Vintage Dobbs Bowler

[Samsa]

My "new" Dobbs bowler arrived in the mail today. I took a gamble on this one - the picture on eBay made it look horrible. Turns out all it needed was a good brushing. At any rate, I think I did well for $25.

This is what it looked like before:

And after:

It was shipped in an envelope, of all things, and the crown was bashed in. If it were a fedora that would not have been a concern, but as bowlers are meant to be a stiff hat, I'm not sure if I should consider having it reblocked. It seems to have held the original shape for the most part; however, there is what looks like a slight indentation on the sides of the crown (see the last picture).

If any of the resident bowler experts has any advice re: reblocking it, it would be much appreciated!

 

[BuddyJ]

Nice hat! You really pull it off.:eusa_clap

 

[DanielJones]

All in all a very nice looking bowler. You may want to look into having it re-blocked and stiffined again. Taht way the top won't keep collapsing with any handling. Just a though. Good job on that bowler.

Cheers!

Dan

 

[Bogie]

Very nice looking bowler, I commend your restore job.

I can't believe someone sent it to you in an envelope though...clearly some are allergic to thinking.

 

[Stoney]

Based on the knot type at the back of the sweatband, it looks pre 1960s to me.

Nice looking bowler at any rate.