Like New

lightly used with minor flaws, to be included in the description

Good

fully preloved, with noticeable flaws, to be included in the description

Fair

Grey

Listed by —> Shift 2 Thrift Vintage <— Listing 047-January-2026 

Description: Vintage Normoyle Boater Hat.

The hat was made by Normoyle of Durban, a South African company. J.L. Normoyle. While an exact date is not visible, similar hats from the manufacturer have been estimated to date from the 1930s. 

The company was known as J. L. Normoyle and primarily functioned as a military outfitter, producing items like SADF (South African Defence Force) bush hats and combat caps, with some items dated as far back as the mid-1980s. They also manufactured items for civilian entities like the Sport Aerobatic Club of South Africa. 

Boater hats of this style were popular from the late 19th to early 20th centuries (approx. 1880-1920s). The boater hat has a rich history, evolving from practical workwear to an icon of leisurely sophistication during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 

Origins and Early Popularity: The boater's ancestors can be traced to flat-topped straw hats worn by peasants in the Middle Ages and later became a fashion accessory among the Italian nobility during the Renaissance. The specific style we know today is thought to have originated from the canotier hats worn by Venetian gondoliers and French river boaters on the Seine in the early 19th century. 

1860s: Boater hats were primarily worn by women and children for outdoor activities and seaside outings.

1880s-1890s: Men began adopting the boater as a summer hat, especially for sports like sailing, cricket, and rowing, which gave the hat its name. It was considered a symbol of wealth and carefree living, as it implied one had time for leisure activities.

Edwardian Era (early 1900s): The boater became a staple of fashion for both the middle and upper classes. It was a semi-formal hat, often paired with a blazer or a summer suit. Fashion icons like Coco Chanel and entertainers like Maurice Chevalier and Fred Astaire helped popularize the hat. 

Made in South Africa, 1930’s.

Visible Flaws: None. It appears to be that this lovely Boater Hat has never been worn.

Please view images for full condition, images from part of the description. I do not accept returns, and I do not offer Refunds, I clearly list flaws, as a buyer you are open to ask questions and you must ensure you have viewed the full condition of the item, before you purchase it. Photos are enlarged and lighting is enhanced to provide the best view of the listed item. Use of a ruler is recommended to familiarize yourself with the size. Your purchase is your confirmation that you agree with the condition and size of the item.

Approximate Dimensions: Hat size 56 generally means a head circumference of 56 centimetres (cm) or 22 inches, which often corresponds to a US size 7 or UK size 6 7/8 (six and seven-eighths), fitting into a Medium (M) or Small/Medium (S/M) range for many brands. 

Price: R850.00. I am open to Reasonable Offers.

Shipping Options:
Pargo, shipping goes by weight not dimensional size, so it works out cheaper and is the best option if you would like to bundle items. Paxi, choose this if you are in an outlying area and this is the only option. Pudo, the fastest, please note though, I will NOT use Pudo for Glass and Breakables. When Pudo is used, I will select a larger locker for extra safety, so please be aware of this. Postnet, if you want your package insured against breakage (insurance at an additional cost). You could also choose to make use of Personal collection if you can and want to skip Shipping Cost altogether and happen to be in the surrounding area (Melville / Northcliff / Emmarentia etc).

Every effort is made to ship items daily, where possible. However please note that do not ship on Weekends and on Public Holidays.

Find More Treasure Using Keywords —> Shift 2 Thrift Vintage <— 

Vintage Boater Hat / Vintage Straw Hat / Boater / Straw Boater / Normoyle Durban / Fashion / Ladies Hat / Gentlemen’s Hat / Semi-Formal Hat / Mix & Match / Vintage Collectibles 

--->> Once listed, items are stored away and would require finding first, especially older listings. Before you make a purchase, please confirm availability (for me to find and hold in my hand) to avoid unnecessary delays of the item <<--

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R 850

Shift2ThriftVintage Est2407

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