Top Hat
HatterMade by
E. S. Hamilton
American
Date1854-1856
MediumHand-stitched and machine-stitched fur, silk, and paper
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width including brim x depth including brim): 6 1/2 x 11 1/2 x 13 3/8in. (6 1/2in., 29.2 x 34cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection
DescriptionMan's black top hat of fur felt. The crown flares slightly up from the narrow, 2 1/2-inch-wide brim. A narrow black satin ribbon encircles the base of the crown. The brim is edged with a thin, black band. The interior of the hat has bits of thread around the crown, probably remaining from the sweatband stitching. The black silk lining and green paper interlining have separated from the hat and are now loose inside the crown. The silk lining appears to be a combination weave of grosgrain and satin stripes.
Object number2002.41.0
MarkingsPrinted on lining of the crown: "E.S. Hamilton / 200 Main St. / Hartford, Ct."Decorative filigree surrounds the street and city names.NotesMaker Note: E. S. Hamilton (also sometimes "Hamilton & Barker") was located at 200 Main Street from 1854-1856. The store moved to 349 Main Street in 1857 and changed the name to E. S. Hamilton & Son in 1865. In 1873, it appears as Hamilton & Bacon at 4 Central Row. (Bassett 3/11/2003)
Subject Terms
On View
Not on view
