Description:
Man's black silk tall or top hat with black silk lining with metallic gold markings: lion in a top hat and cane logo inscribed in a cartouche; and the gold paper initials "JM." Black tall hats, which were made from dyed beaver fur, silk, or even palm leaf, gathered popularity during the early years of the 19th century and remained in vogue, in a variety of shapes and sizes, well into the 20th century. The hat is made from black ribbed silk (grosgrain) stretched over inside the structure consisting of a cardboard crown top and wire sides (the crown is not solid as in earlier models, making a much lighter hat). The 5.25" high crown measures 24.5' top and bottom; the taut middle 23.25"; and decorated with simple black gross-grain ribbon .6" wide with long 5" bow on left. The 2" deep brim curves up on sides, wider gross-grain trim on sides of brim than in front or back (.5 v. .25"). There is a 3" deep black leather band inside with small black silk bow and paper tag ("7 3/8").
Label Text:
By the turn of the 19th century, the fashionable man’s hat became taller and more slender. These tall, or top, hats were made from dyed beaver fur, silk, or even palm leaf. Crown height and silhouette shifted throughout much of the century, as did the width of the brim. All, however, have in common an inherent, if impractical, luxury.
Subjects:
Textile fabrics; Leather; Silk Link to share this object record:
https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+95.812 |
