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Image Not Available for Top Hat
Top Hat
Image Not Available for Top Hat

Top Hat

RetailerSold by H. B. Burgess American, 1871 - 1900
Date1865-1876
MediumHand-stitched silk plush, leather, silk, cotton/wool, leather and shellacked muslin
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 6 7/8 x 10 1/2 x 12 5/8in. (17.5 x 26.7 x 32.1cm)
Other (brim depth): 2in. (5.1cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineMuseum purchase
DescriptionMan's black silk plush top hat, with a narrow, black grosgrain ribbon hatband. The sides of the crown flare towards the top. The brim is 2 1/4-inches wide and is curved up slightly on the sides; it is bound with black grosgrain ribbon. The underside of the brim is lined with a black wool/cotton fabric with a small diamond-figured weave. The crown is lined with purple silk. The sweatband inside the crown is brown leather; it is embellished with a small yellow silk braid bow at the center back. The center top of the crown has been punched with a small hole (possibly by the owner) for ventilation. The hat is stiffened with an interlining of shellacked muslin.
Object number1992.49.7
MarkingsLabel stamped in gold at the top of the crown lining: "H. B. BURGESS / 233 CHAPEL-ST / New Haven".
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