Vintage 1993 Selfridges London Hat Box with Failsworth Black Bowler Hat

Vintage 1993 Selfridges London Hat Box with Failsworth Black Bowler Hat – Made in Britain – Size L

A wonderfully stylish vintage Selfridges London hat box, complete with a classic black Failsworth bowler hat, offering a lovely piece of British fashion, department-store and gentleman’s dress history.

The box is a striking hexagonal card hat box in a pale yellow/gold tone, printed to the lid with the iconic Selfridges name and an illustration of the Oxford Street store façade. Beneath the logo, the printed text reads “Selfridges Ltd., Oxford Street, London W1A 1AB. Telephone: 071-629 1234.” The use of the 071 London telephone code, together with the handwritten date inside, places this piece firmly in the early 1990s.

Inside the box is handwritten “May 4 93” / “4 May 93” and “£70”, which appears to record the original date and price. This gives the set a particularly nice provenance, dating it to 4 May 1993. Original handwritten details like this are always charming, as they anchor a vintage piece to a specific moment in time.

Included with the box is a smart black Failsworth bowler hat, made in Britain by Failsworth Hats Ltd, Manchester, England. The hat has a classic rounded crown, curled brim, black grosgrain ribbon band and matching brim edging. The interior has a cream satin-style lining, brown inner sweatband and a clear maker’s label reading “Made in Britain by Failsworth – Failsworth Hats Ltd, Manchester England.” A small internal size label appears to read L.

The bowler hat is one of the most recognisable pieces of British dress history. Originally developed in the 19th century as a practical hard-wearing hat, it later became associated with city gentlemen, formal daywear, equestrian style, vintage tailoring and classic British fashion. Paired with its Selfridges London box, this example has great display appeal as well as collectable interest.

This would make a superb addition to a vintage fashion collection, gentleman’s wardrobe display, theatre or costume department, period interior, shop display or collection of British department-store memorabilia. The box itself is highly decorative, with strong visual appeal and a lovely Selfridges retail connection.

Approximate box size:

45cm x 35cm

Condition:

Good vintage condition overall, with age-related wear in keeping with use and storage. The Selfridges hat box has some surface marks, scuffs, creasing, corner and edge wear, and handwritten notes inside and beneath the lid. The black cord carry handle is present. The interior contains tissue and storage paper. The bowler hat presents well, with a good overall shape, intact ribbon trim and clear Failsworth maker’s label. There is some light surface lint/dust and minor age-related wear. Please study the photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Details:

Item: Selfridges London hat box with black bowler hat

Hat maker: Failsworth Hats Ltd

Hat origin: Manchester, England

Retailer: Selfridges, Oxford Street, London

Date evidence: Handwritten “May 4 93” / “4 May 93” and “£70”

Hat size: Label appears to read L

Box size: Approximately 45cm x 35cm

Colour: Black hat, pale yellow/gold Selfridges box

Period: Vintage, dated 1993

Hat stand/mannequin not included

A beautifully evocative vintage set — a classic British-made Failsworth bowler hat housed in its dated Selfridges London hat box, full of gentlemanly style, retail history and early 1990s charm.