The Bowler or Derby Hat

[Mark Brody]

Finally, pics of the real reason I got my bowler in the first place - my Halloween costume; a Pinkerton.

And one more pic after I got ride of the moustache…

 

[Blare]

Finally, pics of the real reason I got my bowler in the first place - my Halloween costume; a Pinkerton.

And one more pic after I got ride of the moustache…

Well done sir.

 

[deadlyhandsome]

Finally, pics of the real reason I got my bowler in the first place - my Halloween costume; a Pinkerton.

And one more pic after I got ride of the moustache…

Looks good! You can also pull off that style of mustache.

 

[Rmccamey]

Now that's the way a bowler should be worn! Excellent ensemble, Panos.

Thought to join the club for a moment
View attachment 375554

 

[Rmccamey]

Very nice. The bowler suits you well, Mark.

Finally, pics of the real reason I got my bowler in the first place - my Halloween costume; a Pinkerton.

And one more pic after I got ride of the moustache…

 

[Bill Hughes]

I just picked up this gray Portis Derby today. Any information on dating it would be appreciated. It had foam behind the sweatband which turned to dust when I put it on. Luckily it cleaned out very easily. It was part of the "com-foamatic" headband. Originally sold for $10.00. The sweatband is very comfortable. The felt is supposed to be a beaver blend but the shell is not as hard as my other derby. It needs a good cleaning.

Open crown: 5 1/4"
Brim: 1 5/8" front and back, 1 3/8" sides
Ribbon: 1 1/8" black grosgrain

 

[Blare]

I just picked up this gray Portis Derby today. Any information on dating it would be appreciated. It had foam behind the sweatband which turned to dust when I put it on. Luckily it cleaned out very easily. It was part of the "com-foamatic" headband. Originally sold for $10.00. The sweatband is very comfortable. The felt is supposed to be a beaver blend but the shell is not as hard as my other derby. It needs a good cleaning.

Open crown: 5 1/4"
Brim: 1 5/8" front and back, 1 3/8" sides
Ribbon: 1 1/8" black grosgrain

View attachment 376772 View attachment 376773 View attachment 376774 View attachment 376775 View attachment 376776 View attachment 376777 View attachment 376778 View attachment 376779 View attachment 376780 View attachment 376781

Very cool Bill. Nice to find a grey!

 

[PanosChris]

I just picked up this gray Portis Derby today. Any information on dating it would be appreciated. It had foam behind the sweatband which turned to dust when I put it on. Luckily it cleaned out very easily. It was part of the "com-foamatic" headband. Originally sold for $10.00. The sweatband is very comfortable. The felt is supposed to be a beaver blend but the shell is not as hard as my other derby. It needs a good cleaning.

Open crown: 5 1/4"
Brim: 1 5/8" front and back, 1 3/8" sides
Ribbon: 1 1/8" black grosgrain

View attachment 376772 View attachment 376773 View attachment 376774 View attachment 376775 View attachment 376776 View attachment 376777 View attachment 376778 View attachment 376779 View attachment 376780 View attachment 376781

Nice get Bill! From the style and details I would guess it's a later one (late 50s-60s?). I might well be wrong, just a thought.

 

[alanfgag]

Nice get Bill! From the style and details I would guess it's a later one (late 50s-60s?). I might well be wrong, just a thought.

I think you’re right on the money…

 

[Bill Hughes]

Nice get Bill! From the style and details I would guess it's a later one (late 50s-60s?). I might well be wrong, just a thought.

That was my best guess. I was hoping it was 50s but I’ll put it 55-65 in my records.

 

[Steve1857]

I just picked up this gray Portis Derby today. Any information on dating it would be appreciated. It had foam behind the sweatband which turned to dust when I put it on. Luckily it cleaned out very easily. It was part of the "com-foamatic" headband. Originally sold for $10.00. The sweatband is very comfortable. The felt is supposed to be a beaver blend but the shell is not as hard as my other derby. It needs a good cleaning.

Open crown: 5 1/4"
Brim: 1 5/8" front and back, 1 3/8" sides
Ribbon: 1 1/8" black grosgrain

View attachment 376772 View attachment 376773 View attachment 376774 View attachment 376775 View attachment 376776 View attachment 376777 View attachment 376778 View attachment 376779 View attachment 376780 View attachment 376781

Nice catch Bill, and in grey, too!

 

[Hurricane Jack]

The felt is supposed to be a beaver blend but the shell is not as hard as my other derby.

First time this has shown up here on a Portis. Cute!

I was hoping it was 50s but I’ll put it 55-65 in my records.

With a old style state abbreviation it could be pre-1963.

 

[Steve1857]

I'm the happy owner of two early 1930s G.B. Borsalino fu Lazzaro Bowlers and now, at last, I'm the very happy owner of a Borsalino late 1930s to early 40s Bowler, too.

The establishment it was sold in, English House, was one of Copenhagen's most sought after gentleman's outfitters. They're slogan was, "The house that every gentleman knows"
Founded in 1910 and closed in 1955 at the location shown on the liner, it had its hey day in the 20s and 30s.

A "soft" Bowler, 154 grams, 5cm to the brim curl, 13.5cm crown height. Nice hand to the felt, and quality details on the ribbon and bow.
The only thing wrong with this Borsalino is it's not quite my size. The 6.5 punti, however, is misleading as 7 1/4 should be a 6 punto, so 59 in cm.

Despite it's size, I'm happy

1. 
   

 

[Rmccamey]

What else to say! You're looking great in that bowler, Steve.

I'm the happy owner of two early 1930s G.B. Borsalino fu Lazzaro Bowlers and now, at last, I'm the very happy owner of a Borsalino late 1930s to early 40s Bowler, too.

The establishment it was sold in, English House, was one of Copenhagen's most sought after gentleman's outfitters. They're slogan was, "The house that every gentleman knows"
Founded in 1910 and closed in 1955 at the location shown on the liner, it had its hey day in the 20s and 30s.

A "soft" Bowler, 154 grams, 5cm to the brim curl, 13.5cm crown height. Nice hand to the felt, and quality details on the ribbon and bow.
The only thing wrong with this Borsalino is it's not quite my size. The 6.5 punti, however, is misleading as 7 1/4 should be a 6 punto, so 59 in cm.

Despite it's size, I'm happy

1. View attachment 381761

 

[Steve1857]

What else to say! You're looking great in that bowler, Steve.

Thanks Randy. Most kind of you

 

[steur]

I'm the happy owner of two early 1930s G.B. Borsalino fu Lazzaro Bowlers and now, at last, I'm the very happy owner of a Borsalino late 1930s to early 40s Bowler, too.

The establishment it was sold in, English House, was one of Copenhagen's most sought after gentleman's outfitters. They're slogan was, "The house that every gentleman knows"
Founded in 1910 and closed in 1955 at the location shown on the liner, it had its hey day in the 20s and 30s.

A "soft" Bowler, 154 grams, 5cm to the brim curl, 13.5cm crown height. Nice hand to the felt, and quality details on the ribbon and bow.
The only thing wrong with this Borsalino is it's not quite my size. The 6.5 punti, however, is misleading as 7 1/4 should be a 6 punto, so 59 in cm.

Despite it's size, I'm happy

1. View attachment 381761

Fantastic bowler and wonderful catch.

 

[Snowman]

I’m not sure what I have here, but any help you fellows could offer in identifying it would be appreciated. I’ve looked through this thread and can’t find any clues.

The sweatband is very soft leather and in good shape, but the stitching has failed in several spots. The reed is also exposed at the back. I’m sure a competent hatter could fix this. Both the brim and the crown are quite stiff.

 

[Rmccamey]

I know nothing about that maker/shop but it looks like a great old hat. If the sweat stitching is the only issue, seems like it would be worth recovering.

I’m not sure what I have here, but any help you fellows could offer in identifying it would be appreciated. I’ve looked through this thread and can’t find any clues.

The sweatband is very soft leather and in good shape, but the stitching has failed in several spots. The reed is also exposed at the back. I’m sure a competent hatter could fix this. Both the brim and the crown and quite stiff.

View attachment 385961 View attachment 385962 View attachment 385963 View attachment 385964 View attachment 385965 View attachment 385966 View attachment 385967 View attachment 385968 View attachment 385969

 

[mayserwegener]

Wilhelm Pless Wien "Extra Qualität", 57 cm, possibly late 1920s early 1930s. This a really beautiful Stiff Felt and in near mint condition. This is my first Wilhelm Pless Wien so a rare find. The only other WPW is a Silk Top Hat found by Robert (RLK). It's possible the Felt is Beaver because it's very dense but could be a blend. The liner is really fantastic. The color (not sure what to call it plus color changes) and company mark are striking. The contrasting sweatband with gold embossed company mark are great too.

I have another beautiful Stiff Felt from the same store Ludwig Skrivanek Graz.

https://germanaustrianhats.invision...z-hutfabrikation/?do=findComment&comment=2313

 

[Rmccamey]

Oh boy! Too good to be true! Glad you keep finding the rare ones!

Wilhelm Pless Wien "Extra Qualität", 57 cm, possibly late 1920s early 1930s. This a really beautiful Stiff Felt and in near mint condition. This is my first Wilhelm Pless Wien so a rare find. The only other WPW is a Silk Top Hat found by Robert (RLK). It's possible the Felt is Beaver because it's very dense but could be a blend. The liner is really fantastic. The color (not sure what to call it plus color changes) and company mark are striking. The contrasting sweatband with gold embossed company mark are great too.

I have another beautiful Stiff Felt from the same store Ludwig Skrivanek Graz.

https://germanaustrianhats.invision...z-hutfabrikation/?do=findComment&comment=2313