Skip to main content
Image Not Available for Top Hat
Top Hat
Image Not Available for Top Hat

Top Hat

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)
On View
Not on view
Man's Hat
Sombrereria Español
about 1846-1848
Proper right side
General Alfred Howe Terry
1861-1865
Man's Uniform Chapeau Bras
General Alfred Howe Terry
1872
Man's Uniform Hat
Captain James Harman Ward
about 1860
George Shepard Gilman
about 1870-1885
Proper left side
Charles Clark
1830-1840
Mrs. Nellie Palmer
about 1870