SUPER RARE!!! Antique Old West High Crowned Bee Hive Bowler Derby Hat

Description

SUPER RARE!!! Antique Old West High Crowned Bee Hive Bowler Derby Hat. This is the hat the majority of men wore during the late 1800's and early 1900's. If you have an "Old Wild West" collection then you need to have one of these in it. Bat Masterson made it his trademark. Ben Thompson was often seen sporting one. Even the great William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody wore them at times! These hats are almost impossible to find today in any condition. This one is solid, great looking and a nice large size 7 1/4". It used to be black but over the years it's faded to a mellow greenish gray color. Unfortunately the sweatband was lost long before I found it. We know that the hat was made by "Knox" a well respected hatter of the day due to the remaining paper makers label. This old bowler
displays like a million bucks and you could confidently wear it today for reenactments if desired. However, I personally would not do that since it's so RARE!!
I've been collecting true antique head wear for over 50 years now and I've decided it's time to let some of it go. I'll be listing more antique hats in the coming weeks so come back if interested. You won't be sorry. Thanks for looking!