Derby Hat Question

[BaconBob]

I have been told that Derby hats were worn in the 1860's. Can anyone tell me whether or not a derby would have been available or in common usage in citys like Cincinatti or St. Louis in 1861?

Robert Taylor

[Curt-Heinrich Schmidt]

Hallo!

Short answer... yes.

IMHO, as long as one is talking about an "1861" "derby/ bowler style and not its 1880's-1900's affectation or style.

Curt