Bowler hat?

[macwilkin]

sez who?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butch_Cassidy

Best

AA

Look where the photo was taken, though...Ft. Worth, Texas. A town. If it was out on the plains, then you might have something.

Having your photograph taken in the 19th century was a much more formal and serious thing than it is today, mostly because it was a once-in-a-lifetime affair. Photographers would have closets full of props (that's why all of those Civil War soldiers are armed with Bowie knives, pistols, etc. -- in reality that stuff would have been thrown away after the first couple of miles.) -- you would have worn your best for the photograph.

I'm not saying that no one ever wore a bowler with "field clothes" -- but in general, it is not a practical hat for being outside. The brim is far too short to provide any protection from the sun, rain, etc.

Regards,

Todd