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The Bowler or Derby Hat

Steve1857

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,829
Location
Denmark
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I say go for it. Bowlers are very versatile. Jeans, T shirt, & '80's Levi denim jacket. These are old pics that iv'e posted somewhere before.
You can do this!
Great photos, Rick.

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Tukwila

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,382
Location
SW of Antifa Central (PDX)
I was considering going for this one but I probably won’t bid. Been on a bit of a tear lately.

Looks like a nice example though.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/254365723400


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Ha! That's on my watch list, but I'm tapped out and need to save up for my VS custom.

I was actually going to send you a message about 2 ebay Knox bowlers, including this one. That's a great liner. You should at least try an entry level bid to see if you get it.... unless your budget is blown, like me.
 

Steve1857

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,829
Location
Denmark

Rmccamey

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,838
Location
Central Texas
I'm barely a junior member of the Homburg nation, dare I try a Bowler? I know nothing of the best vintage brands or quality. Perhaps my friends @Steve1857 @Steinbockhase and @steur can point me in the right direction!

That is a very nice looking Knox Bowler. A steal at the current $50: not that it will end there. Bid if you can J, wait if you can't. I know you'll find one eventually.

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Steve1857

I'll Lock Up
Messages
8,829
Location
Denmark
I'm barely a junior member of the Homburg nation, dare I try a Bowler? I know nothing of the best vintage brands or quality. Perhaps my friends @Steve1857 @Steinbockhase and @steur can point me in the right direction!
Hi Randy. You should definitely go for a Bowler. The Manchester hat makers were dab hands at making excellent Bowlers. Not sure how often you come across English made hats in the US, though.
I think that Knox was a bargain at $50. Someone somewhere must be pleased. Stetson made a good Bowler, too.

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TheOldFashioned

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,179
Location
The Great Lakes
I'm barely a junior member of the Homburg nation, dare I try a Bowler? I know nothing of the best vintage brands or quality. Perhaps my friends @Steve1857 @Steinbockhase and @steur can point me in the right direction!

I have a Stetson, Knox, Hurd's (independent house), and a Woodrow (British) and all are fantastic. Do you want something lined or unlined? Vented or non-vented? Avoid anything with a plastic liner tip because these are from the 50s revival period. Try to find one with the non-sewn sweat joint by the rear bow as these are 30s or earlier (speaking for domestic makes).

Derbies/Bowlers are fairly common on eBay, though the condition can vary quite a bit. I'd recommend waiting until you find one in great condition, don't settle for good enough. If you're wanting something a bit more unique once in a blue moon a Stetson nutria homburg will pop up on eBay. As @Steve1857 mentioned, you can often score a bargain for $50 or less.
 

Steinbockhase

Practically Family
Messages
514
Location
Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Arrived today:
J. A. Seidl / Hut-Seidl München - no labels or other information under the sweat
The high-quality lining is glued in place, which leads to the 60's!?
Very good condition - except a small dent I hope to get out - does anyone have any experience?

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Really nice bowler.
Especially because it comes from Munich, Germany :)
 
Messages
17,477
Location
Maryland
Arrived today:
J. A. Seidl / Hut-Seidl München - no labels or other information under the sweat
The high-quality lining is glued in place, which leads to the 60's!?
Very good condition - except a small dent I hope to get out - does anyone have any experience?

36906616hz.jpg

36906619ks.jpg

36906620ob.jpg

36906627po.jpg

36906629qn.jpg

36906633vq.jpg
Matt, Now that I look at it again it might be earlier than I thought. The reason being is the outside reed on the sweatband. It's possible this type of sweatband made it into the 1950s but I don't have any other 1950s era German Stiff Felts to compare it with.
 

J Williams

Practically Family
Messages
638
Location
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Guilty! I'm loving this bowler. It's flawless and really comfy. I appreciate that none of you gents made me pay more for it than the opening bid. [emoji120]
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Nice! Now that I see it on your head I have a slight pang of envy, but it always makes me happy when a fellow lounger shows up with a nice hat I was eyeballing. Time to find a bowler I guess!


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