Derby Question

• Nov 13, 2005

• #1

W

WetDog

New in Town

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42

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Currently near Virginia City NV, but my heart's st

Although I still prefer to wear my old Bailey traditional and Pendleton virgin wool fedoras (as well as several driving caps) ... I have come across and older brown bowler derby. No markings. Looks to be nice beaver felt. And it fits! When I have my moustache waxed up into a big curly handlebar and put on the derby, my wife just shakes her head in wonder. (probably wondering why she married me!)

Anyway, I was curious as to the most common time period that these derbies were worn? Any ideas?

 

• Nov 13, 2005

• #2

besdor

Vendor/Sponsor

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1,727

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up north

derbys

Derbys were very popular around the turn of the century (100 years ago) . They went out of style around 1930 along with top hats when the traditional snap brim became popular .
From time to time , the hat companies have tried to revive them. About 5 years ago derbies made a comeback with the younger generation . Bailey Hats and other made wool derbies in about 15 different colors . now it's basically back to black and maybe gray .
Enjoy your hat . It will go well with the handlebar mustache ,the way people looked years ago .:cool2:

 

• Nov 13, 2005

• #3

Doh!

One Too Many

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Tinsel Town

During the '70s, my dad wore one all the time (he was somewhat less than hairy on top) but left his in a restaurant. He went back to get it, but somebody snatched it so it was lost forever. So that Christmas, my brother and I pitched in to get him a new one and he was quite pleased.

Now, however, HE'S in his '70s and has switched over to those "old guy" caps that seem to be handed out by AARP once you turn 65.

 

• Nov 13, 2005

• #4

W

WetDog

New in Town

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Currently near Virginia City NV, but my heart's st

Thanks fellas! That's some good info.

 

• Nov 14, 2005

• #5

Senator Jack

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A Devout Crypto-Proctologist in New York City, New

After about 15 years of not having a derby I just picked up another one. Looks to be from about 1920, unworn, and the size is perfect. Last week I gave it a trial run here in NY. I don't remember my first one generating such a reaction from people. From the looks I got you would think I was a terrorist!

Regards,

Senator Jack

 

• Nov 14, 2005

• #6

W

WetDog

New in Town

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42

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Currently near Virginia City NV, but my heart's st

Yeah, I know what you mean. I get some of the strangest looks. The older folks tend to treat me real well though.

Richard

 

• Nov 14, 2005

• #7

besdor

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up north

Derbies are played out . Try a regular snap brim fedora and you will be much happier . :cool2:

 

• Nov 14, 2005

• #8

Senator Jack

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Derbies are played out

Click to expand...

​

?!​

Regards,

Senator Jack

 

• Nov 14, 2005

• #9

W

WetDog

New in Town

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42

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Currently near Virginia City NV, but my heart's st

besdor said:

Derbies are played out .

Click to expand...

No such thing as "played out". Its all one big circle of style, my friend. It'll come back around.

Richard

 

• Nov 30, 2015

• #10

Alexander Sommerset

One of the Regulars

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118

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Kenosha, Wisconsin

So, I have a question for you derbie-o-philes. The really tall derbies you see in photos from the turn of the century... what are the dates these were manufactured? Did they make it into the 1900s? Anyone have any history on the really tall crowned derbies?

 

• Nov 30, 2015

• #11

Lt.hats

A-List Customer

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Atlanta,ga

That's a great question Alexander. I believe that derbies were taller in the 1880's and got shorter in the 1900's, but I am not an expert. As a fan of taller crowned hats, especially derbies, I know that you can still purchase 6 inch and taller crowned derby hats today.

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/threads/the-bowler-or-derby-hat.32818/page-40#post-1349357

http://www.thehathouse.net/2013/07/the-history-of-bowler-hat-or-derby-hat.html

http://www.insidehistory.com.au/201...ning-family-photographs-through-mens-fashion/

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/thre...eats-gripes-items-of-interest.27695/page-1310

 

• Nov 30, 2015

• #12

mayserwegener

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Maryland

This is just a guess (I have never looked into it) but the taller crown might have been influenced by the Top Hat. Also used for used by Livery. They made it into the 1900s but were far less popular. OCMH or others might have additional information.

 

• Nov 30, 2015

• #13

ofcoursemyhorse

Practically Family

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United States

Definitely made it into the 1900's. I've seen ads in american hatter for tall square derbies with dates around 1910. Lock and co. Also will still on special order make cambridge bowlers, Which are a similar style worn by winston churchill.

 

• Dec 1, 2015

• #14

Hurricane Jack

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17,577

Alexander Sommerset said:

So, I have a question for you derbie-o-philes. The really tall derbies you see in photos from the turn of the century... what are the dates these were manufactured? Did they make it into the 1900s? Anyone have any history on the really tall crowned derbies?

Click to expand...

I always thought the lower crown derbies came about & got their name from the English game played by their monarchs called lawn bowling or Skittles, thus the name bowlers. Whether the tall derbies came before or after that period, I really don't know.

 

• Dec 1, 2015

• #15

mayserwegener

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Hurricane Jack said:

I always thought the lower crown derbies came about & got their name from the English game played by their monarchs called lawn bowling or Skittles, thus the name bowlers. Whether the tall derbies came before or after that period, I really don't know.

Click to expand...

I am not sure about that origin. This is the more accepted story.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8045026/History-of-the-Bowler-Hat.html

I still think the Top Hat might have had an influence on the tall crown Bowler / Derby / Melone / ect. A more acceptable replacement / alternative to the Top Hat.