Fine quality turn of the century “Top Hat” made of an excellent grade of beaver felt to the outside and silk lined interior. Beaver fur felt was the premium choice for quality because of it is soft, and maintains water repellent attributes. The interior has a 1 1/2″ leather perimeter band, while the exterior is designed with a
1 5/8″ perimeter silk hat band band. The actual measurements inside are 7 1/2″ front to back, and 6 1/8″ side to side. This would convert to a 6 7/8″ hat size (men’s small), which coincides with the 55cm marking on the interior label (see images). The hat may, of course, be worn by either a man or a woman. The outside dimensions are 5 1/2″ stove pipe (from the brim surface to the top) and a 2″ brim width size all around as measured from the underneath. Overall the hat measures 11 3/4″ front to back and 10″ wide (side to side) and 5 5/8″ high. A hard cardboard or paper mache composite was used to reinforce the brim and stove pipe to maintain shape. The hat would have been worn to the opera and other formal events, as was the custom in the Victorian era and through the 1920’s.
The hat has been very well maintained and is in excellent and completely all original condition, with no flaws; a wonderful vintage top hat. It is practically near mint and has very little wear. The size marking of 55cm to the inside label leads me to believe it is of European manufacture; most likely Germany, as they were active in the production of top hats in the late Victorian and turn of the century era.
Note: I am a second generation antiques dealer and have been in business, buying, selling, and collecting, for 50 years; I am also a member of several prestigious antique associations. Thus, I am well qualified to inspect and evaluate the products I offer for sale and I guarantee this to be authentic and as I have described.