What makes an 1800s Derby Hat?

[Xopher]

I’m looking for an 1800s style derby hat for old west re-enactments.

My question to those know specialize in this stuff. What key factors denote 1800s derby hats vs 1930s or modern hats.

Is there a good company who makes modern hats in the 1800s styling or what is a good vintage manufacturer to keep an eye out for?

Thank you

 

[Hurricane Jack]

I’m looking for an 1800s style derby hat for old west re-enactments.

My question to those know specialize in this stuff. What key factors denote 1800s derby hats vs 1930s or modern hats.

Is there a good company who makes modern hats in the 1800s styling or what is a good vintage manufacturer to keep an eye out for?

Thank you

When I wanted to clone an example of the Territorial Governor‘s derby worn in the mini series Hell On Wheels I looked for crown height & crown shoulder.

There is a difference in the ribbon but I’m not concerned with changing mine Or with rolling the sides higher. As you look for a suitable candidate pay attention to height & crown shoulder.

 

[Rmccamey]

I don't know there is a lot of difference in the old derby's regarding the look although there is some difference in construction techniques. Here is a link to a 1901 Stetson catalog. As you can see, there are several different derby configurations but there is much similarity as well. Mike Miller at Northwest Hats makes a great modern derby that is about as close to the old derby's as you can get. Here are a few from Mike. The last one is a flat top Cambridge bowler.

https://digital.hagley.org/Stetson_1901_Catalogue#page/1/mode/1up

 

[M Hatman]

The styles were differant, much more as the hat Jack talks about. Here is a page from a 1873 catalog. I have many more referances, but this has good examples of what to look for prior to the 1890's........

 

[Hurricane Jack]

this has good examples of what to look for prior to the 1890's........

I’ve always liked this Stetson Tom Watson @ 3.5 x 6.25 dimensionally cut brim, no doubt.