Black Fur Felt Bowler Hat - Soft Shell - Olney Headwear

Bowlers Hats for sale, this Olney Soft Shell Black Fur Bowler and comes finished with a Grosgrain Hatband and Bow. This Black Bowler can be easily worn by a band musician or at a Country Show or for Formal Occassions.

This Bowler is new "old stock" as no longer made.

Made with a Softer shell, it is less stiff than some other Bowlers styles, but is light weight and comfortable to wear. Being a Softer Shell it can more easily conform to your head shape (over time) so does not require a full fitting as much as, more rigid style of Bowlers.

Great for Period Victorian or Edwardian wear, famously worn by Charlie Chaplin, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy and Madness! Bowler Hats are still worn for some Dressage, Side Saddle and Coaching / Carriage Driving Events. Also formally a Black Bowler Hat is still worn for Remembrance Sunday, Black Sunday and Cavalry Memorial Parade ( Cav Mem ) by various members of British Army Regiments. Also great for Judging at Country Shows.

The Bowler was first made in 1849, named after the makers of the Hat by the Hatters; Thomas and William Bowler, initially it was known as a Coke Hat (By James Lock & Co. Hatters) in the UK or in America it as a Derby Hat. Given many names through the ages the bob Hat, billy coke, and billycock Hat it was initially designed with a low crown to protect the heads of Cokes gamekeepers when riding.

NOTE:

This Bowler Hat is not designed or intended as a Safety Riding Hat