Vintage Mens English Bowler Derby Hat Ross & Co London XXL 7 3/4

This is an exceptional quality English bowler hat retailed by Canadian haberdasher Jess Applegath of Toronto and Montreal and made by Ross & Co. Hatters Old Bond Street, London.  A Bowler is called a Derby in the United States.  The hat is made in a classic bowler/derby form with turned rim lined in grosgrain.  The crown has a black grosgrain ribbon around it base.  It is lined in peach colored satin that is printed in gold, blue and red with the Royal Coat of Arms and with “Ross & Co. Hatters Old Bond Street, London Made Expressly for Jess Applegath Toronto and Montreal”.  I assume that the Royal Coat of Arms signifies that Ross & Co held a Royal Warrant.  The original owner’s initials “TWE” are affixed in gold foil letters.  The sweatband is gold stamped “Made in England”, “Jess” and with the Applegath logo showing their three addresses.  The opening measures 24 3/8” around the sweatband and 7” by 8 1/2” across the opening, so should accommodate a size 7 3/4 head, considered extra extra large.  It is in very good condition with no wear, tear or soiling except for slight marking to the sweatband, very minor, and otherwise, very clean - this has been very well cared for over the years.  The hat is difficult to date precisely, but I think that it dates to the 1920s due to the Montreal address being located at 1011 St. Catherine St. West. 

This is a wonderful English bowler from a quality London hatter - extremely hat to find in this XXL size!