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Antique black felt bowler hat by Ferguson Bros Piccadilly London, handmade mid to late 1800s
€275
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ProfessionalProduct description
Antique black felt bowler hat by Ferguson Bros Piccadilly London, handmade on commission for G. Breekveldt Hat and Cap shop in Winterswijk, Netherlands, mid to late 1800s.
The ultimate English bowler hat, invented in 1849, naturally meant for wearing and strolling; nowadays, as a classic British antique decorative piece, it is a great conversation piece.
The felt is deep black. At the center front and center back, the brim (55 mm) is slightly raised at the ends (3 mm) with a black ribbed band; towards the sides, this raised brim with band widens and curves towards the hat (15 mm) (brim total 47 mm).
This bowler hat is truly a masterpiece of craftsmanship; everything is handmade.
A sturdy but fairly light hat in great antique condition, almost like new.
It has also retained its shape excellently. Only some small, normal fraying at the end of the bow tie on the outside of the hat & a small piece of the size sticker is missing. Upon measurement, the inner diameter is 557 mm.
The client's name is printed on the champagne gold-colored glossy lining beneath the logo of the British manufacturer Ferguson Bros London. Two metal initials of the client have also been added to the leather inner rim.
Research shows that Mr. Gijsbertus Breekveldt (1836-1910) was a cap maker with his own hat and cap store on Wooldstraat in Winterswijk, named Hoeden en Petten Breekveldt.
He was born in Wageningen; his wife came from Woold, a hamlet near Winterswijk, and they may have settled in Winterswijk upon getting married.
Later, his son Jan (1871-1962) took over the shop until 1934, after which a new owner took over who also sold scarves, shirts, and other accessories. The vintage height-adjustable linen hat stand is also for sale, but is not part of this advertisement. Feel free to ask about it.
The hat measures 312 mm from front to back x 270 mm wide x 130 mm high. The inside measures 195 mm from front to back x 160 mm at the widest point.
The circumference of the inner brim is 55 cm.
Welcome to the rest of my Vintage Leven shop, where mainly unique and rare antique Art Nouveau & Art Deco, vintage & retro items are sold.
If you have questions or are wondering about these mostly one-of-a-kind items, you are very welcome to get in touch.
I do not conduct conversations outside of Whoppah.
Specifications
ConditionVery goodColorsGold, Brown, BlackMaterialWool, LeatherNumber of items1Height13 cmWidth27 cmDepth31 cm
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About this seller
ProfessionalArnhem, NetherlandsOn Whoppah since May 2026 • 0 sales