Top Hat
RetailerSold by
Stillman & Co.
American, 1856 - 1870
HatterMade by
Unknown
Date1856-1870
MediumHand-stitched silk plush, cardboard, silk/cotton grosgrain ribbon, leather, and glue
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 11 3/4 x 10 x 7in. (29.8 x 25.4 x 17.8cm)
Other (width of brim): 2in. (5.1cm)
Other (width of brim): 2in. (5.1cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Norma Mehl
DescriptionMan's black silk plush top hat with black grosgrain trim. The hatband is one inch wide and is tied with a half bow on the proper left side. Black grosgrain ribbon edges the brim. There is black fabric on the brim underside. The lining is a wide-striped fabric in pink and gold. The brim curves up at the sides, also curving in towards the hat along its edge. The crown flares out at the top, from a circumference of 21 7/8 inches to 22 7/8 inches. The leather sweatband is 2 1/4 inches wide, shellacked to a dark brown. There is a double bow of colored cording at the back.
Object number1991.124.3
MarkingsStamped inside at top of crown, in a gold crest: "Hartford/ Hill's Block/ Stillman & Co." There is some writing that would have been covered by the headband that is now exposed. In large, heavy writing, the numbers "67" and "32" and then indistinguishable characters can be seen on the interior.NotesHistorical Note: The 1870 Hartford City Directory lists Stillman & Co., run by P. D. Stillman and W. H. Stillman, at 347 Main Street. They only appear in the Directory between 1856 and 1870.On View
Not on view
