The Old West Catalog

Page Two of Four

The Derby - $ 90 coffee color shown

Most of the early Derby hats seen in this country (since 1860) were a low crowned narrow brimmed hat. 

The Bowler emerged with a higher crown beginning in the late 1870's. It truly was an enduring hat style with both crown heights lasting well into the 20th Century.  It didn't matter where across this great country you wore it, it spoke of civilization and progress--a fitting symbol of late 19th Century American thought.   

Courtesy the Clearwater Hat Collection

These images all show gentlemen with the low crowned Derby. Apparently at this time in history, mustaches were the vogue.

Courtesy the Clearwater Hat Collection

Courtesy the Clearwater Hat Collection

The Bowler - $ 90 Black color shown

The gentlemen below are enjoying themselves on a picnic and judging from the man on the left there was plenty of beer to go around. Notice how tall the crowns of the Derbies have become.  It is important to remember that people of this era may have worn the same hat for a number of years, even when it may have been out of fashion in New York or Paris.   Though fashions evolved in cultural centers, there was more of a blending of styles in the heartland of America rather than a definite and swift change.  Also, the styles in hats seem to change less rapidly than the fashions for clothes.

This style is called the Derby in America and the Bowler in England. We use these names to differentiate between the two different crown heights.

Courtesy the Clearwater Hat Collection

The Texican - $ 125 Pecan color shown

Wide brim

   An early old west style, this hat led the way to Texas. It's heyday lasted from the 1830's through the 1890's.  Both the wide and regular brimmed versions have bound and curled brims.

The Judge - $ 110 Pecan color shown

The nature of people being what they are, this hat could ride in a buggy or go with a the trail boss headed for town.

Courtesy the Clearwater Hat collection

The Panama Hat- $ 70

This hat is no longer in stock and we do not know when, if ever, we will get more.

These hats can be seen in the paintings of the Southwest and occasionally you will see them in pictures of the period, especially in the Southern Coastal areas. A soft hand sewn leather lining is available for an additional $ 20. The hat band is sold separately. The painting to the left is by George Caleb Bingham and shows a boatman on the Missouri river.

Courtesy St. Louis Arts Museum

The Governor - $ 90 Pecan color shown

This compact hat shows up with lots of style and comfort, indoors or out. A favorite from the 1860's through the 1890's  The Governor has a bound and curled brim. The gentleman's hat to the right shows some wear but he appears to very relaxed.

Courtesy the Clearwater Hat Collection

All original material copyright©1998 Clearwater Hat Company