It's a beautiful topper, Steve. Pity about the size. I really like the detailed liner imprint.Second new hat of today, same seller, same owner provenance.
A.F. Bodecker Top Hat. A favourite Danish hatmaker of mine.
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Supplied to a hat shop in the Danish mainland town of Randers.
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And to the same owner of the Bowler,
A Nielsen.
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Due to among other things, the Danish spelling of Copenhagen on the original hat box suggests this one is pre WWI.
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Sadly, the Top Hat doesn't fit. It's about two sizes smaller than the Bowler despite it being owned by the same man.
There's at least 15 to 20 years between the Topper and Bowler, probably more. My theory is, the gentleman bought the Top Hat as a young man, put on weight as an older gentleman and needed a larger size.
The seller says that they were her grandfather's wedding hats. Not really possible due to the age and size differences, but family history is hard to argue against so I won't burst her bubble.
I've been wanting an early A.F. Bodecker hat box for some time, so I'm more than pleased with my double hat purchase despite the one not being a fit.







