BORCHERT Antique Bowler, Berlin, ca. 1910

This rare Bowler hat from C. W. Borchert, Berlin, is lined with fine silk and preserved in very good to excellent condition. The exterior shows only minimal age‑appropriate signs of wear, consistent with careful long‑term storage.

The Bowler hat—introduced in the mid‑19th century and widely worn across Europe—was valued for its durability, rounded hard‑felt crown, and elegant yet practical design. It became a hallmark of both middle‑class fashion and formal urban attire, making it one of the most iconic hat styles of its era.

A Borchert‑marked example is particularly desirable, as the firm was a respected Berlin court supplier (Hoflieferant) known for high‑quality craftsmanship and refined materials. This piece combines excellent preservation with strong historical provenance, making it a notable item for collectors of Imperial German fashion and Berlin luxury retailers.

Please note that the decoration is not included. Only the bowler is for sale.

Court Supplier to the German Emperor and King – Friedrichstraße 157, Berlin

Borchert of Berlin was a prestigious German court supplier (Hoflieferant) active during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The company operated from the prominent address Friedrichstraße 157, one of the most important commercial streets in imperial Berlin. As an officially appointed Purveyor to the Court of His Majesty the German Emperor and King of Prussia, Borchert belonged to the elite circle of manufacturers and retailers who were authorized to supply the Kaiserhof with luxury goods.

Although detailed archival records are scarce, Borchert is documented as a high‑quality Berlin manufacturer and retailer, known for producing and selling fine leather goods, uniforms, accessories, and items of personal equipment for the imperial household and the Prussian officer class. The company’s products typically carried the prestigious designation:

“Königlich Preußischer Hoflieferant”
“Hoflieferant Sr. Majestät des Kaisers und Königs”

This title was granted only to businesses that demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship, reliability, and consistent service to the imperial court.