950s. It is marked "Louis the Hatter," and is in excellent condition. It fits me well, and I'm a pretty true 7 3/4 long oval. Sweatband, liner, ribbon, binding and felt are all in quite excellent condition. Crown high enough where you could almost pull off a homburg style. Photos to come. I'm looking for somewhere around $55 for this, as I bought it on the spur of the moment, and will probably not wear it. I just have a hard time passing up any vintage hat in my huge size, as they don't come along often. I am still selling the new Stetson Saxon as well, same size. Thanks, Frank

 

[p51]

Can we see some photos? I might be interested.

 

[carldelo]

Can we see some photos? I might be interested.

Yep, joining the curious queue of large noggins who'd like to see pics...

 

[frussell]

bowler photos

Not great photos, as it's black.

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outside:

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It does not have a crease like in the seller's photo, who had it listed as a fedora. It is a pretty high dome, ribbon, binding, all in great condition. Fits my long oval just fine, and I'm still stretching out my size 62 Campdraft, so it's a real 7 3/4. Thanks for looking, Frank

 

[carldelo]

It does not have a crease like in the seller's photo, who had it listed as a fedora. It is a pretty high dome, ribbon, binding, all in great condition. Fits my long oval just fine, and I'm still stretching out my size 62 Campdraft, so it's a real 7 3/4. Thanks for looking, Frank

A couple of questions - what is the brim width and crown height?
Sounds like it fits you well, do you know your noggin circumference?
More photos would help if possible, maybe a closeup of the lining and sweatband...

 

[Marc Chevalier]

It's a homburg, not a bowler. From the '60s.

.

 

[frussell]

Wow, pretty precise.

Marc - Seeing as I'm no bowler or homburg expert, could you give me some clues as to how you identified this hat from the photos shown, down to the time span? I'm just working with info from the previous owner. Thanks, Frank

 

[frussell]

Answers to carldelo

Brim is kettle-curled, unrolled would be 2 1/4 inches. Crown is pretty close to 5 1/2 inches. I'll try and post photos in the next day or so. Thanks, Frank

 

[frussell]

More photos

Side view:

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Liner with crest:

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Sweat label:

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Inside of hat:

[/IMG]Thanks for looking

 

[frussell]

This hat needs to go to make room for others.

I need to get this moved out before my several new/repaired hats start arriving this week. My wife will not be pleased if I try to jam 4 new hats into an already stuffed closet. Please help me out here, or I'll have to put this great hat back on eBay, at higher prices. I wore this one to a party Saturday night, and it was super comfortable on my 7 3/4 long oval melon. Thanks, Frank

 

[carldelo]

Hey Frank - I don't think I can pull off a homburg - neither does my wife, btw. A shame really, as this size is so rare, but I can't do it. Sorry and good luck, Carl