Black derby hat

Source catalog description

This description refers to material held by Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Visual details below describe the original material.

A men’s black derby hat made from stiff black wool felt that has been blocked to shape. The slightly upturned hat brim extends 2” at the center front and 1.75” at the center back. A black 7/8” grosgrain ribbon is stitched along the base of the hat and is secured with a 4.25” black bow that has been handstitched to the proper left side. A brown 2” wide leather band is sewn along the inner crown and is joined at the center back. The band is adhesive-backed and has an embossed at the proper left side with a maker label and around the upper edge with a border detail. A faux fur tassel is attached to the center back inner band with tacking stitches. The hat is lined with two pieces of cream-colored synthetic lining material – one piece for the crown and one piece for the hat sides.

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