Black Derby Hat
Clothing/Dress/Costume
Men's round topped black derby hat surrounded by a black ribbon. Sides are slightly tipped up. Inside has a brown lining and top is black with maker's mark inscription and it has an inscription on the inside band, "Chas A. Benoit Clothier Biddeford, ME"
MS002.02
Men wore black derby hats (or bowler hats) in the late 19th and early 20th centuries primarily because they were a durable, practical, and stylish alternative to top hats. Originally designed for riding, they were preferred because they fit snugly, making them ideal for windy days and riding horses and were considered a respectable, semi-formal choice for both work and leisure.
This hat came in a hat box with a black bow tie also included. It is part of a collection of items donated by Dr. Norman Beaupré and worn by family members of his. Inside it has an inscription on the band from Chas. A Benoit Clothier Biddeford, ME. This clothier opened in Biddeford, ME on Nov. 23, 1906 and is not the same as A. H. Benoit who was also a clothier operating from the Masonic Block in Biddeford at that time. Chas. A. Benoit, Clothier is listed as "Opposite Post Office, Biddeford" with no specific address noted on their newspaper ads.
Dr. Norman Beaupré Collection
Hat
Male
Early 20th century
Lamson & Hubbard of Boston was a prominent hat manufacturer that produced various styles, including derby (bowler) hats, with active advertising indicating their presence in the market as early as the 1890s. They were well-known for high-quality felt and silk hats during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Makers Mark
Inscription
Inscription
Inside on top of hat
Supremacy Trade mark, Lamson & Hubbard Manufacturers Boston Registered
The trademark is detailed and includes the word " supremacy" on the top. There is a logo of intertwined letters "L" and " H" below this surrounded by the word "trade" on left side and "mark" on the right. "Lamson & Hubbard" is under this enclosed in a scroll image, then "Manufacturers" is under this, "Boston," and "Registered"
Derby
Hat
Headwear
Clothing
Category 03: Personal Objects
12 in
Inventory
Very Good
Apr 25, 2026