The Bowler hat, characterised by its dome-like crown, was invented in 1849 by a pair of hat-makers: brothers Thomas and William Bowler. They were commissioned by the famous London hat retailer “Lock & Co” to invent a close-fitting, low-crowned hat for their customer Mr. Edward Coke. It would be sturdy and not easily knocked or blown off the wearer’s head. The difference between a Bowler hat and a Derby hat is simply that Bowler hats are British, Derby hats are American. The Bowler / Derby hat was devised in London during a time when the top hat was the upper-class men’s hat of choice and the lower social class wore soft, cloth caps. However, the top hat was impractical and inconvenient for those on horseback as it easily toppled over and was easily damaged. Bowler hats were termed “stiff” hats– they were given a coat of shellac in the construction process and therefore never conformed to the shape of the wearers head. While very stiff, the hat is lined in a beautiful, soft silk to ensure comfort. The Bowler hat marked the first middle ground between formality and casual wear. c1900 The Derby hats were very popular for all classes in USA including criminals like Butch Cassidy & Sundance Kid and c1920 many fashionable women also wore them. In England and Commonwealth the Bowler hat remained popular throughout the 1800s and through the first half of the 1900s, being worn by everyone from politicians, actors, accountants, bankers, and the 'everyman' on the street.The family of Nance Blackman were early settlers in Moorabbin ShireA black felt Bowler hat with cream silk lining and black ribbon bandInside Crown & Band ; The Cobweb Felt / easiest/ fitting / extra light / Inside Band Best Quality / 6111hats, hatters, blackman nance, clothing, suits, fashion wear, bankers, actors, politicians, bowler hats, derby hats, top hats, social classes, moorabbin, cheltenham, bentleigh, brighton, market gardeners, pioneers, early settlers, bowler thomas, bowler william, lock & co. ltd. london, england, america, canada

The 3rd Light Horse Brigade was a mounted infantry brigade of the 1st AIF and served in the Middle East during WW1.This photograph is of the the 3rd Light Horse Brigade camp at Tripoli, Syria circa December 1918.Sepia coloured photograph on a charcoal coloured matt backing.On the front - 3rd L H Brg Camp Tripoli On the back - B813 Australian Official Photo No, purchased from Australian War Museum Wool Exchange , King Street, Melbourne. Copyright ww1, 3rd light horse brigade, 3rd light horse brigadetripoli, syria, december 1918

Photographs taken by Esther Winifred Hall (nee Smallpage) - great grand-daughter of Stephen George Henty. Taken in 1934 Centenary Celebrations in Portland.Back: "Original Home of Stephen George Henty. To E.... Hall from Marg...."centenary celebrations portland 1934

Photographs taken by Esther Winifred Hall (nee Smallpage) - great grand-daughter of Stephen George Henty. Taken in 1934 Centenary celebrations in Portland.Back: "to E.....Hall from Mary Grant." (and further text)portland centenary celebrations 1934