Thankyou and Yeah I have never had a antique hat in my size ever. 7 5/8 just is not in existence for me but have heard of people with 7 3/4 having the same problem had to go with a cheapo wool hat I believe it's from a company called scala its a beater, Like you the only thing I know about Lock & Co. Is on the web.
I would think your right my great grandfather would put him pre-WW2 it is in Fantastic shape. I will wear it and Thankyou. Why is it hard as a hardhat though?
The styling by Lock&Co doesn't change much over the very long time they existed. But the drawstring and the side seam do give it away as an older hat. Almost certainly pre WWII. It's that hard because it is likely a riding hat and not a dress bowler.
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It's a high quality hat and looks just like a dress bowler, so if it's comfortable enough to wear I don't see why you couldn't wear it anywhere you want. It was the equestrian helmet of its day.
Thanks Cepice!! I just read about that. An Earl or somebody commissioned Lock & Co. To make a hat that was sturdier than the big tall top hats his employees used and kept trashing all the time riding around in the woods and such did say that Thomas Bowler was the guy that made the prototype. I found another thread here in the forum. Interesting and nowbI really love my hat!!! Lol!! Don't think it's the prototype though!
