Bailey of Hollywood Derby/Bowler Hat
Functional Fashion/Millinery (Headwear) • Bailey of Hollywood (Commercial Milliner)
Style & Movement
Traditional Gentlemen's Millinery / Neo-Edwardian Revival
Medium & Technique
Wool felt (likely 100% wool) with a grosgrain ribbon band, metal logo pin, and a decorative synthetic or feather-shaped accent.
Creation Period
Contemporary (Late 20th to early 21st Century)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 12 inches in length by 10 inches in width and 5 inches in height; three-dimensional headwear format.
Subject Description
A classic black bowler or 'Derby' hat characterized by a rounded crown and a narrow, curled brim. It features a decorative hatband with a silver-tone 'Bailey' brand pin and a small upright feather-style ornament.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the felt appears uniform in color without obvious crushing or severe distortion.
Estimated Market Value
$60 - $120 USD
Auction Estimate
$40 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Commercial retail origin. Marketed by Bailey of Hollywood (est. 1922), a company known for producing hats for Hollywood stars and general consumers.
Art Historical Significance
Representational of mid-market American millinery production. While not a high-art piece, it reflects the enduring cultural icon of the bowler hat, which transitioned from 19th-century working-class wear to a symbol of 20th-century professional class and later a stylistic counter-culture fashion accessory.
Notable Features
Includes the signature ‘Bailey’ oval metal insignia and a tonal feather accent tucked into the grosgrain ribbon bow.
Condition Issues
Minor surface dust typical of felt material; potential slight loss of stiffness in the brim depending on storage age.
Conservation Recommendations
Store in a breathable hat box with a support to maintain the crown's shape. Use a soft-bristled clothes brush for cleaning and keep away from high humidity/direct sunlight.