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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)

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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